(Tennis news) Having defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the opening round, Andy Murray faced a tougher test against fourth seed Alexander Zverev but managed to defeat the German 7-6 2-6 7-5 in Doha. Zverev lost the opening set in a tie break but recovered well to win the second set, taking the game to a decider. Murray, who was two points from defeat twice when he served to stay during the 10th game of the final set. The Scotsman made it 5-5 and broke Zverev in the next game before wrapping up his victory in a match that lasted over three hours.
Speaking after the match, Andy Murray said “It makes a big difference for the players when we come and get a lot of energy and a great atmosphere from the crowd. Hopefully that continues the rest of the week, but I obviously enjoyed playing in that atmosphere tonight.” The 35 year old will now face French qualifier Alexandre Muller in the quarterfinals after he defeated eighth seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 6-4.
In other results, Daniil Medvedev overcame Liam Broady 6-4 6-3 in one hour and 32 minutes and will now take on Australia’s Christopher O’Connell. Second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime fought from being a set down to defeat Jason Kubler 4-6 6-1 6-4 in two hours and 16 minutes to reach the quarter-finals. He will now take on seventh seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for a spot in the semifinals while top seed Andrey Rublev defeated Tallon Griekspoor over three sets. At the Rio Open, Cameron Norrie reached the quarterfinals after beating Thiago Monteiro 7-5 7-5 in two hours and 30 minutes.
Elsewhere, top seed Carlos Alcaraz advanced into the second round of the Rio Open after a 6-4 6-4 win over Mateus Alves. The Spaniard will now take on Italy’s Fabio Fognini, who beat Tomas Barrios Vera 6-2 6-3. Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said “Truth is a beautiful year awaits, with beautiful tournaments. It is true there will be a little pressure to defend important titles. I will have to play at a good level but, as I always say, I play every match thinking I have to enjoy it, much beyond the results. I have to try to win more Grand Slam titles, reclaim the No 1 position. That’s what I am hoping for this year.”
Also read: Swiatek and Sabalenka secure wins at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
