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Andy Murray earns boost for US Open after Toronto win

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I felt free on the court - Murray

Andy Murray believes his victory in the Rogers Cup is excellent preparation for the US Open, which begins on 30 August.

World number four Murray beat Roger Federer 7-5 7-5 in the final in Toronto on Sunday to defend the crown, his first title of 2010.

"The US Open is the main goal but this is a good start," said the 23-year-old.

"I played five days in a row from Wednesday - all the matches right in the heat of the day so it was good for me physically."

Murray's victory over 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer on Sunday crowned an impressive series of results in Toronto for the Scot, who also beat David Nalbandian in the quarter-final and world number one Rafael Nadal in the last four.

"It was good for me to win today [Sunday]," stated Murray. "Three good results in a row against Nalbandian, Rafa and Roger, so that will give me confidence for next week."

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Murray will next compete in this week's Cincinnati Masters as he continues his build-up to the season's final Grand Slam.

"I'll try to keep it going in Cincinnati but the most important thing is getting ready for the US Open," added Murray.

The Scot's victory on Sunday - his seventh over Federer in 12 encounters - was a testimony to his nerve and to the new aggressive approach he has adopted in his game.

World number three Federer fought back from deficits in both sets, while rain held up play five times in a match lasting just over two hours.

"It was difficult today," conceded Murray. "I was up a lot in the first set and probably should have won it a bit easier.

"I managed to stay tough mentally, which is always tough against Roger because he started to play some great tennis, but it's a great way to finish the week - I played very well.

"I think the rain delays affected both of us. It is difficult. It broke our momentum.

"Roger was playing better at the end of the first set and when we came back out I broke him straight away. It affected both of us a little bit but I managed to stay strong in the end."

Murray confirmed he was in no hurry to appoint a new coach, after dispensing with the services of Miles Maclagan at the end of July.

"I would like to have a coach. I want to have the right person with me and have the sort of structure and set up I would like," he said.

"I'm not going to rush into anything. I'm sure after the US Open I'll look long and hard at who I would like to work with and what I'd like to do moving forward but I can't see myself making any changes before the US Open."



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see also
Murray sees off Federer in final
15 Aug 10 |  Tennis
Murray v Federer as it happened
15 Aug 10 |  Tennis
Murray stuns Nadal to reach final
15 Aug 10 |  Tennis
Murray v Nadal as it happened
14 Aug 10 |  Tennis
Murray wins to set up Nadal clash
13 Aug 10 |  Tennis


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