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 (6-8) Jakub Mensik - MENSIK WINS THE FIRST SET!
It’s all falling apart for Murray now. He loses the next point on his serve as he goes long again and Mensik has a set point of his own, on his own serve.
And he takes it. A big first serve is dug out by Murray but he’s never in the point and a desperate lunge can only send the ball long. JAKUB MENSIK WINS THE FIRST SET!
Murray thumps his racket against his bag repeatedly in frustration as he returns to his chair. He blew two set points there
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-6 (6-6) Jakub Mensik
And Murray squanders the second set point! He floats a ground stroke long and Mensik has survived two set points. How costly will that be for the Brit?
*denotes next to serve
*Andy Murray 6-6 (6-5) Jakub Mensik
And now it’s two set points for Murray! Mensik gets tentative, Murray applies the pressure and the teenager goes way long with a forehand.
The first set point is on the Mensik serve and the Czech star saves it. Or, more accurately, Murray squanders it. He dominated the rally but misses the simple put-away volley into the net. The set was there for the taking! One more on his own serve though.
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-6 (5-4) Jakub Mensik
Murray yelling at himself once more after netting a return – that’s not the worst thing to see, he normally plays better when fired up. On cue, a big first serve is unreturnable and then wins a short rally to lead 5-4. His first lead of the tiebreak, although we’re on serve.
Pressure reverts to Mensik
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-6 (3-3) Jakub Mensik
Early problems in the tiebreak for Murray as he immediately gives up the mini-break with a double fault although Mensik floats a backhand long to immediately give it back. Scrappy start to the tiebreak.
That’s better though – Murray controls a long rally and puts a forehand deep and unreturnable. Only to then fire a forehand long and give Mensik the mini-break once more. He throws it away with a first double fault of the day though and it’s locked at 3-3 at the change of ends as the match passes the hour mark.
*denotes next to serve
*Andy Murray 6-6 Jakub Mensik
Another long rally with nothing to choose between the men but Murray eventually goes a shade long from the forehand wing. Game point for Mensik and Murray nets a forehand causing a swipe of frustration from the Scot.
That game looked like it was there for the taking but instead we head to a tiebreak to decide this first set.
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-5 Jakub Mensik*
A fist pump from Mensik as he pulls one point back and before a long rally where Murray looks in control but his floated backhand hits the net. He chunters away to himself at letting his advantage be hauled back to 30-30.
More frustration and self-flagellation from Murray as his chipped forehand failed and it gets the response as a stunning return on a huge Mensik serve sees the Czech hit the net and we’re at deuce.
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 6-5 Jakub Mensik*
Mensik needs to regain some control after letting things slip from 5-3 but Murray is stepping up a gear and he pummels a backhand winner down the line.
Then Mensik misses another smash! Murray makes him play one more shot and the Czech skews it long, just how he was broken in the previous game. A slam of the racket to the floor in frustration from Mensik! 0-30...
*denotes next to serve
WATCH: Andy Murray breaks Jakub Mensik back
Here’s the moment that Andy Murray broke back. Can he pinch this first set by breaking Mensik again at 6-5?
Andy Murray 6-5 Jakub Mensik*
Mensik looked nervous for the first time in this match when trying to serve out the set and Murray let him beat himself. Good, savvy play from the veteran.
It will all be for nought if he doesn’t hold his own serve in response but the Brit has found his rhythm now and is quickly 40-0 up, including another ace. Eventually a comfortable hold to 15.
*denotes next to serve
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