Andy Murray advances to the Quarterfinals in Doha after a three-hour-long battle against Alexander Zverev in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Murray, the former World No.1, secured a hard-fought victory, winning 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-5. The win has kept the 35-year-old Scot’s dreams of a remarkable comeback alive.
In what turned out to be a match of ebb and flow, Murray showed great determination and resilience to claw past two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev in a grueling three-hour marathon. Twice Murray was two points from defeat while serving to stay in the match, but the former World No.1 took the initiative in pivotal moments, either to stay alive or go down fighting.
Murray’s Emotional Reaction
Murray was demonstrative throughout the match, both positively and negatively. When he earned the crucial service break, the Scot quietly pumped his fist towards his player box, which included his mother Judy Murray and coach Mark Hilton. After closing out his triumph with a backhand winner, Murray embraced Zverev at the net.
In the quarterfinals, Murray is set to face French qualifier Alexandre Muller, who upset eighth seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-4. Muller will have played four matches now and will be looking to maintain his momentum, having come through qualifying.
Murray is hopeful of keeping the energy and atmosphere from the crowd going throughout the week. He believes it makes a significant difference for the players when they get great energy from the crowd. The former World No.1 is looking forward to the opportunity and time to rest up and get ready for the quarterfinal match against Muller.
Medvedev’s Strong Performance
In the last match of the day, third seed Daniil Medvedev eliminated British qualifier Liam Broady 6-4, 6-3. Medvedev will next face Australian Christopher O’Connell, who upset defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.
Medvedev had a solid performance against Broady, who had won an ATP Challenger Tour event earlier this month in Lithuania. The third seed had one hiccup when he let slip a break advantage in the first set, but he immediately retrieved it. The match was tougher than the scoreline implies, with Broady playing fearless tennis. Still, Medvedev always seemed to be in control.
The Russian player acknowledged it was never easy to come from an indoor hard-court tournament to outdoors. He was feeling pretty tough on the court and was a little bit rusty, making the transition. Medvedev is happy to be through in the next round and is looking forward to trying his best tennis against O’Connell.
Murray’s dramatic win against Zverev has kept his comeback dreams alive, and he looks forward to facing Muller in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Medvedev’s strong performance has put him through to the next round, where he will face Australian Christopher O’Connell. It was an exciting day of tennis at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, with many more exciting matches yet to come.
