Murray sweeps Blake for first grass-court title

LONDON – Andy Murray defeated James Blake, 7-5, 6-4, Sunday to win the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club for his first grass-court title.

The top-seeded Murray became the first British player to win the tournament since Bunny Austin in 1938, who then went on to become the last Briton to reach the Wimbledon final.

“I was quite nervous,” Murray said. “People were telling me that no (Briton) had won here for 70-odd years so that got the nerves going, especially when I was serving for the match.”

Murray took an early lead with a break in the third game, but Blake immediately leveled with a forehand winner down the line. Both players then easily held serve until 5-5, when Blake missed a forehand on break point.

The second set was equally competitive until Murray broke for a decisive 4-3 lead when a fierce return forced Blake to net a backhand volley. (AP)