The ATP Doha: Alexander Zverev concedes defeat to Andy Murray in the round of 16

After a tight first set, which Murray won narrowly 7:5 in a tie-break, Zverev took the lead.

The Olympic champion now outplayed his opponent and used two of his four break opportunities.

In the third set, the round of 16 is completely back in balance. The (preliminary) decision was made in the 11th game when Murray’s break made it 6:5. The 35-year-old then used his second match ball on his serve.

“It makes a huge difference to the players when we get a lot of energy and a great atmosphere from the fans. I hope it stays that way for the rest of the week, but of course I enjoyed it tonight in that atmosphere to play,” Murray explained after the match.

In direct comparison with the Scotsman, he is now 1:3 in view of Zverev, who won the final duel of the 2021 season at the ATP Championships in Indian Wells.

Zverev was last eliminated in Rotterdam in the round of 16. The former world number two, who is still looking for his best after a severe ankle injury last June, had previously missed out on qualifying for the group stage with Germany in the Davis Cup.