Brisbane, Australia (dpa) – Andy Murray started the 2012 season with a title at the Brisbane International on Sunday defeating ailing Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1, 6-3. Number four Murray, losing finalist at the last two editions of the Australian Open, becomes the first Briton to win an ATP trophy in Australia since Tim Henman a decade ago in Adelaide. Dolgopolov was bothered by a leg injury and took treatment during the 66-minute rout. Murray produced nine aces and broke five times as he earned his first trophy since last autumn when he completed an Asian hat-trick by claiming the title at the Shanghai Masters. Dolgopolov, a Melbourne quarter-finalist a year ago, apologised to the crowd for a poor showing, but the Queensland public was having nothing of it, rewarding the finalist with applause. “I'd like to say sorry to Alex, I know he had a problem with his leg he hurt yesterday and I think he put on a great effort especially towards the end of the second set,” said Murray. “This is my first week with my new team. It was good, I really enjoyed it and hopefully it'll bring more success in future.” Murray ran out a string of nine winning games after standing 1-1 against his hampered opponent, winning the opening set in 26 minutes, eventually leaving Dolgopolov 0-3 in their series. The Scot led 4-0 in the second set but had to overcome a brief lapse as the Australian-coached Dolgopolov mounted a short-lived fightback. The match was the first which the 24-year-old Murray played under new coach Ivan Lendl, who only arrived in Australia from the US 48 hours earlier. Murray finished the week with his game fully engaged after a patchy beginning to his season. The final was Murray's third in Australia after losing at the Open in 2010 to Roger Federer and a year ago to Novak Djokovic. The Scot improved to 22-9 lifetime in title bids. Dolgopolov, 23, reached 15th last season and was one of 10 ATP first-time winners in 2011, claiming his trophy at Umag. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/QGeAo Tags: Andy Murray, Brisbane, Tennis Section: Sport
