Andy Murray opens up on "tough months" after finally breaking his losing streak

20 February 2024 , 18:46

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Andy Murray was visibly relieved to beat Alexandre Muller (Image: Tennis TV)

Andy Murray showed huge relief after finally putting an end to his six-match losing streak at the Qatar Open.

Murray looked emotional after coming through in one hour and 57 minutes to beat Alexandre Muller 6-1, 7-6. He turned to his team and screamed with a fist clenched before heading to the net to shake hands with the French qualifier, who became the first player to lose to Murray since October.

The 36-year-old has been on a dreadful run of form – one that has seen his legacy questioned – and has slipped to No.50 in the world rankings. But after starting 2024 by losing in the opening round of his first four events, he came good in Doha.

“Obviously the last few months have been really tough on the court for me,” he said after raising his arms to celebrate his first win of 2024 to cheers from the crowd. “[I’ve] really not won many matches and lost a lot of close ones as well and it was getting tight in the end there.

“I’m obviously delighted to get through. I am just proud I managed to get through the match and get another win under my belt. I am happy for my team who have been working extremely hard with me and trying to find solutions to get me through this difficult moment and hopefully this is the start of a better run.”

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Murray will next face Jakub Mensik in the second round after the 18-year-old Czech beat Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round in straight sets. Mensik caught the eye by beating Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open and Murray knows he can be dangerous.

“He is obviously a very promising young player,” he said. “Huge serve. Moves well for a big guy. I will watch a little bit of video. I will need to be ready for that.”

Andy Murray showed his emotions after winning (Sky Sports)

Murray required treatment on his left knee during the first set but battled on to wrap up the victory he so craved. There was plenty of frustration along the way, too, with Murray smashing his racket on the ground during the early stages of the second set.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has been in a bullish mood of late and is determined to rediscover his best form. He was riled up recently after a journalist suggested he may be tarnishing his legacy by continuing to play while beyond his best.

Writing on Twitter, he replied furiously: "Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. I’m in a terrible moment right now I’ll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I’m not most people and my mind works differently. I won’t quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I’m capable of."

Felix Keith