Andy wins Brisbane International for second year running

Andy Murray has continued his Aussie Open preparations by successfully defending his Brisbane International title, and dedicated the win to an ill friend.

The British number one and US Open and Olympic champion claimed a straight-sets win over Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, 7-6 (7/0) 6-4,according to Daily Mirror.

“I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends back home.” Murray said in his speech at the presentation. “You’re going to be okay. You’re going to get through.”

When Murray signed a TV camera’s lens after the match, he wrote “For You” then added a third indecipherable word.

Asked about the dedication in his post-match conference, the Scot replied: “Just a sick friend.”

Having beaten Dimitrov the only other time they had met, in Bangkok in 2011, Murray could have been forgiven for being confident, but he did not have it all his own way against an opponent ranked 48th in the world.

First-time finalist Dimitrov got off to a storming start, winning 11 of the first 12 points and breaking Murray in game two to go 3-0 up.

But Murray broke back as Dimitrov served for the set at 5-3, then forced a tie-break which he took to love.

Dimitrov blasted a forehand winner down the line to hold serve for 2-2 as the second set went with serve.

A deciding set looked possible when the Bulgarian broke to lead 4-3 but Murray took the next two games to go 5-4 ahead.