Andy Murray enjoyed the perfect start to his season when he tamed Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to win the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha on Saturday.
Third seed Murray captured the fourth title of his career after edging out Wawrinka with his more aggressive baseline tactics in a error-riddled contest.
The result handed Murray a timely boost ahead of the Australian Open which starts on January 14.
"It has been a really good week for me. I had never won a tournament in the first week of the season. It is great going into the Australian Open," Murray, who beat the Swiss for the first time in three meetings, told reporters.
"Today the quality of tennis was high. To start with I was nervous and I was not confident hitting the ball. In the final set I played aggressive tennis."
Wawrinka set the tone for the match when he dropped his serve in the opening game. In total, the first set featured five breaks before the 20-year-old Murray bagged the set.
Murray looked to be on course for a straight sets win but lost his focus following a controversial call and allowed the unseeded Wawrinka to draw level.
Following an early exchange of breaks in the decider, Wawrinka faded to hand Murray victory.
Despite the loss, Wawrinka was delighted to have reached the final after falling in the first round in his three previous appearances.
"He [Murray] was too good for me. He has been playing well last year and this year he is looking better," said the 22-year-old Wawrinka.
"Overall I am happy with the week, having reached the final. I am focused on reaching the top 20 this year."
Murray took home $171,000, while Wawrinka got $92,400.
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