World number 1 Novak Djokovic has recognized Andy Murray’s heroism in 2023 as the Serb admits it is highly admirable what the Brit has been doing at the start of the season. In the first round of the Australian Open, Murray saved a match point en route to the stunning 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
In their next match at Melbourne Park, Murray came from two sets to beat Tjhanasi Kokkinakis in a match that lasted almost six hours. Last week in Doha, Murray saved three match points against Lorenzo Sonego en route to beating the Italian in their first round match.
In the Doha semifinal, Murray saved five match points to beat Jiri Lehecka in his first final in 2023. «What’s happening now this year with his match points saved literally every game he plays, the number of hours he’s spent on the pitch since the start of the year, particularly in Australia, is something you have to admire and say ‘capeau, ‘» Djokovic said, according to Tennis Now.
Djokovic on Andy Murray: «What’s happening now this year with his match points saved literally every game he plays, the number of hours he’s spent on court since the start of the year, particularly in Australia, is something you have to admire and say ‘chapeau'» — TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) February 26, 2023
Murray mentioned Djokovic in Doha
After beating Lehecka in his first final of the 2023 season, Murray brought up Djokovic, explaining how saving match points creates a mental advantage.
“Someone like Novak has come back from very difficult situations, and it certainly seems that the players think about it a bit when they approach the finish line. That’s something I’m feeling a little bit right now,Murray said after his victory in the Doha semifinal.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is playing in Dubai this week, while Murray has decided to withdraw from the event. After winning the Australian Open, Djokovic returned home to recover from a hamstring injury. Last week, Djokovic provided a very positive injury update and confirmed that he was planning to return to action in Dubai.
In Dubai, Djokovic is a five-time champion and the top seed to win his sixth title at the tournament this week.
