ROME – Andy Murray laid down an impressive marker in the last tournament before the year’s second Grand Slam, beating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Rome Masters. The clay court season culminates in Paris next week, with the French Open at Roland Garros.

 The victory in Rome was the Scot’s third triumph on clay and the biggest of his career to date. Flashback one week to the final of the Madrid Masters and it was Djokovic who emerged triumphant, however Murray bounced back at the Foro Italico to inflict a fifth loss in nine months on the Serb and in doing so become the first Briton to win Italy’s premier tennis spectacle since 1931.

 Looking to make a quick start to the final, Murray piled the pressure on the world number 1 from the outset, earning three break points in the opening game. In typical fashion, Djokovic saved all three to hold serve, but he was powerless to stop Murray establishing a 3-1 lead after breaking in the fourth.

 After wrapping up the opening set 6-3 in a little over 46 minutes, Murray maintained the momentum in the second set, again employing an attacking brand of tennis. The cool and rainy conditions saw the emergence of umbrellas midway through the set and the dampness seemed to affect Djokovic’s play, with the Serb complaining to the umpire about the lack of a stoppage. This factor only served to play into Murray’s hands however, with the Scot earning the set’s first break in game five, as Djokovic cut an increasingly frustrated figure.

 As rain continued to play a role, Murray was able to stay patient and wrap up the match in straight sets to record his first victory over Djokovic in 11 attempts on clay. After a victory over Rafa Nadal in Madrid last week, Murray seems to have allayed any fears over his form and will go into the French Open as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

 "There was more pressure than usual when I play against Novak coming into the match," Murray told BBC Sport after the final. "He had an extremely tough semi-final and was coming in more tired. I was very fresh and I think the expectation was that it was a good opportunity for me.”

 Murray, who also celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday, will now begin the search for his new coach after parting ways with Amelie Mauresmo earlier this month. The Scot has not yet ruled out a return to a partnership with Ivan Lendl, the coach with whom he won Wimbledon, the US Open and Olympic Gold in a successful two-year spell between 2012 and 2014.

 Elsewhere at the Foro Italico, American Serena Williams, recorded her first victory in nine months, beating compatriot Madison Keys in straight sets (7-6, 6-3). Williams will now become the overwhelming favourite to defend her crown at Roland Garros, however lingering doubts remain, as she has lost successive Grand Slam finals at both the US Open last year and the season opener in Australia this season. 

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