Andy Murray's perfect start to the 2009 season continued on Saturday as he successfully defended his Qatar Open title.

The British star beat Andy Roddick 6-4 6-2 in the final in Doha to keep his grip on the trophy he won 12 months ago.

The 21-year-old, seeking his ninth career ATP Tour title, came into the match with a 5-2 career record over his American opponent and always looked in command.

Able to play despite admitting he had struggled in his semi-final with a back injury, Murray claimed the first set with the only break.

And he eased clear in the second, breaking Roddick in the third and fifth games.

Roddick managed to earn his one and only break point in what turned out to be the final game, but Murray saved it with an ace before closing out the match with a backhand winner after just 70 minutes on court.

After collecting the trophy, Murray said: "I'd like to thank my team, it was a great year last year and hopefully I will continue the same this year.'

"The semi-final and final matches were very good against two top players so I am very pleased. It is great to start the (ATP Tour) season with a title.

"I feel good going into the Australian Open but after what happened last year (losing in the first round) I don't want to get too carried away.

"I just need to concentrate on each match and fight hard as every round will be tough.

"I have defended my title in three different tournaments now so I like to go back to the same places. I've always felt very comfortable in Doha.''

Roddick added: "I would like to congratulate Andy, he just outplayed me tonight.

"He has the hardest working team in tennis so congratulations to them too."

Murray will now head to Australian Open, which begins a week on Monday, a tournament for which he is likely to start as favourite following his impressive start to the year.

However, he was keen to play down expectations which are now sure to be sky high.

"I am one of the top guys but I don't know if I am the favourite," he added.

"There is Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal) and Novak (Djokovic) who won last year. I like playing in Melbourne but I did not play well last year.''

The Scot has already beaten title rivals Federer (twice) and Nadal as part of his eight-match winning streak so far in 2009.