BRUSSELS: Andy Murray, nine months after being retired on court by his peers following hip surgery, is an ATP champion once more after beating Stan Wawrinka in Antwerp to win the European Open.

It was Murray’s first title in two-and-a-half injury-scarred years.

Down a set and a break and twice a point away from falling a double break behind, Murray rallied in the most dramatic fashion and beat a fellow three-time Grand Slam champion 3-6 6-4 6-4.

This was Murray’s first ATP Tour singles title since winning at Dubai in March 2017.

He said. “It means a lot. The last few years have been extremely difficult. Both me and Stan have had a lot of injury problems in the last couple of years. It’s amazing to be back, playing against him in the final like that. I think it was a great match.

“Stan was playing unbelievable. I just managed to hang in a bit at the end of the second set and the third set was extremely close again. I didn’t expect to be in this position at all. I’m happy, very happy.”

###################