Novak Djokovic has spoken of his admiration for Andy Murray’s never-say-die attitude after the British star showed his fighting spirit to save match points this season. However, the rivals have been denied a chance to compete at this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships after Murray pulled out as a ‘precaution’.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray stormed up the rankings to world No.52 during the Qatar Open last week – despite being beaten in the final by Daniil Medvedev. The former world No.1 had already overcome Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open after an epic five-set clash.
The British star showed the same heart at the Qatar Open with two incredible comebacks sealing wins from the jaws of defeat. Murray saved three match points before beating Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the first round before rescuing five match points and winning the tiebreak to overcome Jiri Lehecka in the semi-final.
“He [Murray] has got so much talent, incredible grit, incredible mentality of a champion, of a fighter,” Djokovic told the Gulf News ahead of this week’s tournament. “What is happening now this year with his match points saved in literally every match he plays.”
