Andy Murray v Jakub Mensik LIVE: Qatar Open tennis result and reaction as Murray loses marathon match
The 36-year-old Brit went down in a three-set thriller to the big-serving, 18-year-old Czech star
Andy Murray suffered the narrowest of defeats in a marathon match in the last 16 of the Qatar Open as he went down 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4) to Jakub Mensik.
It was the longest match in tournament history at three hours and 23 minutes, with all three sets going to tiebreaks. Murray was on the brink of a heavier defeat when trailing 5-2 and a double break down in the final set but roared back to win four games on the spin and somehow force a tiebreak.
However, the 36-year-old Brit lost that decider 7-4 to the 18-year-old, big-serving Czech star who reaches an ATP Tour quarter-final for the very first time.
Murray had finally ended his six-match losing streak that stretched back to October of last year when he battled past Alexandre Muller 6-1, 7-6 (5) in the first round on Tuesday and was defiant last week in quelling retirement talk abut rising star Mensik held his nerve to record an impressive win.
Relive all the action from the Qatar Open below:
*Andy Murray 6-7, 5-6 Jakub Mensik
Mensik not afraid to come forward and thumps home a smash before another well-constructed point at the most crucial moment to cling on to the hold.
He moves a game away from victory once more and Murray will now have to serve it out to force a tiebreak. There has been nothing between these two men today
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 5-5 Jakub Mensik*
Stunning cross-court forehand winner on the next point from Mensik! Straight back on the horse to bring the game to 30-30. But Murray has a break point. A world-class return, on the forehand for a clean winner.
Gets a look at a second serve on break point but Mensik comes into the net, stretches brilliantly to get the ball back across the net and Murray can’t make the passing shot. Break point saved!
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 5-5 Jakub Mensik*
10 games, 10 holds of serve in this second set. How Murray would love to break that trend right here...
A long, tiring rally to open things up but it’s of the highest quality. Murray eventually outlasts the younger man, who goes inches too long with his forehand. A swinging ace outside in response makes it 15-15.
But Mensik then thumps a forehand into the net. 15-30...
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 5-5 Jakub Mensik*
The low volley on the run doesn’t clear the net from Murray and brings up a pivotal moment at 30-30. Mensik bounces on the balls of his feet, anticipating an opportunity but Murray sends him wide and earns game point.
The Scot then digs out the hold with a sublime passing shot from his forehand to keep the match alive.
*denotes next to serve
*Andy Murray 6-7, 4-5 Jakub Mensik
Great point! Both men on the run at moments but Mensik’s drop shot has Murray stretching, he gets it back but the teenager can apply the finishing touch for 0-15.
Wow! Absolutely thumping cross-court backhand from Murray spits off the court and straight through for a winner. A heavy forehand then moves him to 30-15.
*denotes next to serve
*Andy Murray 6-7, 4-5 Jakub Mensik
Not much you can do with a big first serve thundering in at you though, which Mensik delivers to bring up game point and then thumps an ace out wide. A sticky situation expertly navigated.
Mensik is now only one game away from his first quarter-final on the ATP Tour...
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 4-4 Jakub Mensik*
Murray is having a look at the serve here as Mensik goes long to bring us to 30-30... Now’s the time to step up the pressure
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 4-4 Jakub Mensik*
The Murray serve has stepped up a gear in this second set. He starts this game with big, unreturned serve down the middle, followed by a good, put-away volley on the backhand side.
Wins the game to love and that’s as good a service hold as you’ll see. Now to attack the Mensik serve.
*denotes next to serve
*Andy Murray 6-7, 3-4 Jakub Mensik
Good awareness from Mensik as he rapidly reacts to a net cord and then defends well at the net, eventually forcing Murray to go wide.
Fist pump from the Czech as he chases down a Murray volley and slaps the winner back across court for 30-15. Another cracking passing shot as a grunting, puffing Murray successfully rumbles to return a drop shot but can only watch the ball then fly back past him for a Mensik hold as we approach the business end of this second set.
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-7, 3-3 Jakub Mensik*
Well-constructed point by Murray – forehand finds the baseline to have Mensik stretching, Murray follows it in and puts away the volley. Next point not too bad either –big ace out wide, that will do!
A serene hold to 15 for the Brit as he comes in and punishes a forehand into the back corner. He’s probably looked the stronger player in this set but can he wangle a break?
*denotes next to serve
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