18 June 2023 , 12:03
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Andy Murray defeated Arthur Cazaux 6-4 6-4 on Sunday to win the Nottingham Open - his second successive title on a grass court.
Murray, 36, overcame the Frenchman, 20, in straight sets to continue his preparations for Wimbledon, which gets underway in two weeks' time. He is enjoying the most successful spell of his career since losing his No.1 ranking in 2016.
The three-time Grand Slam winner was also victorious in the Surbiton Trophy a week ago to move up to No.44 in the rankings. His victory in Nottingham will push him further up the rankings and in sight of compatriots Cameron Norrie (No.13) and Dan Evans (28th).
Murray has now won 10 consecutive matches to spark hope of one last Grand Slam triumph. His chances of lifting a third Wimbledon crown remain very slim, but he will want to put on a show for his adoring fanbase at SW19.
The Scot has won at Wimbledon on two occasions, the first in 2013 and then again in 2016. Since that last success at the All-England club, though, he's battled injury and will arrive at the year's third Grand Slam with mild expectation.
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Murray's most recent victory will keep his hopes of heading to Wimbledon as a seeded player alive. The top 32 players receive favourable draws, but Murray is still reliant on matters elsewhere on the tour.
Murray is enjoying a good run of form (Getty)Do you think Andy Murray will win Wimbledon? Let us know in the comments below!
Murray saw off the No.3 and the No.8 seeds on route to victory in Nottingham, winning the tournament without dropping a single set. He claimed the Surbiton Trophy after dropping just one set in his five matches, beating Austrian Jurij Rodionov in the final.
Murray's triumph in Nottingham is his third of the year. As well as the Surbiton Trophy, the tennis icon also won the Open du Pays d'Aix in France last month. He reached the Qatar Open in February, losing the ATP event to Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Sunday's final promised to be a tough one for Murray. Cazaux has won two ATP Challenger titles in the last 12 months and gave Murray some trouble when they practiced together last month. He was also handed a wildcard for the recent French Open.
Murray was full of respect for Cazaux heading into Sunday's final. He said: "I actually practiced with him a few weeks ago, he's a top young French player. It will be a good one. I've played a lot of youngsters recently and it's always tough to play against them."
He will head back to London to compete at Queen’s Club, a tournament he has won on five occasions. A deep run could further his chance of heading to Wimbledon with a ranking that can aid his chances.
Murray was knocked out in the second round of Queen's last year, losing to John Isner in four sets. The year prior to that it was Canadian Denis Shapovalov who ended his hopes in straight sets.