By Chris Soderstrom
Top seeded Scot Andy Murray successfully defending his St Petersburg title yesterday with a lopsided win over Kazakhstan qualifier Andrey Golubev.
Murray equaled his record of conceding the fewest games in a match this season when he sealed his fifth title of the year, 6-1, 6-1. Also, the 56 minute win was the shortest ATP final of the year.
“I think he started the match a bit nervous and I was playing consistent from the baseline,” said the 21-year-old. “I had a lot of pressure coming into this match. I was the favorite and he didn't have anything to lose.”
“I’m happy to defend my title in St. Petersburg. I like to play indoors. I reached my first ATP final indoors in Bangkok and then won my first ATP title in San Jose.”
Murray also predicted a bright future ahead for his opponent who upset Olivier Rochus and former World No. 1 Marat Safin en route to the final.
“Golubev is a good player. I think he can be a Top 50 player in the future.”
The Kazakhstan player will jump from a ranking of No. 150, before the tournament, to a career-high 112.