DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Naidepensa ni Novak Djokovic ang Qatar Open title sa pahirapang panalo, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, kontra top-seeded Andy Murray nitong Linggo.

Umabot sa dalawang oras at 54 minuto ang klasikong duwelo nang dalawang premyadong tennis player sa kanilang henerasyon.

“Best scenario I could ask for for beginning of the season,” pahayag ni Djokovic.

“Playing all five matches in this tournament and then three hours against No. 1 of the world, (my) biggest rival, and winning in a thrilling marathon match is something that definitely can serve as a positive incentive for what’s coming up in Australia.

'Pikon daw?' UAAP fan na nag-dirty finger, agaw-eksena sa San Juan Arena!

“It’s only the beginning of the season, so we had a little laugh at the net actually about it. We both felt like if every match we’re going to play against each other is going to be this way this season, we’re going to have a fun time,” aniya.

Bunsod ng kabiguan, naputol ang 28-match winning streak ni Murray na nagsimula noong Sept. 18.

“Physically, it was a good test to start the year,” sambit ni Murray.

“My body feels all right just now, so that’s positive. Still think there are things I can do better. I wasn’t that clinical on break points this week, which maybe that comes with playing a few more matches.”

Liyamado at paborito ang dalawa na muling magtatagpo sa Australian Open – unang Grand Slam event sa taon – na magsisimula sa Enero 16.