Karatsev wins third career title, beats valiant Murray in Sydney final
The Russian won his first-ever meeting with the three-time Grand Slam champion
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 15: Aslan Karatsev of Russia holds up the winners trophy after the Sydney Classic Tennis men’s singles final between Andy Murray of Great Britain and Aslan Karatsev of Russia at Ken Rosewall Arena on January 15, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. || 218012_0021
Sydney Tennis Classic | Draw
Aslan Karatsev won the third title of his career as he beat former world No 1 Andy Murray 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic.
It marked almost a year since the Russian first shot to attention with his run to the semi-finals of the 2021 Australian Open – and it will stand him in good stead ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam, which begins on Monday.
“Definitely it give[s] energy, confidence, especially when I was supposed to play ATP Cup and I didn’t,” he told his press conference. “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.”
Karatsev – Murray is unbelievable
The 28-year-old was always in control against his British opponent, showing few signs of nerves until his first match point, where he promptly served his first double fault of the evening.
Karatsev was, however, quick to pay tribute to Murray in his press conference afterwards.
“What he does, for me it’s unbelievable. Especially to play against him, well, I’m arriving a bit late to this kind of level, but especially to get this kind of player, one of the greatest player in the world and all time, like, for me it was really important match to play against this kind of player,” he said.
“What he does, it’s unbelievable to come back. I think it’s a huge comeback from him to play at this level after what he has in the past like with the injury.”
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