"Outstanding clutch performer" - Tennis journalist praises Andy Murray for Novak Djokovic-like resilience under pressure after Qatar Open heroics

Andy Murray has proved to be an 'outstanding performer' under extreme pressure, much like Novak Djokovic, according to leading tennis journalist Steve Flink. Flink praised Murray for never giving up and coming up trumps by saving match points on multiple occasions already this season.

Murray has won six matches so far this season, all of which have been decided in the final set. In three of those six matches, the Brit superstar saved match points to win - against Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open and then against Lorenzo Sonego and Jiri Lehecka at last week's Qatar Open.

Referring to Murray's views on how his long-time rival Novak Djokovic is often able to produce similar stunning comebacks, Flink showered praise on Murray after his Qatar Open campaign, where he reached the final.

"He (Andy Murray) talked afterwards about Djokovic and how Djokovic has this mindset and how many times Novak has saved match points. He's not putting himself alongside Novak but he is showing himself to be an outstanding clutch performer, especially these days," Flink said on the 'Court-Side with Beilinson Tennis' podcast.

Flink further expressed his excitement to see if Murray can keep up his good run of form going forward, particularly because he is climbing back up the rankings. The three-time Grand Slam champion rose to No. 52 in the ATP rankings after the Qatar Open.

"Let's see if he can keep going because he's got himself just outside the top-50 in the world. He was rewarded for his hard work this week and clutch efforts.

The International Tennis Hall of Famer believes Murray was impressive in the final in Doha against Daniil Medvedev, despite a 4-6, 4-6 loss, and lauded him for putting up a fight in the final after a taxing few matches in the build-up.

"Despite all that, he acquitted himself well in the final, it was 4 and 4 against Medvedev. Medvedev was winning his second title in a row, he's back in his stellar form. Andy put on a good show in the final," Flink added.

Andy Murray pulls out of Dubai Tennis Championships 2023

Andy Murray in action at the 2023 Qatar Open.

After a hectic Qatar Open campaign, Andy Murray pulled out of this week's Dubai Tennis Championships earlier on Monday. The 35-year-old suffered a hip issue during the tournament in Doha, forcing him to withdraw from Dubai, according to a statement released by the tournament. The two-time Wimbledon champion is expected to be fit in time for the Indian Wells Masters.

"Andy has been dealing with a recurring hip injury that has unfortunately forced him out of Dubai. We wish Andy a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court in Dubai soon," read a statement from the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Murray's withdrawal from Dubai means that his potential quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic will once again not take place. The two great rivals have not faced each other since 2017. While they were set to meet at the Madrid Masters last year, Murray withdrew shortly before the Round of 16 clash.