The erratic victory marked the second successive one for Murray over the Spanish world number 1 following a US Open semi-final win last September.

Murray showed no sign of his existing ankle problem as he lifted his tenth career title and improved his record against Nadal to 2-5.

Nadal was treated on his right thigh after the third game of the second set, sure signs of a week which has taken a toll on the Australian Open winner.

Murray became the first Briton to win Rotterdam after three runner-up finishes by Tim Henman. He improves to 13-1 on the season with titles in Doha and here. -- AFP