Daniil Medvedev won his second ATP title in a week by defeating fellow former world number one Andy Murray 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the Qatar Open on Saturday. The 27-year-old world number eight, who won in Rotterdam seven days ago, convincingly ended his 35-year-old rival’s heroics of a comeback, with Murray fighting four three-set battles to reach the final in Doha. Fought and passed eight match points.
Medvedev broke Murray’s first serve of each set as he went three-match unbeaten between the two. Medvedev complained about the balls on the court saying, “A very tough match, there was a bit more wind today so we were both struggling to find our rhythm.”
“To be honest, now that the tournament is over and I have won, I think these balls are not good for hard courts.
“He changed something this year and I don’t like him. I’ve heard a lot of other players are struggling with shoulders, elbows and wrists.
“I myself had a wrist problem in Australia. In general I think I was struggling all week to find my rhythm with these balls, but I am happy to win.”
Medvedev said that both players had “bad” patches in the match. The Russian player hit five aces but also committed five double faults. Murray repeatedly shouted at himself and his support team after the errors.
Medvedev looked to be cruising to victory in the second set until he was up 3–2 with two game points. Murray fought back and produced a stunning backhand winner to get back in the contest at 3-3.
At 4–4, Murray was leading 40–0 to force another blow, but the Scott allowed Medvedev to get back in the game for the main break that decided the title.
“Daniel is one of my favorite players and one of the best on tour,” said Murray, who admitted he had had an “amazing week”.
Murray saved three match points in his first round game and five in the semi-finals against Czech challenger Jiri Lehka.
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