Andy Murray tearful as he revels in European Open final victory over Stan Wawrinka

Murray earned his first ATP Tour title since 2017

Andy Murray celebrates with the trophy (AP)

Andy Murray beat Stan Wawrinka 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the European Open final in Antwerp, his first ATP Tour title since 2017.

Murray looked in deep trouble when Wawrinka broke again in the third game of the second set, and the Scot had to save more break points to avoid losing a fourth game in a row.

But, having dug in, he got his reward as Wawrinka’s serve went off the boil and his level dipped, with Murray breaking back to 3-3.

Wawrinka had two more chances at 4-4 but again Murray fought off the danger and remarkably it was Murray who then took his first set point to clinch it 6-4 and level the match.

Wawrinka stepped up again early in the third set and was twice a break ahead but once more Murray dug in, hitting back immediately both times.

Murray saved two more break points at 4-4 to leave Wawrinka serving to stay in the match, and when the Swiss blazed a forehand well off target on Murray’s first match point, it was the former world number one celebrating a three-set victory.

The tears quickly flowed for Murray, who last lifted a singles trophy in March 2017.

In an on-court interview broadcast by Amazon Prime, Murray said: “Obviously it means a lot, the last few years have been extremely difficult, both me and Stan have had a lot of injury problems the last couple of years.

“It’s amazing to be back playing him in a final. I think it was a great match, Stan was playing unbelievable, hitting winners from all over the court.

“I just managed to hang in a bit at the end of the second set and the third set was extremely close again. I didn’t expect to be in this position so I’m very happy.

“This is one of the biggest wins that I’ve had after everything so I’m very proud.”

PA