Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka LIVE: Qatar Open score and updates from deciding set
Andy Murray hopes to continue his run at the Qatar Open as he faces rising star Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals this afternoon.
Murray fought from a set down to defeat Alexandre Muller in the quarter-finals on Thursday to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final since June last year.
That victory came after a win against Alexander Zverev on Wednesday after Murray was forced to save three match points in his opening match with Lorenzo Sonego.
The 21-year-old Lehecka will be another tough opponent. He defeated top seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals after bursting onto the scene at the Australian Open last month. In that tournament the Czech defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime and Cameron Norrie to reach the quarter-finals of the grand slam - where he lost to Stefanos Tsitisias.
Follow along for live updates as Andy Murray attempts to reach the Qatar Open final:
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka
Andy Murray takes on Jiri Lehecka in the Qatar Open semi-finals with the start time at 2.30pm
SECOND SET LEHECKA! Murray 6-0, 3-6 Lehecka - Lehecka fights back to force a third set
OPENING SET MURRAY! Murray 6-0 Lehecka - Emphatic Murray takes first set to love
Murray has won all three of his previous matches across three sets
Lehecka defeated number one seed Andrey Rublev in quarter-finals
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 5-5 Jiri Lehecka* - Murray breaks!
16:52 , Michael Jones
Advantage Murray! Lehecka hooks what should be a simple forehand into the net.
Game Murray! The Czech smokes one wide of court and squares up the third set.
It’s on. The great escape is on for Andy Murray.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 4-5 Jiri Lehecka*
16:51 , Michael Jones
Murray takes the second one too! Lehecka comes up to the net but Murray is equal to the task. He goes for a passing winner and the Czech can only loft a return over the back of court.
40-30.
Murray does it again! Three match points saved. The Scot gets on top, forces Lehecka wide then finds the open space on the opposite side of court.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 4-5 Jiri Lehecka*
16:49 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka has been so good on his own serve. He wins the first two points having stormed up to the net and volleyed winners past Murray.
30-0.
The fist pump comes out as Lehecka moves to 40-0 and gives himself three match points.
Murray saves the first one as Lehecka smokes a backhand into the net.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 4-5 Jiri Lehecka
16:45 , Michael Jones
Brilliant from Murray!
He saves match point twice before a forehand winner puts him to advantage. The next rally sees Lehecka go long and Murray holds serve.
The great escape isn’t on is it?
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 3-5 Jiri Lehecka
16:42 , Michael Jones
Murray and Lehecka go toe-to-toe with each and work the game up to 30-30 before Lehecka sets up a match point.
Murray targets his backhand and Lehecka seems comfortable before pumping one too long!
Deuce.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 3-5 Jiri Lehecka*
16:37 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka is confident. He’s bobbing up and down on the spot before each serve and is moving fluidly around the court to meet Murray’s returns.
A miraculous Murray escape doesn’t seem likely this time. Lehecka holds serve without too much trouble.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 3-4 Jiri Lehecka
16:34 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray cuts the deficit with a quick and commanding hold of serve in the final set. Jiri Lehecka is two games away from a spot in hs first ever final.
Will he get there?
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 2-4 Jiri Lehecka*
16:29 , Michael Jones
Lehecka holds! The placement from the 21-year-old is brilliant and lands right in the corner making Murray hurry around the back of court.
Two rallies end in winners for the Czech who moves two games ahead in the final set.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 2-3 Jiri Lehecka*
16:28 , Michael Jones
This feels like the big game of the match. Jiri Lehecka wins the opening point but errs in the next rally and a guides a simple return it the net.
15-15.
A pacey serve sees an equally good return from Murray, Lehecka sprints across to half-volley a forehand across court and force Murray into a defensive lob shot.
Lehecka waits for it to bounce then smashes home the winner.
30-15.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 2-3 Jiri Lehecka - Lehecka breaks!
16:24 , Michael Jones
Oh Jiri Lehecka. It’s as if the disappointment of losing the last game is fuelling him. He’s got all the answers for Andy Murray’s serve and meets them with powerful return strokes.
Four points in a row for the Czech sees him storm to another break of serve. If he holds now it’ll put him on the brink of a spot in the final.
Murray has to dig deep once again.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 2-2 Jiri Lehecka* - Murray breaks!
16:22 , Michael Jones
Brilliant response from Murray who claws the break back immediately. The third set is back on level terms.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-2 Jiri Lehecka*
16:19 , Michael Jones
Game on! A double fault from Lehecka draws the game level at deuce. Can Murray break back from here?
Maybe not. Lehecka pushes Murray behind the baseline then follows up with a drop shot to move to advantage.
He can’t make it count though and pumps a backhand over the back.
Back to deuce.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-2 Jiri Lehecka*
16:17 , Michael Jones
What is Andy Murray thinking here? He has the fortitude to win from such positions but Jiri Lehecka is in great rhythm. Two forehands, one that fizzes down the line and another across court take the Czech into the lead in the fourth game.
He’s one point away from a hold but messes up and volleys a backhander into the net. 40-30.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-2 Jiri Lehecka - Lehecka breaks!
16:13 , Michael Jones
Deuce! Jiri Lehecka is not letting this one go. He senses that Murray is there for the taking in this game and wants the break.
Murray goes wide and offers up a break point.
Lehecka takes it! Or rather Andy Murray makes the error. A lengthy rally ends with Murray bombing a forehand into the net. Rightly, he’s fuming with that effort.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-1 Jiri Lehecka
16:08 , Michael Jones
Murray starts his next service game by going down the line, Lehecka tries to work it back but the ball scuttles off his racket and dribbles into the net.
15-0.
Lehecka then takes the next rally! Murray fails to capitalise on a smash and the Czech wins it with a powerful backhand that forces Murray into the net.
15-15.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-1 Jiri Lehecka*
16:06 , Michael Jones
Lehecka is right on it from his serve. He’s built up his speed and now is switching it up from the going down the T and firing them out wide.
In the end it’s a comfortable gold hold of serve.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 1-0 Jiri Lehecka
16:03 , Michael Jones
Game Murray! He targets Lehecka’s backhand from the serve and the Czech drills his return over the back of court.
Murray holds serve.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka
16:02 , Michael Jones
Lehecka has grown beautifully into this match. He’s now winning points when coming up to the net and flicks a forehand drop wide of Murray to draw level at 30-30.
The crowd is back on Murray’s side as he moves into the lead once more. 40-30.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka
15:59 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray has the slight advantage in that he’s serving first in this deciding set. Lehecka smacks a forehand into the net to give Murrary the opening point.
This game might be a crucial one. Murray will want to hold serve.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-6 Jiri Lehecka* - Lehecka takes the second set!
15:56 , Michael Jones
Brilliant from Jiri Lehecka who rattles through the next three points and claims the set.
For the fourth time this week Andy Murray will play a three set match in Qatar.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-5 Jiri Lehecka*
15:54 , Michael Jones
He’s got it!
A brilliant rally sees Murray step up to the net and deal with Lehecka’s powerful strokes. Lehecka fizzes on across court and Murray has to stretch for his backhand volley.
He gets there and nails it into the deck. 15-30.
Andy Murray 6-0, 3-5 Jiri Lehecka*
15:53 , Michael Jones
The first point goes to Lehecka as Murray sends the ball out of play. 15-0.
The Scot responds and forces an error out of Lehecka who pushes a forehand too long. 15-15.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 3-5 Jiri Lehecka
15:51 , Michael Jones
If there’s one thing we know about Andy Murray is that he doesn’t give up on anything. He’ll do his very best to take this set to the end and competently holds serve.
Lehecka has the chance to serve out the set now though, Murray needs to break.
Andy Murray 6-0, 2-5 Jiri Lehecka*
15:47 , Michael Jones
Lehecka targets Murray’s forehand and pins him in the corner whilst coming up to the net. The Czech volleys over a drop shot winner before closing out the game!
He’s just one game away from taking the second set and levelling this match.
Andy Murray 6-0, 2-4 Jiri Lehecka*
15:44 , Michael Jones
Lehecka saves the first one with a well worked forehand across court. He goes again and forces Murray wide. Murray has to slice over his return and floats it too long.
Deuce!
Andy Murray 6-0, 2-4 Jiri Lehecka*
15:43 , Michael Jones
‘Come on Andy!’ comes a shout fromthe crowd as Lehecka goes slightly long and opens the door for Murray. He moves 15-30 in front before nicking the next point too after a faulty first serve from the Czech.
Two break points for Murray.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 2-4 Jiri Lehecka
15:41 , Michael Jones
That’s the first error from Lehecka in a while. He attempts to go down the line with his forehand and pushes the ball slightly wide. He gestures afterwards that perhaps the wind played a part there.
Murray holds! He keeps ticking along but needs to make a move against the serve of Lehecka.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 1-4 Jiri Lehecka
15:39 , Michael Jones
A stark contrast to the first set is that Jiri Lehecka is launching himself at Murray’s second serves. After the Scot wins the next point he misses out on his first serve and Lehecka smashes a return past him.
15-15.
Andy Murray 6-0, 1-4 Jiri Lehecka*
15:37 , Michael Jones
Game Lehecka.
The 21-year-old is flying through his service games now and moves even further in front during the second set. Murray needs a break to get back into this one.
First though he has to hold serve.
Andy Murray 6-0, 1-3 Jiri Lehecka*
15:35 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka has certainly found his range from the serve. Pace, power and accuracy all combine to send him 40-0 ahead. The Czech then sends Murray scrambling to the left but he hooks a fine backhand over the net and Lehecka’s return hits the net.
40-15.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 1-3 Jiri Lehecka
15:33 , Michael Jones
Game Murray! Nice hold of serve from Murray to get on the board in the second set.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 0-3 Jiri Lehecka
15:33 , Michael Jones
Fightback from Lehecka. He jumps onto a serve a drills a backhander down the line to get on the board in this game before being worked wide to the left.
The Czech slices one just over the top as Murray comes forward but the Scot’s volley lands in the net. 40-30.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 0-3 Jiri Lehecka
15:30 , Michael Jones
Great start. Murray steps up to the net from his opening serve and rattles a forehand winner past Lehecka. He follows up with some spinning backhands in the next rally and Lehecka fires one over the back of court.
30-0.
Andy Murray 6-0, 0-3 Jiri Lehecka*
15:28 , Michael Jones
There’s confidence flowing out of Lehecka now. His serve is sharp and accurate and he rattles off consecutive aces to fly through the third game of the second set.
Work for Murray to do now. He needs to hold serve here.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 0-2 Jiri Lehecka - Lehecka breaks!
15:26 , Michael Jones
There’s a different feel to this match now. Lechecka has finally joined the party. He strikes a sweet backhand down the line to set up a break point.
He takes it! Murray strays too straight and Lehecka unleashes a powerful forehand to the back corner. Murray gets it back but can’t control the return and pumps it too long.
It’s a break of serve.
*Andy Murray 6-0, 0-1 Jiri Lehecka
15:23 , Michael Jones
Wonderful! Murray serves wide to Lehecka’s forehand but the Czech gets there and whips his wrists over the shot smoking it across court and taking the point 0-15.
Murray doesn’t let Lehecka’s renewed vigour get to him and responds by taking the next two points to move back into the lead.
30-15.
Andy Murray 6-0, 0-1 Jiri Lehecka*
15:21 , Michael Jones
Game Lehecka. The first game of the second set goes his way as he closes it out to love. The Czech is finally on the board, he’ll put up more of a fight in this set.
That’s a guarantee.
Andy Murray 6-0, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
15:20 , Michael Jones
Mistake from Murray! Lehecka wins the first point thanks to a pacey serve then is put on the defensive. He floats a backhand over the net and Murray lets it go as he comes up to the net.
He thinks it’s going long but the ball bounces in and Lehecka takes the point. 30-0.
15:18 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray 6-0, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
15:16 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka has left court to reset mind and body. There are murmurings that he may have a problem with his shoulder as his serving speeds are down from yesterday.
We’ll see if anything comes from that.
*Andy Murray 6-0 Jiri Lehecka - Murray takes first set
15:14 , Michael Jones
Top class. That was absolutely emphatic from Andy Murray. He was gifted a whole heap of points from Jiri Lehecka who just couldn’t find any rhythm.
The Czech needs to dig deep and produce in the second set or else he’s facing elimination.
*Andy Murray 5-0 Jiri Lehecka
15:13 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray forces Jiri Lehecka onto the back foot but the Czech manages to flick back a looping return. Murray fails to take advantage and pulls a forehand wide to give away the first point of the game.
He responds brilliantly though and rattles off two quick rallies to move back in front. 30-15.
Andy Murray 5-0 Jiri Lehecka* - Murray breaks!
15:09 , Michael Jones
That’s good! Lehecka whips a forehand down the line after forcing Murray wide and sets up a game point. Murray responds with some powerful hits of his own and forces the Czech to drill a return into the net.
Deuce.
Incredible! Lehecka had a chance to win that game but Murray takes another one from deuce. What a fantastic start to this match for the 35-year-old.
Andy Murray 4-0 Jiri Lehecka*
15:07 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka needs to change tact. He’s backed himself to over power Murray so far but the Scot’s defence is really good.
Murray is gifted a couple of points to move 0-30 ahead in the fifth game but a wayward slice and a failed lob brings Lehecka back into the game.
30-30.
*Andy Murray 4-0 Jiri Lehecka
15:04 , Michael Jones
Game Murray! It only takes one more serve for Murray to close out the match. That’s four games in a row for him now. He’s closing in on taking the first set.
*Andy Murray 3-0 Jiri Lehecka
15:03 , Michael Jones
Lehecka fails to return another second serve from Murray giving the Scot a firm grip on this game too. He flies into a 40-15 lead before Lehecka storms up to the net and smashes a winner back at winner.
40-30.
*Andy Murray 3-0 Jiri Lehecka
15:00 , Michael Jones
This is Andy Murray’s fifth semi-final in Doha in seven appearances. Will he reach the final? He’s got this match off to a perfect start by winning the opening three games including two breaks of serve.
A backhand return from Lehecka finds the net and Murray wins the opening point for the fourth game. 15-0.
Andy Murray 3-0 Jiri Lehecka* - Murray breaks!
14:58 , Michael Jones
Lehecka hasn’t really got into the match yet - certainly not to the levels he reached yesterday. An overhit forehand from Murray sends the ball too long and he draws level at 15-15 in the game.
Lovely! Murray takes the next two points two. His cross court forehand is powerful and accurate, Lehecka hasn’t got an answer to that yet.
Break of serve! Four points in a run for Murray sees him break the Czech for a second time in the first set.
*Andy Murray 2-0 Jiri Lehecka
14:55 , Michael Jones
Deuce! Three break points save by Andy Murray who quickly moves to advantage in the game after Lehecka fails to return his first serve.
Murray holds! Lehecka bombs another shot into the net and that gives Andy Murray the advantage in the first set.
*Andy Murray 1-0 Jiri Lehecka
14:53 , Michael Jones
That’s not what Murray wanted. A double fault sets Lehecka up with three break points but the Czech fizzes one wide in the next rally.
15-40.
That’s good! A roll of the wrists from Murray sends a forehand return slightly wider and Lehecka has to stretch to reach the ball. He gets there but sends the return into the net.
30-40.
*Andy Murray 1-0 Jiri Lehecka
14:51 , Michael Jones
Can Andy Murray hold serve and complete the break?
He miscues a forehand down the line into the net to give Jiri Lehecka the opening point of the second game. 0-15.
Murray then faults off his first serve and allows Lehecka into the rally. The Czech works Murray from side-to-side before dinking a drop shot over the net and winning the point with a follow up lob.
0-30.
Andy Murray 1-0 Jiri Lehecka* - Murray breaks!
14:48 , Michael Jones
Murray has defended this opening game well. He’s focused on keeping the ball in play but there’s a pace to his returns that Lehecka hasn’t got the feeling of.
Lehecka drills a backhand into the net then goes wide and from deuce Murray takes the opening game. It’s an early break!
Perfect start for the Scot.
Andy Murray 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
14:46 , Michael Jones
Lehecka’s faults so far have come from his forehand, especially when it smokes it hard in an attempted winner. Two or three times he’s pumped it long now.
The Czech misses the chance to take the game as Andy Murray twice claws this opening game back to deuce.
Andy Murray 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
14:44 , Michael Jones
Lehecka fizzes down an ace to get his first point on the board but Murray responds by taking the next rally and setting up two early break points.
He can’t take them though and knocks a couple of strokes long to bring the first game level at deuce.
Andy Murray 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
14:42 , Michael Jones
Jiri Lehecka opens the serving in the first set and gives the point away to Andy Murray. He follows it up with a flurry of forehands before attempting a powerful winner and sending it wide.
0-30. Good start for Murray.
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka
14:34 , Michael Jones
Here comes Andy Murray. He’s the first to step out onto court and receives a warm welcome from the crowd. Murray has won this tournament twice but he comes into the match as the underdog today.
Jiri Lehecka has reached the semi-final stage of this competition on his first ever attempt.
As the players start to go through their warm-up routines it’s safe to say that the crowd is backing Murray to win.
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka
14:30 , Michael Jones
Coverage of this semi-final starts at 2.30pm on Amazon Prime. Murray is hoping to dig deep once again and make it through to the Qatar Open final but he’ll face a tough test againast Jiri Lehecka who defeated the number one seed Andrey Rublev yesterday.
Murray on defeating Muller yesterday
14:24 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray fought back to claim a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Alexandre Muller yesterday at the Qatar Open and spoke after the match about how he found the will to stay in the match.
“I had to start going for my shots a lot more. In the first set, I wasn’t doing enough with the ball, he was dictating the points and making me run.” he said,
“I’ve played a lot of tennis the past few months, so that didn’t give me the best chance to win. I became more attacking, came to the net more when I had the chance to step up.
“He [Muller] has had an excellent tournament, coming through qualifying. He’s had good wins over years, beating Gasquet and Tsonga, so I knew it would be a tough match. He plays very well and with more experience, hopefully he will be here more often.”
Murray aiming for more than Qatar Open title
14:18 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray says that he would love to win the Qatar Open this year but has other goals he’s targeting. Murray, who triumphed in Doha in 2008 and 2009, said:
“I would love to win one [title]but I have goals to achieve more than that. I am putting myself in a position now to do that going into the last couple of matches.
“I feel like these last few weeks are a step in the right direction and if I continue to play and compete like I am now, that I will have not just one opportunity to win a title but I will have more chances to do that in this last stage of my career.”
Andy Murray on facing Jiri Lehecka
14:12 , Michael Jones
“He is one of the best young players on the tour, it’ll be a big test for me,” said former world number one Andy Murray.
“He has started the year extremely well, did well at the Australian Open and hits a huge ball.”
Lehecka on his impressive start to the season
14:06 , Michael Jones
“These past two months have been very great for me,” Lehecka said in his on-court interview after beating Rublev yesterday.
“I was very looking forward to playing here in Doha on this beautfiul centre court, so I am very happy with the win and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka latest odds
14:00 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray to win: 19/13
Jiri Lehecka to win: 8/13
How can I watch it?
13:55 , Michael Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch a live stream of the Qatar Open match on Amazon Prime Video.
What time is Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka?
13:52 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray’s match against Jiri Lehecka is the second match on centre court at the Qatar Open, with a scheduled start of around 2:30pm GMT at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.
Novak Djokovic gives update on plans to compete in the US unvaccinated
13:45 , Michael Jones
In other news in the world of tennis, Novak Djokovic says he is hoping for a “positive decision” after applying for special permission to enter the United States unvaccinated in order to compete in Indian Wells and Miami next month.
The US vaccine requirement for foreign visitors is not expected to be lifted before the start of Indian Wells on March 9, which means Djokovic is set to miss the prestigious ATP Masters event for the second straight year, as well as the tournament in Miami.
Djokovic was allowed to enter the Australian Open last month after the country relaxed its Covid rules but says his plans to compete in the US for the first time since 2021 remain uncertain.
“My plans after Dubai depend on the US. I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me. I will know soon,” Djokovic said at a press conference in Belgrade on Wednesday.
“Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indians Wells and Miami communities for their support. They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands.”
Murray defeats Muller
13:37 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray was at his imperious best yesterday when he took on Alexandre Muller of France. He fought back from losing the first set to winning the next two and booking a place in the semi-finals.
Biggest win of his career
13:30 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray’s opponent today is Jiri Lehecka.
The 21-year-old earned the biggest win of his career on Thursday at the Qatar Open, where he upset World No. 5 Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach his second tour-level semi-final.
The Czech entered the clash off the back of straight-set wins against Damir Dzumhur and Emil Ruusuvuori and he demonstrated his confidence through a heavy-hitting performance against the top seed.
Will he be able to repeat that performance against Andy Murray today?
Murray pleased with recent performances
13:24 , Michael Jones
"The last couple of years I lost quite a lot of close matches, and it’s something I spoke to my team about last year," said Andy Murray this week in Doha.
He has won three three-setters to advance to his 102nd tour-level semi-final this and believes the work he put in during the off-season has helped him to improve. "I think the work I did in the offseason on my game, physically has given me a bit more belief in those moments.
"I think when you’re in better shape, when you start to fatigue, it helps you make better decisions. If you’re struggling quite a bit physically towards the end of matches and in those important moments, it makes you maybe try and shorten the points, or play a different way, which doesn’t give you the best chance of wining.
“I feel like that improvement physically has helped in those moments."
Andy Murray through to Qatar Open semi-final after battling past Alexandre Muller
13:16 , Michael Jones
Andy Murray will face Jiri Lehecka in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open semi-finals after beating French qualifier Alexandre Muller in three sets.
Murray hit back strongly after losing the opening set to win 4-6 6-1 6-2 in two hours and three minutes against Muller, who defied his world ranking of 170 early in the match.
The 35-year-old Scot, who knocked out German fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the previous round, was forced to produce some of his best tennis again as he stayed on course for his third title in Doha.
Andy Murray through to Qatar Open semi-final after battling past Alexandre Muller
Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka
12:46 , Michael Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Andy Murray vs Jiri Lehecka at the Qatar Open.
Today’s semi-final match-up sees Murray looking to continue his march on a rollercoaster week in Doha.
Stick with us for live coverage of the contest.
