Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller LIVE: Qatar Open result and reaction as Murray battles into semi-final
Murray 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 Muller: Murray fights back from a set down to win another decider in the Qatar Open quarter-finals
Andy Murray continued his remarkable run in the Qatar Open as he battled past Alexandre Muller in three sets for a place in the semi-finals in Doha.
The Brit lost a gruelling first set in 56 minutes in the quarter-final before stepping up his level of play to triumph 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 and set up a semi-final against Czech 21-year-old Jiri Lehecka, who beat top seed Andrey Rublev in his own last-eight clash.
Frenchman Muller is the world No 170 and was playing his first quarter-final on the main tour but showed far more quality than that CV suggests as he had the three-time grand slam winner in trouble early on. The 35-year-old found his groove however and is now just two wins away from a first ATP tour title since victory in Antwerp, Belgium in 2019.
It was another gutsy performance from Murray, who won a third straight three-set contest in Doha, having already battled past world No 16 Alexander Zverev in the second round and saved three match points on the way to an epic first-round triumph against Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Relive the action from Andy Murray’s quarter-final win in Qatar below:
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Here was Murray’s entrance on to centre court in Doha. The marathon man back for more. It’s been a brilliant opening to the match for the Brit.
*Andy Murray 2-0 Alexandre Muller - MURRAY BREAKS
A first look at Muller’s serve for Sir Andy. Murray said he would get his coaches to look at Muller’s style ahead of the match to try and find a weakness to exploit.
Nothing early on to suggest too many problems for the Brit and the pair trade points on a couple of long-ish rallies before Muller puts away a half-court ball with a powerful cross-court backhand to go 30-15.
But that’s great work by Murray as he gets a lot of balls in court and forces mistakes from the Frenchman for 30-40. A first break point but it’s SAVED! Murray nets, much to his chagrin.
After another deuce, Murray earns a second break point and this one he takes! Muller nets and MURRAY BREAKS. What a start.
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray 1-0 Alexandre Muller*
That will work as a start! First serve of the match is an ace down the ‘t’ for Murray. The next point is a much longer rally but aggressive groundstrokes from Murray force the mistake for 30-0.
Muller goes long and then Murray puts away a forehand volley for a simple hold to love. Perfect start for the Brit
*denotes next to serve
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Warm-ups completed. Murray to serve first. The draw has opened up for him, with world No 170 in his first main tour quarter-final Alexandre Muller today and 21-year-old Jiri Lehecka awaiting in the semi-finals...
Let’s do this!
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Andy Murray has always been one to never say die but it feels like he’s taken his battling qualities to almost comedic new heights this season.
After his slew of marathons at the Australian Open, he’s had a pair of three-set epics to reach the quarter-finals this week. He saved match points against Lorenzo Sonego before triumphing in round one, then went deep again against Alexander Zverev yesterday.
Another odyssey today or can he get the job done in more serene fashion? Time will tell.
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
The coin toss is done and done electronically... Because, why not I guess...
Muller correctly calls ‘Qatar’ (his options were Qatar or falcon...) and opts to receive so Murray will be serving first. A quick warm-up and then we’ll be underway.
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Andy Murray and Alexandre Muller have never faced each other before, which perhaps isn’t a surprise given that Muller has never reached a main-tour quarter-final before.
There are 100 places between them in the world rankings, with Frenchman Muller down at 170 compared to Murray’s 70. Muller shouldn’t be underestimated though as he has beaten wily campaigner Nikoloz Basilashvili and eighth seed Botic van de Zandschulp in Doha this week.
“He’s obviously had a good week this week,” Murray said of his upcoming opponent following yesterday’s win over Alex Zverev. “Coming through qualifying, he will have played four matches now, so obviously likes these conditions.
“My coach will obviously watch some video and stuff to get a bit more familiar with his game, but it’s an opportunity for me in the quarters.”
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Here come the players! Tremendous reception for two-time Qatar Open winner Andy Murray. This could be a fun one.
Who’s playing at the Qatar Open?
The Qatar Open is an ATP Tour 250 event, but it’s attracted a star-studded entry list.
Top Seeds:
Andrey Rublev (1) - ELIMINATED
Felix Auger Aliassime (2)
Daniil Medvedev (3)
Alexander Zverev (4) - ELIMINATED
Wildcards:
Andy Murray
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Jiri Lehecka has wrapped things up against Andrey Rublev. The Czech star triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and that means the 21-year-old will face the winner of Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller in the semi-finals tomorrow.
Murray and Muller will be on court imminently. Let’s get it on!
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