Murray's mint condition brings sweet rewards

By Simon Evans

MIAMI (Reuters) - Andy Murray's victory over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday was not gained by fitness alone but the Briton says his improved condition has a big role in his success this year.

Murray, playing intelligent and efficient tennis, has won three titles in 2009, his other triumphs coming in Doha and Rotterdam, and he came into Miami on the back of a runners-up spot in Indian Wells.

On Sunday, in the intense early afternoon South Florida heat, Murray, whose defence in particular has been outstanding all week, looked in far better shape than world number three Novak Djokovic, who called for his trainer after the first game of the second set.

The difference was even more marked given that prior to Indian Wells last month, 21-year-old Murray had been bed-ridden for 10 days with a virus.

"I was expecting to feel very rough but my fitness came back much quicker than I expected, much faster than it had done in the past when I had a decent period of break," Murray told reporters.

"So obviously to win a Masters series and make a final beating, in the two events, Roger Federer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Fernando Verdasco, and Djokovic, it's four wins against top 10 players. It's been a great month for me," he said.

Murray has changed his routine in the past two years -- he now travels with his own personal fitness trainer, fellow Briton Jez Green, and spent the past two off-seasons training just down the road from the Key Biscayne courts at the University of Miami.

"I travelled all last year with a fitness trainer. It just makes a big difference," said the Scot.