Former World No. 1 Andy Murray stormed into the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open breezing past Alexander Zverev 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-5 after a gruelling three hours and three minutes encounter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Murray, a two-time winner at this event, took a rollercoaster opening set in the tie-break before being blown away in the second, but he earned the only break of the decider at a crucial moment late on before serving out successfully for a win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It makes a big difference for the players when we come and get a lot of energy and a great atmosphere from the crowd," Murray was quoted by ATP Tour website. "Hopefully that continues the rest of the week, but I obviously enjoyed playing in that atmosphere tonight."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Scot was also made to work hard in the first round to battle past Italian Lorenzo Sonego in a final-set tie-break. He will next play French qualifier Alexandre Muller, who upset eighth seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-4.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Not so familiar, but he's obviously had a good week this week coming through qualifying. He will have played four matches now, so obviously likes these conditions," Murray said about his quarterfinal opponent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"My coach will obviously watch video and stuff tonight to get a bit more familiar with his game, but it's an opportunity for me in the quarters tomorrow and time to rest up and get ready for that one," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Not so familiar, but he's obviously had a good week this week coming through qualifying. He will have played four matches now, so obviously likes these conditions," Murray said about his quarterfinal opponent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n