Andy Murray saves 5 match points against Czech opponent to reach Doha final

Britain's Andy Murray celebrates winning his semifinal match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in the Qatar Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Feb. 24, 2023. (Reuters)
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Updated 25 February 2023
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Andy Murray saves 5 match points against Czech opponent to reach Doha final

  • The 35-year-old Murray reached his first ATP Tour final since June and will face former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev
  • Medvedev beat second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime for the second time in two weeks

DOHA: Andy Murray saved five match points to beat Jiri Lehecka 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (6) and advance to the final of the Qatar Open on Friday.

The 35-year-old Murray reached his first ATP Tour final since June and will face former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.

“He’s a legend,” Medvedev said of Murray. “Today was just unbelievable, the way he won.”

Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion who has had two hip operations, fought back from a 5-3 deficit in the deciding set. He saved two match points on his own serve and three more when his Czech opponent served for the match.

“That was one of the most amazing turnarounds I’ve had in my career,” the Scot said in his on-court interview. “I have no idea how I managed to turn that one around to be honest.”

Medvedev beat second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime for the second time in two weeks, this time 6-4, 7-6 (7). Medvedev also won in straight sets last week in the Rotterdam quarterfinals.

“Confidence matters, because (Auger-Aliassime) had (three) set points,” Medvedev said. “I managed to just stay in there and it was enough to win.”


Historic FIFAe Finals 25 conclude with France crowned world’s best nation in Rocket League

Updated 21 December 2025
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Historic FIFAe Finals 25 conclude with France crowned world’s best nation in Rocket League

  • FIFAe Finals 25 took place from Dec. 10-19 in Riyadh
  • France crowned champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League

RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded on Friday as France were crowned champions at the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League, closing out eight days of football esports competition and entertainment in Riyadh.
The French team, consisting of Zen, Vatira and Juicy, delivered a standout performance from the group stage to the final, combining exceptional skills, perfect team chemistry and nerves of steel in high-pressure moments.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of the FIFAe Finals 25, the pinnacle event in football esports, bringing teams from around the world to challenge for multiple titles together under one roof.
With 250 matches across eight competition days, a $450,000 prize pool, millions tuning in online and record-breaking social media numbers, the event set new benchmarks in its 2025 edition.
“This year’s FIFAe Finals truly united the world by connecting the next generation of fans with the sport we all love. By creating the biggest global stage for national team–based football esports, we are shaping a new era of entertainment — one that combines national pride, competitive excellence and the universal passion for football and gaming,” said Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA secretary general.

“Congratulations to all world champions for their outstanding achievements in an unforgettable, spectacular atmosphere. As we continue to unite the entire football family, we encourage all our member associations, players, fans and stakeholders to join us in 2026 for an exciting new chapter.”
With 94 nations and millions of players on the Road to Riyadh, the FIFAe ecosystem demonstrated a new level of national team–based esports throughout the year. The season reached its climax at the SEF Arena in Riyadh.
The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded with three historic champions:

  • Thailand: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Mobile
  • Poland: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Console
  • France: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League