Andy Murray wasted no time in hopping on a jet on Sunday for his next event in Spain after boosting his chances of making the ATP World Tour Finals by winning the Austrian Open.
The Scot claimed the 30th title of his career as he defeated Spain's David Ferrer 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, lifting the title on his Vienna debut and in his 44th career final.
The 27-year-old is now one of five active players with 30 trophies.
"I'm proud of winning 30, it's nice. When you start your career, it's not something you really think about," said Murray.
"I won my first one when I was 18 and I know how difficult it is to win them, I don't anything for granted."
Murray, who flew into Vienna on a private jet, was promising himself the smallest of celebrations as he continues his battle to claim one of the three remaining spots in the year-end showpiece in London.
"Maybe there will be one glass of champagne," he hinted after beating Ferrer for the eighth time in their series.
"Every event is so important now with the race for London going strong."
Murray will be joined in Valencia by Ferrer at the Spaniard's home event.
As during the Vienna week, just a few computer points separate the battling pair in the season race with Murray now slightly ahead after Sunday's title.
Murray's win came a week after he lost in three sets to Ferrer in Shanghai.
"It's the same for both of us, we've had very close matches," said Murray. "Whoever qualifies for London will deserve it."
Murray was able to pull his game together as he broke top seed Ferrer when he served for victory leading 5-3 in the final set.
"It was a tough match with long rallies and long games, matches against him are never easy," said Murray. "He moves so well and makes so many returns.
"The third set was mentally tough for both of us. I managed to be somewhat consistent and aggressive at the end."
Ferrer was making his first Vienna appearance in a decade and remains upbeat over his form despite his loss at the final hurdle.
"Andy played a great match and deserved to win the title," said the 32-year-old. "He was more aggressive in the key situations.
"I'm disappointed to lose, but I already have another opportunity next week. I had my chances but it was so tough today. I'm going to keep fighting for London."
The battling victory in two hours, 41 minutes puts Murray in solid contention to book a London berth with next week and the Paris Masters to follow wrapping up the regular ATP season.
The Scot now trails US Open finalist Kei Nishikori and Stockholm winner Tomas Berdych.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic have already qualified for London, which begins November 9.
Source: AFP
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