Murray Triumphs Over Hewitt, Claims First Career ATP Title

Hewitt took the first set in 43 minutes, breaking Murray three times while losing his serve once. The Aussie broke in the second game before losing his serve in the next game. After Murray held for 2-all, Hewitt won the last four games of the set as Murray netted backhands on break point in the sixth and eighth games.

The Aussie, who had not dropped a set all week, lost serve three times in the second set. Murray broke in the opening game when Hewitt netted a backhand, and broke Hewitt again with a backhand winner down the line to take a 3-0 lead. Murray went on to break again in the seventh game to win 6-1 when Hewitt double-faulted.

In the third set, the Aussie found himself playing catch-up after Murray went up 2-0 when he hit a winner down the line off Hewitt's second serve. Hewitt broke right back when Murray netted a forehand on break point and saved three break points in the next set to even the set at 2-all. Murray broke to go up 4-2 with a backhand passing shot past Hewitt before the former World No. 1 broke right back with a forehand passing shot past Murray.

Hewitt saved two match points, hitting a 122 mph ace at 4-5 and a 119 mph ace at 5-6 to send the match to the deciding tie-break, where the eighteen-year-old finally succeeded in closing out the match. Murray broke Hewitt twice to take the first three points, and returned a backhand winner at 6-3 to seal the victory.

With the title-winning performance, Murray became the youngest player to win the Bay Area tournament since 1988, when 16-year-old Michael Chang won the title in San Francisco. He also became the first Brit the win the title since Greg Rusedski in 2001.

Murray's first appearance in an ATP final ended in a loss to World No. 1 Roger Federer in Bangkok last October.

Hewitt captured the San Jose title four years ago in his last appearance, defeating Andre Agassi in the final. He fell to an 11-2 event record with the loss.

Prior to Sunday's match, Hewitt had a perfect 8-0 record in finals against opponents ranked outside the Top 50. He was attempting to capture his 25th career title - his first since Sydney last year - and was appearing in his first final since the 2005 Pacific Life Open. (ATP)