(Getty Images)
Andy Murray hopes to continue his run at the Qatar Open as he faces rising star Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals this afternoon.
Murray fought from a set down to defeat Alexandre Muller in the quarter-finals on Thursday to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final since June last year.
That victory came after a win against Alexander Zverev on Wednesday after Murray was forced to save three match points in his opening match with Lorenzo Sonego.
The 21-year-old Lehecka will be another tough opponent. He defeated top seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals after bursting onto the scene at the Australian Open last month. In that tournament the Czech defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime and Cameron Norrie to reach the quarter-finals of the grand slam – where he lost to Sefanos Tsitisias.
Follow along for live updates as Andy Murray attempts to reach the Qatar Open final:
Murray defeats Muller
Andy Murray was at his imperious best yesterday when he took on Alexandre Muller of France. He fought back from losing the first set to winning the next two and booking a place in the semi-finals.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones24 February 2023 13:37
Biggest win of his career
Andy Murray’s opponent today is Jiri Lehecka.
The 21-year-old earned the biggest win of his career on Thursday at the Qatar Open, where he upset World No. 5 Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach his second tour-level semi-final.
The Czech entered the clash off the back of straight-set wins against Damir Dzumhur and Emil Ruusuvuori and he demonstrated his confidence through a heavy-hitting performance against the top seed.
Will he be able to repeat that performance against Andy Murray today?
Michael Jones24 February 2023 13:30
Murray pleased with recent performances
“The last couple of years I lost quite a lot of close matches, and it’s something I spoke to my team about last year,” said Andy Murray this week in Doha.
He has won three three-setters to advance to his 102nd tour-level semi-final this and believes the work he put in during the off-season has helped him to improve. “I think the work I did in the offseason on my game, physically has given me a bit more belief in those moments.
“I think when you’re in better shape, when you start to fatigue, it helps you make better decisions. If you’re struggling quite a bit physically towards the end of matches and in those important moments, it makes you maybe try and shorten the points, or play a different way, which doesn’t give you the best chance of wining.
“I feel like that improvement physically has helped in those moments.”
Michael Jones24 February 2023 13:24
Andy Murray through to Qatar Open semi-final after battling past Alexandre Muller
Andy Murray will face Jiri Lehecka in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open semi-finals after beating French qualifier Alexandre Muller in three sets.
Murray hit back strongly after losing the opening set to win 4-6 6-1 6-2 in two hours and three minutes against Muller, who defied his world ranking of 170 early in the match.
The 35-year-old Scot, who knocked out German fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the previous round, was forced to produce some of his best tennis again as he stayed on course for his third title in Doha.
Michael Jones24 February 2023 13:16
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka at the Qatar Open.
Today’s semi-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.
Michael Jones24 February 2023 12:46
