Andy Murray still remembers his Dubai win over Roger Federer, noting that 2009 was the year he “played really well” in the United Arab Emirates. Murray, now 35, defeated Federer 6-7 6-2 6-2 in the 2009 Dubai semifinal. After beating Federer, Murray also defeated former world number 1 Andy Roddick 6-4 6-2 in the Dubai final.
“I remember beating Federer here one year. I played a very good match against him. And I also played a very good final one year against Roddick. It might have been the same year that I played Federer, I think in the semi-finals, and Roddick in the final.
I played very well that year,” Murray was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda. In 2017, Murray reached the Dubai final before losing to Novak Djokovic. Last year, Murray returned to Dubai for the first time since 2017. Murray defeated Taro Daniel in his Dubai debut last year, before Roberto Bautista Agut demolished him 6-0 6-1.
Now, Murray reveals that last year around this time was one of his lowest moments on the court. “I remember very clearly the match I played here last year against Bautista Agut. It was one of the lowest moments of my career. I had a very bad time.
I had some physical problems, but my game wasn’t good either. Yes, I had very little confidence and believed very little in myself at the time, so I remember that match as well,” Murray revealed. For his part, Murray prevailed in a thrilling match at his debut in Dubai.
On Monday, Murray saved three match points to beat Lorenzo Sonego in the first round in Dubai 4-6 6-1 7-6(4). At the start of the season, Murray has already had a couple of hard-fought victories. For Murray, it’s a good sign, as he dreams of making at least one more big tournament before retiring.
Wawrinka on his compatriot Roger Federer
The ‘Big 3’ debate has long divided tennis fans, and Stan Wawrinka has now weighed in on the discussion. “They are different personalities and players. If we’re just talking about the game, for me Roger Federer it’s really talent, ease and touch.
Rafael Nadal it’s strength, power and Novak Djokovic is a bit of perfection,” the 2016 US Open winner said. “It’s true that when you play Rafa in the Roland Garros final, for me it’s one of the most difficult challenges about what I’ve been able to experience in my career,” Wawrinka said.
