Andy Murray claims latest epic deciding-set victory over Jiri Lehecka to reach Qatar Open final
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Updated 24/02/2023 at 19:41 GMT
Andy Murray the Marathon Man, yet again. The Brit was part of another classic deciding-set battle in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open in Doha on Friday as he and Jiri Lehecka played out a topsy-turvy encounter which the former world No. 1 edged. The 35-year-old, who has seen every one of his victories so far in 2023 go the distance, did not let that record slip as he once again delivered.
Highlights: Murray beats Zverev in three-set thriller to reach quarter-finals in Qatar
Britain's Andy Murray saved five match points as he overcame Australian Open surprise package Jiri Lehecka, 6-0 3-6 7-6(6), in another thrilling deciding set as he reached the Qatar Open final.
Murray could not have made a stronger start to the match as he bagelled the rising Czech star comprehensively and looked set to storm away with a one-sided victory.
Lehecka eventually settled into the match nicely and raced to 4-0 up with a dominant double-break in the second set as he turned the tables on the Brit, who could only belatedly find a response.
Murray mustered three games to avoid suffering a bagel himself but Lehecka, who made a shock run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, had all the momentum and proceeded to grab a seemingly crucial break of serve in the deciding set after closing out the second.
But the 21-year-old did not manage to serve out for his place in the final of the ATP 250 event when it looked to be almost a formality as Murray roared back in characteristic fashion to take the final set into a tie-break.
The three-time Grand Slam champion came through a dramatic final-set breaker 8-6 as he continued his stirring run, which has included overcoming fourth seed Alexander Zverev in an epic encounter, as he targets a 47th career singles title.
Murray will next take on Daniil Medvedev in the tournament showpiece after he overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, 6-4 7-6(7) in the second semi-final.
The 35-year-old, who is aiming for a strong return to the French Open this year, will have been boosted by his progress in Doha as he continues his quest to move up into the top 32 of the ATP rankings in a bid to secure a seeding at the second Grand Slam of the season - and indeed at Wimbledon.
“I don’t know [how I won],” said a stunned but delighted Murray after the match. “That was one of the most amazing turnarounds I’ve had in my career.
"You obviously had the three match points at 5-4, but also [two] when I was serving at 5-3, and then I don’t know.
“I knew it was his first time serving for a final, so I knew I had to try and keep the pressure on at the end. I know how difficult it is to serve matches like that out, but I’ve no idea how I managed to turn that one round to be honest.”
“This tournament over the years has had many great players," Murray said when asked about the fact that he has now reached a record fifth Doha final.
"Federer played a lot, and guys like Roddick and Nadal, Novak has played. Those guys have obviously achieved a lot more than me, but this is one small win that I can have over them, so I’ll enjoy this evening and hopefully I can put on a good performance tomorrow.”
Murray has started 2023 very strongly after progressing to the Australian Open third round following epic wins over Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis before a four-set defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut.
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