Andy Murray has saved 5 match factors in yet one more marathon encounter to in some way attain the ultimate of the Qatar Open towards the percentages.
The two-time Wimbledon champion went the gap once more – all six of his wins this 12 months have gone to deciding units – in an astonishing 6-0 3-6 7-6 (8-6) victory over rising Czech star Jiri Lehecka on Friday.
Serving at 5-3 down within the decider, Murray needed to save two match factors earlier than Lehecka moved 40-0 up on his personal serve within the subsequent recreation.
What occurred subsequent was scarcely plausible – even by Murray’s requirements – as he repelled all three match factors to stage the set at 5-5, earlier than beating a shell-shocked Lehecka within the tiebreak.
“I don’t know, that was one of the most amazing turnarounds I’ve had in my career,” the 35-year-old Scot mentioned on Amazon Prime.
“I knew it was his first time serving for a final so I had to keep the pressure on because I know how difficult it can be to serve matches like that out, but I have no idea how I managed to turn that one around.”
Murray, twice a winner in Doha, has now reached the ultimate a document 5 occasions.
“This tournament has had many great players – (Roger) Federer, (Andy) Roddick, (Rafael) Nadal and Novak (Djokovic),” he added.
“Those guys have obviously achieved a lot more than me so this is maybe one small win I can have over them.”
Murray has performed 12 units this week, on the again of his two brutal five-setters on the Australian Open, and spent one other two-and-a-half hours on the court docket getting previous 21-year-old Lehecka.
“I feel all right just now although obviously the adrenaline is pumping after a match like that,” he mentioned.
“I’m sure there’ll be a bit of fatigue tomorrow but I have a great team behind me. My physio has a job on his hands tonight.”
Murray will face Daniil Medvedev or Felix Auger-Aliassime in what shall be his first last since Stuttgart final June.
If he wins it is going to imply a primary title since victory in Antwerp in October 2019, and a second since present process career-saving hip surgical procedure.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
