'Marriage works': Andy Murray identifies what's behind his change of fortunes on clay after winning Madrid Masters

The Scot beat Rafael Nadal to claim his second clay title of the year

Andy Murray beat Rafael Nadal in straight sets to win the Madrid Open (Getty Images)

Andy Murray's clay tournament win percentage before marriage - 0 per cent.

The Scot's win percentage on the surface since tying the knot with Kim Sears - 100 per cent.

It seems marriage works for the British number one, who appears to agree judging by the message he wrote in the aftermath of victory over Rafael Nadal in the Madrid Masters final.

Murray beat 'King of Clay' Nadal in straight sets in the final with a remarkably composed and assured performance.

The victory in Spain was his second on clay in as many weeks, having won the Munich Open the previous Sunday.

Both have come since he married long-time partner Sears and for Murray, who had never won a clay court tournament prior to Munich, that seems to be what's made the difference. After his victory over Nadal he scribbled the words 'Marriage works' onto the camera.

Murray will be hoping it continues to do so with the French Open on the horizon.

Andy Murray married Kim Sears earlier this year (Getty Images)

Speaking after the victory, his first against Nadal on clay, Murray also pointed towards his fitness levels: "It (marriage) has been nice and a lot of people have spoken about the honeymoon period."

"But we've been together a very long time and getting married was the next step.

"I've always said if the personal stuff is happy and under control that helps your performance on the court.

"But I also feel healthy this year and I have trained well, I'm in much better shape on the clay than I have been for a number of years."

You can watch highlightsclicking on the video below