Tennis

ATP Doha: Daniil Medvedev tops Felix Auger-Aliassime to set Andy Murray clash

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World no. 8 Daniil Medvedev is through to his 29th ATP final in Doha. Daniil defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-final for the second straight week, scoring a 6-4, 7-6 win to set the title clash against Andy Murray. Medvedev will seek his 17th ATP title and the second in a row after Rotterdam last Sunday. The Russian served at 73% and fended off three out of five break points. He grabbed three breaks and prevailed in the crucial moments to emerge at the top in straight sets. Daniil played a bit better in the shortest, mid-range and most extended exchanges to bring the victory home and remain on the title course. Felix netted an easy volley in the encounter’s first game to get broken at 15 and push the rival in front. Daniil fired an ace in game two for a hold at love and the advantage in no time. Auger-Aliassime found his strokes behind the initial shot in the upcoming games to follow the rival’s pace and remain within one break deficit.

Daniil Medvedev will face Andy Murray in the Doha final.

The Canadian served at 2-4 and faced two more break points. He denied both and brought the game home to reduce the deficit and remain in touch. Felix gained a boost and broke Daniil at 15 in game eight with a powerful backhand to level the score at 4-4. The younger player moved 40-15 up in the ninth game before dropping four consecutive points and losing serve following a terrible forehand that landed miles away from the court. Medvedev served for the set in game ten and faced two break points after Auger-Aliassime’s perfect drop shot winner. Daniil saved them and held after the rival’s backhand error for 6-4 in 52 minutes.

The Russian fired a forehand down the line winner in the second set’s third game for a break at 15 and a 2-1 advantage. Medvedev moved 3-1 up before Auger-Aliassime broke back in game six to extend the battle. Nothing separated them by the end of the set, with six good holds and a tie break to decide the winner. Felix moved 5-4 up with a touchy half-volley winner and earned two set points with a backhand down the line winner. Medvedev saved both and leveled the score at 6-6 after an extended rally. Auger-Aliassime created the third set point with a smash winner but squandered it with a loose forehand. Daniil opened an 8-7 lead and seized the first match point after Felix’s wayward forehand to secure a place in the final. 

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