Murray: Fitness regime is key to success

ANDY Murray believes his decision to dump coach Brad Gilbert for a posse of support staff is reaping dividends.

FUTURE'S BRIGHT: Andy Murray's straight sets win in Miami, secured him the best title of his career and a $605,500 first prize (Getty Images)

Murray moved to within just 170 ranking points of the world number three spot as he beat its current occupier, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

It's Murray biggest winning payday yet and his third Masters title - following wins in Cincinnati and Madrid last year.

And while Djokovic toiled in the searing heat, calling the trainer onto court for assistance, Murray proved that Mad Dogs and Scotsmen can both thrive in the midday sun.

He later paid tribute to fitness trainer Jez Green, who has revolutionised Murray's physique and mental approach.

"I travelled all last year with a fitness trainer and it just makes a really big difference," said Murray

"When you're travelling on your own, you don't really know the right things to do two, three days before a match.

"It's just given me a bit more of a routine. I know the stuff I'm going to be doing and that I've worked very hard on everything.

"I got stronger and I put on some muscle. I did a lot of running on the track, which I had never done before.

"It just gives you more confidence going into the matches knowing you're in good shape."

And Murray is certainly in good shape as he heads to the clay court season - and next week's next Masters event in Monte Carlo - in the form of his life.

In addition to winning in Miami, he was a beaten finalist in the previous event in Indian Wells, losing to Rafael Nadal.

"It's been a great month for me," he added.

"Obviously to win a Masters series and make a final beating, in the two events, Roger Federer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Fernando Verdasco, and Novak Djokovic, it's four wins against top ten players."