Qatar Open 2023 Final: Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick

Match Details

Fixture: (wc) Andy Murray vs (3) Daniil Medvedev

Date: February 25, 2023

Tournament: Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Round: Final

Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha

Category: ATP 250

Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt

Prize money: $1,377,025

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video

Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev preview

Andy Murray more than justified his wildcard tag to book a final date at the Qatar Open with third seed Daniil Medvedev.

The world No. 70 rose from the brink for the second time in four matches this week, saving a whopping five match points to down Jiri Lehecka in a third-set tiebreak. He saved three match points against Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.

Having played three set three-setters to reach the last four, the three-time Grand Slam champion appeared set to buck the trend when he took the opening set 6-0. Lehecka, though, came storming back into the contest, restoring parity by conceding only three games in the second.

In a competitive third set, Murray saved two match points serving at 3-5 and then three in a row at 4-5 0-40 down on his opponent's serve. The Scot won the ensuing tiebreak to live to fight another day - reaching his first ATP title match since June last year.

Meanwhile, world No. 8 Medvedev had a far less scenic route to the final. The reigning Rotterdam champion saw off Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets to reach his second straight final, having won his last eight matches.

The former World No. 1 is now an impressive 13-2 on the season as he eyes his second title in as many weeks and 17th overall.

Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev head-to-head

Murray is yet to win a set in two previous meetings against Medvedev, who leads his H2H with the Scot 2-0. Their last meeting was in the Miami Masters first round last year.

Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev odds

Player	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total games (over and under)
Andy Murray	+425	+1.5 (+145)	Under 20.5 (-135)
Daniil Medvedev	-650	-1.5 (-210)	Over 20.5 (-105)

The odds are as per BetMGM.

Andy Murray vs Daniil Medvedev prediction

Andy Murray has struggled to regain his old form since his hip surgery five years ago. However, he has rolled back the years this week in Doha, bringing his legendary fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude to the fore.

Despite his exploits this week, he faces a tough challenge against Medvedev, one of the world's best counterpunchers. The Russian also serves big and hits powerfully on either flank.

On paper, it looks like a bad matchup for Murray, which is exacerbated further by the latter's court time this week. The Scot could be too fatigued to put up a stern challenge in the title match.

Prediction: Medvedev in straight sets

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Yasho Amonkar