Andy Murray marked a new stage in his burgeoning development by overpowering world No3 Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-6 to claim the Cincinnati Masters.
It is the largest title that Murray has won to date, and the Scotsman's nerves were never far from the surface as the game developed a thrilling momentum with both players alternating between shots of near-genius and inexplicable unforced errors.
Murray spurned four championship points when serving to win the second set 6-3, and as his self-belief drained away, Djokovic managed to gather together his previously ragged game. From over-hitting and uninspired, the Serbian unleashed an audacious variety of shots to take the second set to a tie-break.
However, just when it seemed that Murray had wasted a fantastic opportunity to claim his third title of the season, he lifted his game, winning a sublime rally to break the spirits of a tired-looking Djokovic.
In the first set the clash of the 21 year-olds was dominated by booming serves and baseline rallies, but in the tie-break some sloppy play by Djokovic allowed the Scot to race into a 5-1 lead and eventually snatch it 7-4.
The victory sets Murray up for his attempt to win a medal for Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics later this month.