Murray captures Queen's title to end drought

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Murray became the first British champion at Queen's Club for 71 years on Sunday when he beat American James Blake 7-5 6-4 in the final of the grasscourt event.

With just over a week to go before Wimbledon begins on June 22, the victory will provide the world number three with a much-needed boost as he aims to end the stranglehold of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the All England Club.

"I was quite nervous today because people kept telling me no one (British) had won here for 70-odd years so that got the nerves going, especially when I served for the match but it was a very good week," the top seed said during the presentation ceremony.

"I've played some of the best tennis I've ever played in my life so I had a good week. The only thing left is to try and get a grand slam now and I hope (I can) in a couple of weeks."

It was the 12th title of Murray's career and the first by a British man on grass since Greg Rusedski took the Newport trophy in 2005.

Murray's triumph raised hopes he could become the first home-grown champion at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

"I'm a long way from winning Wimbledon but I feel confident and I don't want to get too far ahead of myself," said Murray.

"If I play my best like I did this week I've got a chance but we've got two of the greatest players of all time who are going to be there and it will be tough to get past them."