Andy Murray has been the underdog since making his way onto the professional circuit. He posed a significant challenge to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic throughout their ATP careers. After recovering from his injuries and significant hip surgery, the Brit put up a decent performance at the Australian Open. Thus, when he faced Daniil Medvedev in the finals of the Qatar Open, the fans were on the edge of their seats.
Watching the two players compete against each other, especially in a final, is always a delight. Despite a valiant effort, the 3-time Grand Slam champion lost to the Russian star. But that hasn’t dampened the spirits of his fans.
Where did the ball lie? With Andy Murray or Daniil Medvedev?
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The seeded world no. 8 got himself a spot at the Qatar Open with his ranking and Murray received a wild card entry. Seems like the proposal worked because the way Murray had been sending bolts of lightning across the court, the fans found it difficult to stay calm.
It was Murray’s first final since last year’s Stuttgart Open in June 2022. And if he had won this title, it would have been his first since October 2019 in Belgium. However, Medvedev got an early break after four break points in the opening game. To break the H2H dominance of the Russian player, which is 2-0, Murray needed to head in with a stronger game plan. However, despite the Brit’s best efforts, Medvedev took the first set 6-4.
Even after losing the first set, fans were vehemently supporting the British player. Nonetheless, Medvedev took the title home in the end, ending Murray’s aspirations in straight sets.
The fans were quite obviously in favor of the British tennis legend. And hence, they were closely following the match, hoping that he wins the title. Many were reacting throughout the match, as it ebbed and flowed in the direction of both players.
The fight back is on! #AndyMurray wins three games in a row to take a 4-3 lead in set 2. (He lost the first set 6-4.). #DOHA
— Tom (@TomSScotland) February 25, 2023
How on earth does Murray get that serve back! Meddy misses and gives up the break point!
MURRAY BREAKS BACK
THE LION IS ALIVE #AndyMurray #qatartennis— Louis Missing the p4a (@louismyers110) February 25, 2023
I love the fact that #AndyMurray is having the balls to move forward. He vollies well! #ATP #Doha
— Layden Robinson (@LaydenRobinson) February 25, 2023
Even after losing the match, the fans were excited about seeing his performance in the season and are vouching for his success.
Enjoying every minute of #AndyMurray on tour – the fire and love of the game is both inspiring and entertaining. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 @Steve_Weissman @PrakashAmritraj @jon_wertheim
— Mark A Prince Jr (@MarkAPrinceJr) February 25, 2023
Murray won in Qatar twice back in 2008 and 2009, so fans obviously wanted to see him win the title again.
I expected a comeback as always.
Heartbreak…#QEMO2023 #AndyMurray https://t.co/V50k3CfoIo— Meral Arslan (@arslanmeral) February 25, 2023
Andy gave us a thrilling week so proud of him He’s going to have a fab season 💪🤞😀 #QatarOpen #AndyMurray @andy_murray
— Shaheen (@topgooner100) February 25, 2023
Andy Murray’s determination is relentless the guy never gives up, today wasn’t meant to be but man what a warrior he his. #AndyMurray
— D.M.H (@Dylanhunt27) February 25, 2023
However, Medvedev proved too strong for Murray and he took down the British star with a score of 6-4, 6,4. Yes, there were moments of hope for Murray, but this time, the Russian claimed the title.
Is Murray back to his pre-injury form?
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Murray, by taking down the biggest tennis players like Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, became one of the most revered tennis players of all time. However, due to his multiple surgeries, the player faced a major setback. Now he is back. His astounding performance at the Australian Open made people swoon.
The former world no. 1 Mats Wilander, also had his reservations when Murray made his comeback after his surgeries. But he took his word back and hailed Murray for his performance at the Australian Open.
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To reach the finals of the Qatar Open too, the British tennis legend defeated top-performing players like Alexander Zverev. Even if he did not win, fans are hopeful; given his performance has been jaw-dropping since the beginning of 2023.