DOHA: Andy Murray, the former world number one, brought an end to his six-match losing streak as he defeated qualifier Alexandre Muller 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) at the Qatar Open on Tuesday. The three-time Grand Slam champion swiftly secured the first set but faced a resilient challenge from his French opponent in the second set, ultimately marking a triumphant start to his 2024 season.
Supported fervently by the crowd in Doha, the 36-year-old Scot showcased his skills with a couple of impressive drop shots, especially during the tense tie-break, securing his first victory since October of the previous year. Clearly relishing the success, Murray raised his arms in triumph, expressing his joy with an emphatic “Yes.”
Reflecting on the challenging months on the court, the current 50th-ranked player in the world expressed his delight at overcoming the hurdles. Murray, the Doha Open winner in 2008 and 2009, conveyed his pride in navigating through the match and extended gratitude to his hardworking team for supporting him during this difficult period.
Looking ahead to the second round, Murray is set to face the relatively unknown 18-year-old Czech player Jakub Mensik, who caused an upset by defeating fifth-seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. Acknowledging Mensik’s promising talent and powerful serve, Murray emphasized the need to be prepared for the upcoming challenge.
Last month, following a disappointing first-round defeat at the Australian Open, Murray hinted at the possibility of retirement, but his recent victory signals a potential turnaround in his fortunes, and he expressed hope for a more positive streak in the future.
