Andy Murray thinks his week in Qatar was good prep for Melbourne
Monday 9 January 2017 12:32, UK
World No 1 Andy Murray remains optimistic he can claim a first Australian Open title this year, despite losing to Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open final on Saturday.
The world's top two players could be set for some stirring battles in 2017 and served up a treat in Qatar as Djokovic eventually prevailed 6-3 5-7 6-4 in a match which lasted almost three hours.
Murray saved three match points in the second set and thinks his week in the Middle East has warmed him up nicely for the year's first Grand Slam event.
"Physically it was a good test to start the year, and I did good there," he said.
"Obviously I am disappointed not to win, but I played pretty good the last couple of the matches.
"My body feels all right just now, so that's positive. It was a little bit sore earlier in the week after the first couple of matches, but I felt better each day and I think it is positive.
"I still think there are things I can do better, because I wasn't that clinical on break points this week, which maybe comes with playing a few more matches.
"I still think I have a chance of winning the Australian Open after tonight. I don't think that changes."
Djokovic has won the Australian Open six times, including the past two years, and is drawing plenty of encouragement from his win over the man who wrested the No 1 ranking from him towards the end of last season.
"We both felt like, if every match we are going to play against each other is going to be this way this season, we are going to have a fun time," Djokovic said.
"This was the best scenario I could ask for at the beginning of the season, playing all five matches in this tournament, and then three hours against the No 1 of the world, biggest rival, and winning in a thrilling marathon match.
"It is something that definitely can serve as a positive incentive for what's coming up in Australia."
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