Toronto, Aug 16 (DPA): Andy Murray became the first man in a decade and a half to back up a title in Canada, defeating Roger Federer 7-5, 7-5 amid an afternoon of rain delays to win the Toronto Masters Sunday.
The victory in just over two hours was a breakthrough for the world number four Scot, who had lost finals to the Swiss in Bangkok, 2005, the US Open two years ago and at the Australian Open in January.
Andre Agassi was the last to win two in a row in Canada, 1994-1995. Murray becomes only the fifth different player to have beaten both Nadal and Federer in the same event.
"Winning this event is great," said Murray, "but so is beating both Roger and Rafa in the same week. I didn't drop a set against either one of them, that is really what pleases me the most.
"I'm playing a bit freer and going for my shots more. I'm calm and relaxed on court. It's best to put your emotion into your shots, it works well.
"I feel great, this has been one of my best weeks. I'm incredibly happy. There is a sense of relief to win this one. But I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. There is a big event next week (Cincinnati) and the US Open coming up."
Murray and Federer played through distractions and a cumulative two hours of rain interruptions spread over two major breaks in the action in the second set.
The title marks the fifth at the Masters 1000 level for Murray, all of them on hardcourt. The Scot now has one trophy this season, the same as Aussie Open champion Federer.
"It's so tough closing out a match against Roger," said Murray, winner of a 15th career trophy. "It was incredibly difficult conditions for both of us.
"The rain did not help but going into the dressing room gave me time to think. It was really tough but I came through in the end."
Federer failed to get off to the rocket start that he had in his previous two matches, both of them tight until the end.
"I've had an amazing run this week, which could have ended a lot earlier," said Federer. "I'm happy with how I've been playing. I'm excited about it.
"It was a good start, that's for sure. I take it week by week. We both wanted to win badly today, but there's only one winner in tennis.
The Swiss will still move up a notch to second in Monday's rankings behind Rafael Nadal.