Andy Murray has hailed his "perfect start to the grass season" as the three-time grand slam champion stepped up preparations for Wimbledon in winning style.
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The 36-year-old Murray became the oldest grass-court champion at an ATP Challenger Tour event, beating Austrian Jurij Rodionov 6-3 6-2 on Sunday in the final of the Lexus Surbiton Trophy in London to earn a seeded position at Wimbledon next month.
It was his first singles title on grass since winning Wimbledon in 2016.
Murray withdrew from the French Open to prioritise Wimbledon, where he has won two of his majors on grass.
"I've chosen to come and play here, and in Nottingham (next week) to hopefully get lots of matches under my belt - so this week has been the perfect start," Murray said.
Murray showcased a powerful shot collection which dismantled Rodionov in just more than an hour. Heavy rain suspended play during the second set before Murray sent down more punishing serves to claim the win.
The downpour caused a near three-hour delay and meant Murray's children missed seeing him win.
"They didn't tell me they were coming, then obviously I won the first set and my wife decided to bring (the kids) in case I won," Murray said.
"They arrived as the rain came and then left as they took the covers off. She messaged me saying, 'Well done, we have just got home, I can't believe we didn't stay.'"
Wimbledon begins on July 3.
Murray was also quick to congratulate Novak Djokovic who won a record 23rd grand slam title with his French Open triumph.
"I'm not saying he makes it look easy but he makes it look a lot more easy than it should," the Scot said of Djokovic.
"I am happy for him, he deserves it. When he beat me in the final of the (2016) French Open he lost motivation so maybe he can take his eye off the ball for the next few weeks heading into Wimbledon!"
with PA
Australian Associated Press
