Qatar Open 2023 Final: Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (wc) Andy Murray vs (3) Daniil Medvedev
Date: February 25, 2023
Tournament: Qatar ExxonMobil Open
Round: Final
Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $1,377,025
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev preview
Andy Murray more than justified his wildcard tag to book a final date at the Qatar Open with third seed Daniil Medvedev.
The world No. 70 rose from the brink for the second time in four matches this week, saving a whopping five match points to down Jiri Lehecka in a third-set tiebreak. He saved three match points against Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.
Having played three set three-setters to reach the last four, the three-time Grand Slam champion appeared set to buck the trend when he took the opening set 6-0. Lehecka, though, came storming back into the contest, restoring parity by conceding only three games in the second.
In a competitive third set, Murray saved two match points serving at 3-5 and then three in a row at 4-5 0-40 down on his opponent's serve. The Scot won the ensuing tiebreak to live to fight another day - reaching his first ATP title match since June last year.
What a week it has been for @andy_murray 🔥
@qatartennis | #Qemo2023 https://t.co/jbZgWlywcz
Meanwhile, world No. 8 Medvedev had a far less scenic route to the final. The reigning Rotterdam champion saw off Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets to reach his second straight final, having won his last eight matches.
The former World No. 1 is now an impressive 13-2 on the season as he eyes his second title in as many weeks and 17th overall.
Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev head-to-head
Murray is yet to win a set in two previous meetings against Medvedev, who leads his H2H with the Scot 2-0. Their last meeting was in the Miami Masters first round last year.
Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev odds
The odds are as per BetMGM.
Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev prediction
Andy Murray has struggled to regain his old form since his hip surgery five years ago. However, he has rolled back the years this week in Doha, bringing his legendary fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude to the fore.
Despite his exploits this week, he faces a tough challenge against Medvedev, one of the world's best counterpunchers. The Russian also serves big and hits powerfully on either flank.
On a roll 👏
@DaniilMedwed knocks out Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-6(7) to advance to a second final in two weeks.
@qatartennis | #Qemo2023 https://t.co/D3SDfScqhY
On paper, it looks like a bad matchup for Murray, which is exacerbated further by the latter's court time this week. The Scot could be too fatigued to put up a stern challenge in the title match.
Prediction: Medvedev in straight sets