Andy Murray hopes victory over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Rogers Cup in Montréal will provide the perfect springboard into the US Open later this month.
The 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory over the world number one ended an eight-match losing streak stretching back more than two years to the 2013 Wimbledon final.
It was also the world number two’s first hard court win against Djokovic since he won the US Open in 2012 to claim his first Grand Slam, a title he is now hoping to recover when the tournament begins on August 31.
“Things can better very quickly and they can get worse very quickly in sport,” said Murray.
ACE: Andy Murray finally beat Novak Djokovic after two years of defeats
“It’s important for me to analyse this week and work on areas to improve on before the US Open starts.
“I need to make sure I recover well from this and get ready and hopefully play a good tournament in Cincinnati.
“The match was exhausting physically and mentally.
“It’s always difficult to play against him, especially in extreme conditions, but the win feels really good.
“You can’t predict the future but this Masters 1000 title will definitely boost my confidence.”
Victory was Murray’s 35th singles tournament win and 11th Masters Title and was built on a potent service game and aggressive backhand play.
Murray took the first set through his high intensity and baseline supremacy, but when Djokovic grew in confidence and responded to take the second set, it looked as though the Serbian’s dominance over his British rival would continue.
The third set belonged to Murray though as he dealt better with the oppressive 33°C heat and raced into a 4-1 lead.
He then went on to save nine break points before his relentless service game saw him claim a long-awaited victory.
In an enthralling contest of the highest quality, both players produced superb shots from around the court but it was Murray who dictated the pace and dominated for large parts of the match, forcing a total of 19 break points on his illustrious opponent’s serve.
Murray now goes to play in the Cincinnati Masters where he has a bye into round two to face either Viktor Troicki or Mardy Fish.
