Rothesay Open Nottingham 2023: Andy Murray seals back-to-back grass court titles
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Andy Murray won his first Rothesay Open Nottingham title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over 20-year-old French star Arthur Cazaux in Sunday’s final.
Extending his unbeaten run on grass this year to 10 matches, Murray bagged his 10th career singles title on the surface – adding to trophies at Wimbledon, the Queen’s Club and Surbiton.
Murray becomes only the third player since 2000 to win consecutive ATP Challenger grass court titles after fellow Brit Dan Evans in 2019 (Surbiton & Nottingham) and Yen-hsun Lu in 2016 (Surbiton & Ilkley).
He’s only the third Brit in history to lift the men’s singles trophy after Evans and Greg Rusedski.
British men's singles champions in Nottingham
- 2023 – Andy Murray
- 2022 – Dan Evans
- 2019 – Dan Evans
- 2003 – Greg Rusedski
- 1997 – Greg Rusedski
"It’s been a really good week, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I played really well and got better as the week went on.
"It was quite a physical match today, lot’s of long rallies, but I’m glad to get through it and on to Queen’s we go.
"He hasn’t played much on grass before and coming through qualies to reach the final, I thought he played better and better as the mach went on and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him.
"I’m pumped – looking forward to a days rest and hopefully can get back home to see my kids as it’s father’s day.
Oh my god, I didn’t know they were here! My family have been unbelievably supportive and have continued to be throughout my career. I really appreciate them supporting me and telling me to keep going.
Little did he know, his whole family were there watching him in the stands, cheering him on as he lifted the title.
“Oh my god, I didn’t know they were here!" Murray said in shock. "I had no idea they were coming. They came to the final at Surbiton last week and then it started raining so they had to go home and missed the end of the match. They’re all here – thanks guys!
"My family have been unbelievably supportive and have continued to be throughout my career. I really appreciate them supporting me and telling me to keep going."
He’s now one of three players to have won three Challenger titles this year – adding to his trophies in Aix-en-Provence and the Lexus Surbiton Trophy in the past two months.
He’s now one of three players to have won three Challenger titles this year – adding to his trophies in Aix-en-Provence and the Lexus Surbiton Trophy in the past two months.
Murray made his experience show in the early stages against the young French star. The three-time Grand Slam champion was happy to sit back and keep peppering Cazaux's groundstronkes from behind the baseline, forcing him into costly mistakes.
The former world No.1 has continued to improve as the weeks have gone on, with his straight sets wins over ATP Next Gen star Dominic Stricker and third seed Nuno Borges in the quarters and semi-finals showing glimpses of the Murray that won two Wimbledon titles.
With his singles title, British men have won both the singles and doubles trophies in Nottingham this year – adding to Johannus Monday and Jacob Fearnley’s triumph yesterday.
Katie Boulter made it three British titles with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Jodie Burrage in the women's singles final. It;s the first time the 26-year-old has won a WTA title.
Murray now moves on to one of his favourite events of the season – the cinch Championships. A record five-time singles and former doubles champion, Murray will open his campaign at the Queen’s Club against Australia’s Alex De Minaur.
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