Andy Murray falls short in Qatar Open 2023 final
The two-time Olympic champion battled to a two-set loss in his first final of the year, against former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.
Tennis
Andy Murray's sensational run at 2023 Qatar Open ended with a 6-4, 6-4 final defeat to defending champion Daniil Medvedev on Saturday (25 February).
The runners-up trophy caps an astonishing week for Britain’s two-time tennis Olympic gold medallist, who underwent career-saving hip surgery in January 2019.
Murray battled back from match-point down to win his first round match in Qatar, before beating reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in the round-of-16.
That was followed by impressive three-set victories over Alexandre Muller and Jiri Lehecka in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.
But former World No. 1 Medvedev had too much pace and power for Murray in the final, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set before closing it out 6-4.
After another slow start in the second set Murray battled valiantly back to 4-4.
However with fatigue setting in, Medvedev was able to reassert his dominance with a mix of clever drop shots and big serves, and secure his second title in two weeks.
“It was an incredible week. It didn’t finish how I wanted," Murray said after.
“I had some amazing matches, created some great memories, fantastic to be back in the final, one of my favourite players to watch and one of the best players on the tour.
“It’s great for me to get that opportunity to play somebody on that level, some things to work on. I’m proud of my week.”