Djokovic elated at 2017 start, Murray vows to strike back

Djokovic elated at 2017 start, Murray vows to strike back

Novak Djokovic stated he couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2017, after beating world number one Andy Murray in an epic Qatar Open final.

The Serb made an impressive statement in his bid to rule men’s tennis again by defeating the Scot in a gruelling three setter in Doha.

Djokovic looked on course to end the Brit’s lengthy winning streak, an impressive 28 matches, when he comfortably took the opener.

“I couldn’t start for a better start of the year, obviously playing Andy who is number one in the world. He has been in tremendous form, winning almost 30 matches in a row and it was an unbelievable performance from both of us and we pushed each other to the limit.

“I should have closed it out in the second set, I had three or four match points but that’s why Andy is number one in the world, he never gives up and plays to the last shot and point. All the way to the last shot I didn’t know if I had won the match or not. That’s how good he plays and how much he fights so it was a thrilling match,” Djokovic said.

The 17-time Grand slam champion praised Murray’s resilience, after the Brit showed why he was the new king of tennis by sending the match to a decider.

“Yeah, I was frustrated to drop that but yeah I was 30-0 in that game but I was too defensive and too passive, you can’t play like that against top players, they will come in and use their chances and that’s what happened. But I did manage to bounce back which was great,” Djokovic added.

However, the world number 2 found a second wind and came through the decider to record an impressive and well-earned 6-3 5-7 6-4 win.

-Murray eyes Australia glory-

Murray is defiant this is his year at the Australian Open, despite suffering his first loss in 28 matches to Djokovic in an epic Qatar Open final in Doha.

Murray conceded that he wasn’t as clinical as he should have been on break points, but the two set loss in Doha has given him plenty of positives to focus on ahead of the first major of the season.

still think I have a chance of winning the Australian Open after tonight. I don’t think that changes. It’s disappointing to lose for sure, but I have a chance to win the Australian Open still,” Murray emphasised.

The current world number one has gone down to Djokovic in the last four of six finals in Melbourne.

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Andy Murray Novak Djokovic ATP Tour interview ATP Tennis Qatar Open ATP World Tour news All Sports

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