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Andy Murray relishes first trophy since becoming a father

Andy Murray Rome Masters
Image: Andy Murray celebrates his first title since becoming a father

Andy Murray says the birth of his baby daughter has changed his outlook on life and will ultimately have a "positive effect on his career".

Murray celebrated his 29th birthday in style on Sunday with victory in the Rome Masters after a 6-3 6-3 win over Novak Djokovic to claim his first trophy since becoming a father.

"The last thing I looked at today before I went on the court was a picture of my daughter," said Murray.

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Highlights from the Rome Masters Final as Andy Murray faced Novak Djokovic in a repeat of the Madrid Open final a week earlier

Murray's victory - the third clay-court win of his career - came a week after his defeat to Djokovic in the Madrid Masters final.

"Every time I go up against him I know I have to play great tennis to win. Any time you beat the best player in the world, it's a big win."

Croft: Perfect win
Croft: Perfect win

Andy Murray produced 'perfect match' to win in Rome

Djokovic expects Murray to be a big threat to his hopes of a 12th Grand Slam title when the French Open begins at the end of the month.

"I think he's using the court better now. He has more variety in his shots from the baseline play, so obviously he did improve," said Djokovic.

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Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Madrid Open
Image: Novak Djokovic expects Andy Murray to be a big threat at the French Open

"Winning Madrid and Rome and, you know, a couple of clay-court tournaments the last couple of years proves it.

"At the French Open, the conditions are also a bit quicker, which he likes. He's been consistently playing well [at Roland Garros] throughout the years, and I'm sure he's going to be very motivated to do well again.
 
"He's going to come in great form to Paris."

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