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Murray wins
Qatar Open
DOHA: Crowd
favourite Andy Murray of Britain on Saturday overcame a
mid-match crisis to win the season's first tournament, the
$1.5m Qatar Open. Third seed Murray beat surprise finalist
Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in three sets, winning
their marathon final 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Murray, the
20-year-old born in Scotland, won the top prize of
$171,000.
Watched by
nearly 5,000 fans at the Khalfa Tennis Complex, Murray
made up for his loss to Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in last
year's final at the same venue. It was Murray's fourth ATP
Tour title and his first win over Wawrinka, who came into
the Doha title clash with 2-0 head-to-head card in his
favour.
Murray,
ranked number 11 before the final, has contested two Doha
finals in as many appearances. The Briton, who picked up
the golden falcon trophy, was playing his first final
since the St Petersburg event held in October last year.
"It was a
really tough match. I am very tired right now. I was made
to run a lot by Stanislas. I played some easy matches
prior to this one, but the final was the toughest," Murray
said.
"I am sure
I am going to be stiff from this match. But I feel the
effort was worth it. I enjoyed unbelievable (fan) support
right throughout this tournament. I think I didn't play
well in last year's final, but I am happy with the way I
played today," the Briton added.
"It was
difficult to play him whether from the baseline or from
near the net. He runs well. I had a good time here in Doha
this week. I played really well and I am happy with my
performance," Wawrinka said after the match.
"He was
brilliant in the third set and I just couldn't tackle
him,"
the Swiss
pointed out. "He played really well in the end."
Murray,
visibly exhausted from the marathon final, said: "I don't
think I could have lasted any longer. He (Wawrinka) made
me run all over the court." |
