2023 Recap

 Daniil Medevedev scripted a straight sets 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Briton Andy Murray to win the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in his debut attempt on Saturday, February 26, 2023.

The Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final of the 31st edition of the annual tournament, which was held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

Qatar Tennis, Squash, and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) President Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, QTSBF Secretary-General Tariq Zainal, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Dominic Genetti, Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil Neil Chapman, and Tournament Director Karim Alami were present at the awards ceremony.

The triumph also signifies Medvedev's unbeaten record against the former World No.1, as he has now emerged victorious in all three encounters between them. Furthermore, the victory marks the Russian player's second ATP title in just one week, following his previous win in Rotterdam.

Medvedev, who now has 17 career titles, expressed his thoughts on the challenging match, acknowledging the windy conditions that made it difficult for both players to find their rhythm on his second serve. The intense battle lasted for one hour and 46 minutes, captivating the full house at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

“I’m happy to win. And the match was a big fight for both of us. Sometimes we were playing bad, then suddenly both of us were playing amazing, and I’m happy to win,” the 27-year-old said after putting an end to Murray’s four-match-winning streak, all of which were thrilling three setters.

 “I managed to find this momentum in Rotterdam. My first two matches there were tough. I didn’t feel good before the tournament and then started from quarters against Felix (Auger-Aliassime). I started to find my rhythm. I started to play really well, serving and moving better. Even today, it was tough for Andy too to put the ball through many times,” Medvedev said before adding that he will try to continue his momentum.

 “And now the question is: is it going to continue? So I’m going to try as long as I can,” Medvedev said before receiving the Golden Falcon trophy.

 Murray, the former 'Big Four' star and two-time Qatar ExxonMobil Open champion, expressed his satisfaction with his impressive performance in Doha, despite his loss in the final.

 "It has been an extraordinary week," Murray, who reached a record fifth final in Doha, stated.

"Although it didn't end the way I wanted, I had some remarkable matches here, creating wonderful memories. It feels fantastic to be back in a final and competing against an exceptional player like Daniel today. He is one of my favorite players to watch and undoubtedly one of the best on the tour," Murray expressed during the presentation ceremony.

 Throughout his four matches in Doha, Murray spent over 12 hours on the court.

 "Undoubtedly, there are areas for me to improve upon, but I am proud of my performance this week and the hard work that both my team and I have invested to bring me back to this stage," Murray stated. He had to take a break from the sport in 2017 due to an injury and underwent hip resurfacing surgery in 2019.