Murray Wins Qatar Open
7th January, 2008
Andy Murray has started 2008 in style by winning the Qatar Open against Switzerland’s Stranislas Wawrinka to claim his fourth career title.
It was a nervy start for both players, with five breaks of serve in the first set – three going to Murray to clinch the first set 6-4. The match settled in the second, with Wawrinka levelling the match in the 10th game, breaking Murray’s serve to make it 6-4. The final set was stronger on Murray’s part, with two breaks of serve giving him a 6-4 4-6 6-2 victory.
"It's good to win another title and it's been great preparation for the Australian Open," said Murray, who had been seeded third in the tournament.
"But Stan played pretty good and made me do a lot of running. I don't know how much longer I could have run for. I did a lot of running and I am going to be stiff tomorrow, but I am really happy that I came through."
The win comes after Murray changed his management/coach from highly rated Brad Gilbert to a new team of coaches.
"Murray improved a lot last year, and I think he's going to be much better," said Wawrinka. "It's very difficult to play against him, to come to the net or to stay back."
The Scot is now fourth favourite 14/1 with Bet 365 to win Wimbledon 2008.
