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New world No. 1 Murray edges Isner to be crowned firstly in Paris (updated)

Xinhua, November 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Andy Murray celebrated his upcoming world No. 1 ranking with a hard-fought victory here on Sunday over big-server John Isner and bringing home his first ever Paris Masters title.

The 29-year-old Scot, who's the 26th player in history to hold the coveted top spot after making final in Paris, was taken two hours and 18 minutes to rally past a resilient Isner 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4.

Breaking for a 4-2 lead after double-faulting on the first point of the game, Murray soon clicked into gear before taking the first set in emphatic style.

Isner, however, worked his way back by showing his power in the serve. The American wasted four break points when leading 4-3 in the second set but forced a tie-break and took it with a storming forehand.

Murray then came back with a vengeance, displaying an impressive energy and desire despite his recent hectic schedule.

He saw break points snatched away by Isner's huge serve twice in the unseeded 31-year-old's first two service games of the third set, but finally improved to the edge of a break at 5-4.

Firing in a rapid backhand that the American could only dig into the net, Murray took the third set and the match.

Isner, however, deemed it a satisfaction though the enormous pressure he put on Murray didn't work out for him eventually.

"It was very close," said the 2.08 meters world No. 27. "I had a few opportunities, but really, you know, it's one set all. He was the better player in the third set. So, yeah, on the scoreboard it looks pretty close, but I guess it wasn't as close as it appeared."

The victory was Murray's eighth ATP title of a memorable 2016 and a 14th Masters trophy in his career, which also prolonged his winning streak to 19 matches.

"He's the guy that everyone is looking up to right now," added Isner. "And he's been at the top of the game for so long. Whether it's 2, 3, 4 in the world, everyone knows how hard he works and how dedicated he is."

"He's a big inspiration to myself, and I'm sure he's a big inspiration to other players, as well," he said.

Murray's rising to world No. 1 ranking was confirmed Saturday by Milos Raonic's withdrawal from their semifinal clash with a leg injury.

He will be officially confirmed as Britain's first singles top-ranked player on Monday since computerized rankings were introduced in 1973.

The second oldest first-time No. 1 will now try to fight against Novak Djokovic for the year-end top spot at the Nov. 13-20 World Tour Finals in London after snapping the Serb's 122 weeks straight reign.

Adding his second Olympic and Wimbledon titles on his way to the top of the rankings, Murray has compiled a 59-5 match record since May, reaching 11 finals in 12 tournaments, winning seven of those. Endit