Daniil Medvedev defeated fellow former world number one Andy Murray 6-4, 6-4 in the Qatar Open final on Saturday to win his second ATP title in a week. The 27-year-old world number eight, who won in Rotterdam seven days earlier, convincingly ended his 35-year-old opponent’s comeback exploits, with Murray fighting four three-set fights and eight match points to take the title. finals in Doha.
Medvedev broke Murray’s first serve in each set as he went undefeated in three encounters between the two. “A really tough game, it was a bit more windy today, so we both struggled to find the rhythm,” Medvedev said on court, also complaining about the balls.
“Honestly, now that I can say this now that the tournament is over and I’ve won too, I don’t think these balls are good for hard courts.
“They changed something this year and I don’t like them. I’ve heard a lot of other players struggle with shoulders, elbows and wrists.
“I myself had wrist problems in Australia. Overall I think I was struggling all week to find the perfect rhythm with these balls, but I’m glad I won.”
Medevedev said both players had their “bad” patches in the game. The Russian fired five aces but also made five double faults. Murray repeatedly yelled at himself and his support team after mistakes.
Medvedev seemed to cruise to victory in the second set, until he served with two game points for a 3-2 lead. Murray fought back and produced a brilliant backhand winner to come back in the clash 3-3.
At 4-4, Murray led 40-0 in an attempt to create another shock, but the Scot allowed Medvedev back into play for the title-deciding key break.
“Daniil is one of my favorite players to watch and one of the best on the tour,” said Murray, who admitted he had had a “great week”.
Murray saved three match points in his first round match and five against Czech challenger Jiri Lehecka in his semifinal.
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