DHAKA: Britain’s Andy Murray gave himself the perfect birthday present as he won his first Italian Open title with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Novak Djokovic.

It was a first win on clay against Djokovic in five attempts for the Scot, who turned 29 on Sunday. He broke serve once in the first set and twice in the second in Rome to win in one hour and 35 minutes.

Murray will return to second in the world rankings before the French Open, which begins on 22 May.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams beat Madison Keys in straight sets to win the Italian Open - her first WTA title in nine months.

The world number one beat her fellow American 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 to triumph in Rome for the fourth time since 2002.

Williams, 34, last won a title in Cincinnati in August, and has since lost finals at the US Open, Australian Open and Indian Wells.

She will begin the defence of her French Open title when the tournament gets under way next Sunday.

BDST: 1010 HRS, May 16, 2016
AKA