Andy Murray believes marriage has helped him return to winning ways after he claimed his second clay-court title in the space of a week.
Murray needed only 88 minutes to beat Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 on clay for the first time as he became the Mutua Madrid Open champion less than a week after winning the Munich Open.
The 27-year-old Scot now looks in good shape to make a serious attempt to challenge at the French Open, which starts later this month.
It is the only Grand Slam final the world number three has never reached but Murray has twice been a semi-finalist in Paris and wedded bliss could prove the difference at Roland Garros this year.
Murray married Kim Sears at Dunblane Cathedral last month and, after winning the 10th 1000 Masters title of his career, but his first on clay, he wrote ‘Marriage Works!’ on the lens of a court-side camera.
“It (marriage) has been nice and a lot of people have spoken about the honeymoon period,” Murray said on Sky Sports 3.
“But we’ve been together a very long time and getting married was the next step.
“I’ve always said if the personal stuff is happy and under control that helps your performance on the court.
“But I also feel healthy this year and I have trained well, I’m in much better shape on the clay than I have been for a number of years.”
Murray made few errors and served up 18 winners to Nadal’s 11 as he dethroned tennis’ clay king in front of his Spanish fans.
Four-time Madrid champion Nadal has struggled with injury in recent years but he looked to be getting back to his best as he had not dropped a set en route to the final.
“It was an incredible atmosphere and to play Rafa in Spain is extremely tough,” Murray said.
“It’s one of the hardest things in tennis to try and win against Rafa on clay, so I’m glad I’ve managed to do it.
“I will keep trying to play well over the next few weeks, with Roland Garros just around the corner.”