Murray, Verdasco To Meet In Dubai Final
Andy Murray will seek his second career title in Dubai later today as he takes on Fernando Verdasco. Murray, who saved 7 match points in a win over Philipp Kohlschreiber on Thursday, had a much easier time beating Lucas Pouille 7-5, 6-1 yesterday.
“It was tough. I don’t think it was the best match, but there was some good stuff in there, middle and towards the end of the first set,” said Murray. “I think potentially matches yesterday had something to do with that, because I think sometimes, if your legs are a little bit tired, that the serve is one of the first things that goes.”
In the final, which is Murray’s 7th in his last 8 events, it will be Verdasco. The Spaniard rolled Robin Haase in the third set with a 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 victory.
“It was a really tough match,” Verdasco said. “I needed to be there until the last point, and I think that game at 4-1, recovering break points, gave me a push of confidence and energy. Near the end I just played unbelievable. I’m really happy to be in the final, and will try to recover and to be as ready as possible for tomorrow.”
Murray leads Verdasco 12-1 in their head-to-head.
“He’s had a pretty good start to the year. Obviously tough draw in Australia, but he played well in Doha. Had the match points against Novak. Couldn’t quite get that one done, but I think he played very well there.
“Obviously this week he’s had some good wins. I think where the balls are fairly heavy here on a quick court, he can generate a lot of power, he can control the ball. And when he’s dictating the points, he’s one of the best in the world at doing that.”
Murray is trying to become the first British champion in 25-year history of event and also claim his 45th career title. Verdasco is seeking an 8th title and first since Bucharest last year. The lefty is also bidding to beat a World No. 1 for a first time in 12 tries (0-4 vs Roger Federer, 0-4 vs Rafael Nadal, 0-3 vs Novak Djokovic).
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