Daniil Medvedev beats Great Britain's Andy Murray in straight sets to win Qatar Open, his second title in nine days
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Updated 25/02/2023 at 19:18 GMT
Daniil Medvedev made it two titles in nine days with a straight sets victory over Andy Murray in the Qatar Open. The British veteran had fought his way from a wild card entry to a place in the final in his typical dogged style, but the Russian was a class apart. Medvedev held a 2-0 lead in career meetings with Murray, and improved with a dominant performance in which the Brit was outclassed.
Highlights: Medvedev beats Murray to claim the Qatar Open title
Daniil Medvedev claimed his second title in nine days with a 6-4 6-4 win over Andy Murray in the Qatar Open.
The Scot was carrying 12 sets of tennis in his tired legs after going the distance four times this week.
Murray, a wild card entrant into the draw, had dispatched Czech Jiri Lehecka, German world No. 17 Alexander Zverev, French qualifier Alexandre Muller and Italian journeyman Lorenzo Sonego en route to the final.
By contrast, Medvedev was just nine days removed from beating Botic van de Zandschulp in the Rotterdam Open.
Receiving a bye into the second round by virtue of his high seeding, Medvedev faced only three opponents before the final. He swept aside Britain's Liam Broady, held off a shock challenge from Australian Chris O'Connell, and beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in the final.
Medvedev took the opening game of the match, but only after Murray fought back to deuce from 15-40 down.
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Medvedev beats Sinner in three sets in final of Rotterdam Open
The Russian held but was swept aside in Murray’s own following service game.
The veteran battled as he always does, but Medvedev took the key points to move into a dominant 4-1 lead.
40-15 down in Medvedev’s next service game, Murray fought back to break the Russian’s serve and regain a toe-hold in the set.
Frustration was creeping in for the Russian, and Murray was taking advantage but could not do enough to take the set as Medvedev held on.
It was his Murray's fifth Qatar Open final and first since losing to Novak Djokovic in 2017.
His experience was on display as he seemed to rattle his Russian opponent as he refused to fade in the face of power hitting from deep.
Medvedev kept winning the vital points and avoiding errors, giving Murray little opportunity to really get back into the match. He sealed the opening set with an imperious service game.
The Russian carried his momentum into the second set, once again breaking Murray’s first service game and holding to take a 2-0 lead.
Murray hit back with an impressive service game of his own. Medvedev held his next serve before Murray reeled off consecutive games to level the set at 3-3.
The Russian appeared to be playing into Murray's strategy with the veteran constantly seeming to know where he was going to be.
He held again to take a 4-3 lead in the second but it proved to be the turning point.
Medvedev upped the tempo and worked to keep Murray away from the net. He held serve before breaking Murray to take a 5-4 lead.
It was Murray's first ATP final appearance since losing to Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart last summer and refused to go down without a fight.
With Medvedev serving for the title, Murray held off one championship point. He pushed the Russian all the way in the final rally but could not produce the upset as Medvedev sealed the win.
The Russian secured his 17th career title with a ninth consecutive win and will rise to world No. 7 as a result of his surge in form.
Before the match, Medvedev had spoken with humility about facing Murray.
He told the press: "It's unbelievable…I have to be at my best from the first to the last point to beat him. He's a legend. He's playing better and better, not only here but in general. This is amazing to see, he’s fighting. Today, just unbelievable how he won.”
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