DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Tulad ng inaasahan, naisaayos nina defending champion Novak Djokovic at No.1 seed Andy Murray ang championship duel sa Qatar Open.

Ginapi ni Djokovic si Fernando Verdasco, habang naungusan ni Murray si Tomas Berdych nitong Biyernes (Sabado sa Manila).

Naisalba ni Djokovic ang pahirapang laro tungo sa 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3 panalo kontra sa 42nd-ranked na si Verdasco.

Magaan naman ang nagging biyahe ni Murray laban sa No.3 seed na Czeck superstar, 6-3, 6-4.

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

“It’s a great match against Novak to look forward to,” pahayag ni Murray.

“This has been the perfect week to get ready for the Australian Open.”

Sa huling tatlong pagkakarap sa torneo, tinalo ni Djokovic, kabilang ang season-ending ATP Finals, ngunit tangan ng Serb ang 24-11 career record kontra Murray.

“We have always very physical battles, long rallies, entertaining matches,” sambit ng second-ranked na si Djokovic, nagwagi kay Murray sa nakalipas na French Open final. “Between one and two in the world, it’s a perfect matchup.”