Andy Murray set a new record for British tennis in Rome today, becoming the first British man to win at the Foro Italico since Patrick Hughes in 1931.
It was a special day two, beating world number one Novak Djokovic to celebrate his 29th birthday by lifting the Internazionali BNL d’Italia title.
Murray, who will return to No. 2 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on Monday, defeated four-time champion No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3 in the final for his 12th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy. It broke Djokovic’s 17-match winning streak against Top 10 opponents.
Murray earned 1,000 Emirates ATP Rankings points and €717,315 in prize money with his first ATP World Tour title since July 2015 at the Rogers Cup in Montreal (d. Djokovic). He is now 22-5 on the season.
Murray broke Djokovic in the fourth game of the 47-minute first set, which was contested in light drizzle. The Scot saved three break points prior to breaking Djokovic for a 3-2 lead in the second set.
Murray then hit a running backhand winner to break Djokovic to 15 and complete his 10th win in their 34-match series.
It was also his first victory over Djokovic on clay.
Had Djokovic won, the Serbian would have become the first tennis player to exceed $100,000,000 in prize money and extend his own record with a 30th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 singles title.
Djokovic earned 600 points and €351,715 in prize money. He is currently tied at No. 7 on the all-time titles leaders list with Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras on 64 crowns. The World No. 1 is now 37-3 on the season, which includes five titles.