Andy Murray made history on Sunday at Queen’s with a record fifth title after a win over Milos Raonic.
He fought back from a set and a break down to defeat Milos Raonic 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Aegon Championships.
Behind a boisterous Britain crowd, the World No. 2 solved Milos Raonic’s quest to frustrate his ambition.
Murray becomes the first man to win five titles at the tournament, which was established in 1890.
His previous titles came in 2009, ’11, ’13 and ’15.
OTHER FOUR-TIME CHAMPIONS AT AEGON CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Andy Roddick 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
2. Lleyton Hewitt 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006
3. Boris Becker 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996
4. John McEnroe 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984
5. Roy Emerson 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
6. Anthony Wilding 1907, 1910, 1911, 1912
7. Major J.G. Ritchie 1902, 1904, 1906, 1909
The win also marks Murray’s second tour-level crown of the season (Rome) and his seventh career grass-court championship.
“It was great. Obviously coming out here to win for a fifth time, I was really motivated,” Murray said on court after the win.
The Brit was down 0-3 in the second set and had yet to break Raonic, who hadn’t lost his serve all tournament long (55/55).
But Murray gradually read Raonic’s serve better. A backhand service return winner at 1-3 put the second set back on serve.
Murray would break the right-hander three more times in the final two sets to claim history on his first Father’s Day.
But for the first set and half, it looked as if Raonic would capture his first grass-court title.
The 6’5” Canadian used his big serve and big forehand to get to the net and overcome Murray’s hustle.
Raonic was lunging at the net and leaping in the air for winners.
He earned a mini-break to start the first-set tie-break but gave it back after Murray engaged him in a lengthy rally.
On his first set point, though, the 25 year old ripped a forehand winner past Murray for the early lead.
As the match went on, however, Murray put more bite on his returns and passing shots, forcing Raonic to hit volleys at his feet.
Also becoming the aggressor, the Brit was 12/13 on net points. Raonic finished just 22/42 on net points.
He earns 500 Emirates ATP Rankings points and €410,200. Raonic will receive 300 Emirates ATP Rankings points and €192,650.
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