Novak Djokovic bested World No. 1 Andy Murray last night in the finals of the 25th annual Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
The 6–3, 5–7, 6–4 victory means Djokovic holds onto the golden falcon for a second year in a row.
The faceoff also ended Scotsman Murray’s 28-match winning streak.
It's a VERY happy new year for @DjokerNole who defends his Doha title! Beats #Murray 6-3 5-7 6-4. 💪 🏆 #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/t5OLKUZiuS
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 7, 2017
However, Djokovic of Serbia will retain his No. 2 ATP ranking.
That said, he remained upbeat about his win.
Australia next
According to the Peninsula, he told reporters after the match:
“It’s definitely one of the best ways to start the year. All the way to the last shot you never know with Andy. It’s no strange occurrence for both of us to play three sets for three hours.
It’s a very physical battle and we’re both going to need some time to recover from that and get ready for Melbourne.”
Djokovic has won the upcoming Australian Open five times in the last six years.
المتوجان في #قطر_إكسون_موبيل 2017.. #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/xqRKOcaz2g
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 7, 2017
But Murray, who was beaten by Djovokic four of those times, told AFP that he still believes he has a fighting chance in that tournament:
“It’s disappointing to lose for sure. I have a chance to win the Australian Open still.”
Thoughts?