Murray beats Nadal to win the Madrid Open final

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after losing a point against Britain's Andy Murray during their final match at the Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, May 10, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

The trophy was presented by Spanish tennis great Manuel Santana, who celebrated his 77th birthday Sunday.

Murray remained undefeated since he married his long-time girlfriend Kim Sears at Dunblane Castle in Scotland last month. When signing his name on a glass sheet in front of one of the cameras after the match, the 27-year-old Murray added: "Marriage works!"

"Obviously the tennis has gone well (since the wedding)," Murray said. "You're happy and that helps your performances on the court."

Murray, who has been free from the back pain that troubled him in previous seasons, moved well throughout the match and forced Nadal to cover a lot of ground in the rallies.

He took a 4-1 lead in the first set, then saved two break points at 4-2 as Nadal tried to force his way back into the match. The Spaniard kept making uncharacteristic errors, and lost the first set when he sent a backhand long.

Nadal saved a break point in the first game of the second set with a perfect half-volley drop shot after a long rally, but then netted another backhand to give Murray the game. The Briton never gave Nadal a chance after that, putting in the kind of performance that will raise expectations going into the French Open.

"I've pushed Rafa on the clay a few times," Murray said. "This (win) obviously gives me confidence."