In a remarkable display of resilience, the 35-year-old British tennis star defeats Jiri Lehecka to set up a final clash with Daniil Medvedev.
Andy Murray produced a stunning comeback to secure his place in the Qatar Open final, saving five match points to defeat Jiri Lehecka in a thrilling semi-final. The 35-year-old, playing in his first semi-final in eight months, displayed remarkable composure as he triumphed 6-0, 3-6, 7-6, a victory that further emphasised his fighting spirit.
The match began with Murray cruising through the first set, claiming it 6-0 without dropping a game. However, the tide turned as Lehecka found his rhythm, levelling the match and taking a break lead in the deciding set. With Murray serving at 3-5 down, the pressure mounted, and Lehecka had three match points at 40-0. But Murray, who has demonstrated incredible resilience in recent matches, managed to save all three.
The drama continued as Murray broke back and, despite failing to convert his first match point in the tie-break, held his nerve to secure the win at the second attempt after Lehecka missed a volley. This victory sees Murray maintaining a perfect 6-0 record in deciding set matches this year.
In the final, Murray will face Daniil Medvedev, aiming to clinch his first ATP Tour title since 2019. Reflecting on the match, Murray admitted: “That was one of the most amazing turnarounds I’ve had in my career. I knew it was his first time serving for a final, so I had to keep the pressure on at the end.”
Murray’s victory sets up an intriguing final against Medvedev, one of the most in-form players on the circuit. This marks Murray’s fifth appearance in a Qatar Open final, with past victories in 2008 and 2009, although he has yet to win a set against Medvedev in their previous encounters.
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Pic of the week: Sunset at margate beach
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields