Karatsev Stops Murray’s Title Bid In Sydney
Andy Murray’s hope for a first title in over two years was derailed Saturday in Sydney where Aslan Karatsev topped the former No. 1 with relative ease 6-3, 6-3.
Karatsev never dropped serve en route to his third career title, all of which have come during the last year.
“To start a season with a title, it’s a good start and good preparation for Australian Open. Yeah, to get some confidence beginning of the year, it’s always good,” Karatsev said.
Karatsev will now try to defend his semifinal run from last year. But thanks to his other results, he’ll stay among the top even with an early loss.
“Definitely it give energy, confidence, especially when I was supposed to play ATP Cup,” said Karatsev who missed the ATP Cup due to COVID. “I didn’t. So to start the year with the title and I arrive to Melbourne already in winning matches, tournament, it’s for sure give some confidence.”
For Murray, it was a great week that gives him encouragement in his first Sydney event.
“I’d like to congratulate Aslan on a fantastic week,” Murray told the crowd. “I know he also arrived here late in Australia, he was recovering from COVID, so even more impressive to come back straight away and play at that level. Good job and all the best for the Aussie Open,” Murray said after receiving the runner-up trophy.
“I’d like to thank my team who are here for all of their help this week. It’s my first time back in the finals for three years, it’s been a long road to get back here but I couldn’t have done it without all of your help so thank you.
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