Andy Murray concentrating on the bigger picture after Qatar final defeat to Novak Djokovic
ANDY MURRAY’S hopes of a first title of 2017 ended in disappointment in a dramatic three-set defeat to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Qatar Open.
Andy Murray awkwardly shows off trophy as credits roll
Defending champion Djokovic looked on course to halt Murray’s 28-match winning streak in straight sets in Doha but the Scot saved three match points before taking the tie to a decider. Murray had the first opportunity to break in the final set but failed to take it and his opponent dug in for a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 success in a match of almost three hours.
This was the players’ first meeting since Murray replaced the Serb as world No1.
Andy Murray lost in three sets to Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray pushed Novak Djokovic hard in their first meeting of 2017
Murray said: “It was a tough one to lose but a great way to start the year. I think it was high-level tennis.
“Some of the points were physically tough but I’ve had a fantastic week here. I really enjoyed it.”
Djokovic said: “It was definitely one of the best ways to start the year. After saving five match points and winning in the semi-final, I had three or four match points in the second set.
“Andy turned it around and I thought, ‘Wow, I hope this is not payback time’.
“All the way to the last shot you never know with Andy, so it’s no strange occurrence for both of us to play three sets for three hours. It was a very physical battle.”