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
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch a live stream of the Qatar Open match on Amazon Prime Video.
Odds
Andy Murray win 1/3
Alexander Zverev win 9/4
Prediction
The pair have never met before but Murray unsurprisingly heads into the encounter as the favourite. There will be concerns about his physical condition given the hard-fought nature of his two previous matches and his powers of recovery will no doubt be tested. This will be Muller’s first appearance in a main tour quarter-final and that lack of experience - compared to Murray - may well cost him in this match. Murray to win in three sets.
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
We’re getting closer to Murray heading on to court. Jiri Lehecka has been playing superbly in his deciding set against Andrey Rublev.
He’s a game away from victory at 5-2. Remember, Murray vs Muller follows this match
Novak Djokovic gives update on plans to compete in the US unvaccinated
In other news in the world of tennis, Novak Djokovic says he is hoping for a “positive decision” after applying for special permission to enter the United States unvaccinated in order to compete in Indian Wells and Miami next month.
The US vaccine requirement for foreign visitors is not expected to be lifted before the start of Indian Wells on March 9, which means Djokovic is set to miss the prestigious ATP Masters event for the second straight year, as well as the tournament in Miami.
Djokovic was allowed to enter the Australian Open last month after the country relaxed its Covid rules but says his plans to compete in the US for the first time since 2021 remain uncertain.
“My plans after Dubai depend on the US. I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me. I will know soon,” Djokovic said at a press conference in Belgrade on Wednesday.
“Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indians Wells and Miami communities for their support. They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands.”
Andy Murray takes down Alex Zverev to reach Qatar Open quarter-finals
Andy Murray turned back the clock to dump fourth seed Alexander Zverev out of the Qatar Open and force his way into the quarter-finals in Doha.
The 35-year-old Scot produced a performance of customary grit to edge past Zverev 7-6 (5), 2-6, 7-5 in a gruelling contest lasting more than three hours.
His reward is a last-eight showdown with French qualifier Alexandre Muller.
Read more:
Andy Murray battles past Alexander Zverev to reach quarter-finals of Qatar Open
The Scot will face French qualifier Alexandre Muller in the last eight
Rublev vs Lehecka
Some bad news for Murray fans. Jiri Lehecka pulled out a break of serve at 5-4 up to take the second set. So, he and Andrey Rublev are going the distance to a third.
Murray won’t be on court for probably another 45 minutes at least now. We shall wait patiently.
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Murray and Muller are second on centre court in Doha this afternoon. It’s Andrey Rublev and Jiri Lehecka currently doing battle in the day’s opening quarter-final.
Rublev edged the first set 6-4 and they’re currently at the business end of the second set, so if Rublev can finish the job then Murray will be heading out imminently but we may have to wait a while if Lehecka forces a third set.
What time is Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller at Qatar Open?
Andy Murray is aiming to continue his strong week in Doha and march on at the Qatar Open when he faces Alexandre Muller for a place in the semi-finals.
On Wednesday, the 35-year-old Scot produced another gutsy performance as he battled past world number 16 Alexander Zverev to win in three sets in the second round. Prior to that, Murray saved three match points on the way to an epic first-round victory against Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Frenchman Muller is the world No 143 and reached the quarter-finals after wins against Nikoloz Basilashvili and eighth seed Botic van de Zandschulp.
The match will be Muller’s first quarter-final on the main tour with victory securing him a new career-high ranking. Murray, meanwhile, will be chasing his first ATP Tour tournament win since his victory in Antwerp, Belgium in 2019.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What time is Andy Murray vs Muller at Qatar Open?
Everything you need to know ahead of the quarter-final match in Doha
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller at the Qatar Open.
Today’s quarter-final match-up sees Murray looking to continue his march on a rollercoaster week in Doha.
Stick with us for live coverage of the contest.
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