Andy: Didn’t finish how I wanted, but it was great
ANDY MURRAY admitted he was proud, despite his stunning run at the Qatar Open coming to a heartbreaking end in the final.
The two-time Wimbledon champion found World No.8 Daniil Medvedev too much to handle in Doha yesterday.
Murray, a wildcard entry into the tournament, had won all four of his previous matches this week in three sets.
But the 35-year-old found Medvedev a step too far as he lost in straight sets (6-4 6-4) in one hour and 47 minutes.
Murray said: “Obviously it didn’t finish how I wanted, but
I had some amazing matches and created some great memories.
“I am proud of my week and the work me and my team have done to get me back at this stage.
“Daniil is an incredible player. He is one of my favourite players to watch and one of the best players on the tour.”
Murray was eyeing a first title since winning the European Open in 2019, yet it was Medvedev – who won the Rotterdam Open a week ago – who was taking the Qatar honours. Inevitably, having rescued five of those match points against Jiri Lehecka in Friday’s semi-final Murray got off to a laboured start with Medvedev securing an early double break.
He didn’t look back in the first set and a comeback was beyond three-time Grand Slam winner Murray this time as unforced errors continued to cost him.
It was a 17th career title for 2021 US Open champion Medvedev, who has now beaten Murray in all three of their meetings.
Medvedev admitted: “It was a big fight.
“Both of us sometimes were playing bad, then suddenly both of us were playing amazing. So I am happy to win.”
COEUR BLIMEY