ATP/WTA Weekend Roundup: Djokovic Beats Murray For Doha Title

January 9, 2017 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

The opening week of the 2017 tennis season wrapped up over the weekend but not before delivering us with some highly entertaining tennis to open up the new year, none more exciting than Novak Djokovic’s three-set victory over world number one Andy Murray to win the ExxonMobil Open title in Doha, Qatar.

Djokovic held off Murray 6-3, 5-7, 7-4 to capture the first title of the season, but it was not easy. After Djokovic saved match points in his semifinal versus Fernando Verdasco, it was he who would surrender those match points this time around as he had a chance to serve out the match in the second set.

Murray broke down 4-5 in the second set and went on to win the next two games to snag the second set and force the decider. But Djokovic stood his ground, breaking for a 4-3 lead in the third set, and went on to serve out the match to defeat Murray for the 25th time in their storied rivalry.

“[It’s the] best scenario I could ask for at the beginning of the season. Playing all five matches in this tournament and then three hours against No. 1 of the world, biggest rival and winning in a thrilling marathon match,” said Djokovic. “It was a really, really thrilling performance from both of us. Just a great way to start the year.”

Both players will next take the courts in Melbourne for the Australian Open.

In Brisbane, Australia, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov couldn’t have asked for a better start to his season as he captured the title at the Brisbane International, hanging on to defeat Kei Nishikori 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 to capture his fifth career title.

“It is one of the big moments for me. It’s been quite a few months for me on and off the court. I think that was an emotional win for me, but at the same time, it wasn’t unexpected,” said Dimitrov. “I have put in the work. I think I have learned a lot. I have gone through some serious work and I have just been working on myself on and off the court.”

The win was the first for Dimitrov over Nishikori.

In WTA action, American Lauren Davis finished off her remarkable run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, winning her first career title with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ana Konjuh.

“The feeling is indescribable; it’s definitely an incredible feeling to win my first WTA title at my favorite tournament. I’ve been waiting for this moment for quite a few years,” said Davis. “It’s definitely surreal. I had two finals last year, and it was definitely discouraging and frustrating. But I guess third time’s the charm!”

U.S. Open finalist Karolina Pliskova started off her season the right way, capturing the Brisbane title with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Alize Cornet. 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
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