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‘Very promising’… Andy Murray admits he’s been really impressed by 18-year-old youngster

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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Andy Murray has won at last, brushing aside an impressive Alexandre Muller to reach the Qatar Open Round of 16.

It was a sight that almost every tennis fan had been willing to see sooner rather than later, as questions over the future of the Scotsman piled up with each disappointing loss.

He can hopefully now go about playing pressure-free, having finally got that monkey off his back.

ATP Qatar Exxonmobil Open Tennis Tournament 2024
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, speaking immediately after the match, his focus had turned to his next opponent, an 18-year-old sensation who is certain to cause him some issues in their match later today.

But what did Murray have to say about young Jakub Mensik? We take a closer look…

What Andy Murray said about Jakub Mensik

Well, speaking live on Sky Sports Tennis, the 36-year-old was effusive in his praise for the Czech.

That was after he rightly celebrated a huge victory over Muller, in which he dominated the first set before holding his nerve to win the tiebreak, 1-6, 6-7 (7).

A release of sorts was expected, and the way in which he screamed to the heavens showcased just how much emotion he had been carrying these past few months.

ATP Qatar Exxonmobil Open Tennis Tournament 2024
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

From injury troubles to a severe loss of form, the hope is that this can mark a turning point. But Mensik will not make it easy.

Murray is under no illusions though, as he noted just yesterday: ‘I saw a little bit of his match today and he is obviously a very promising young player, huge serve, moves well for a big guy. He’s new on the tour so every tournament and match will be a learning opportunity for him.’

Andy Murray wins at last!

Well, after six matches and 17 weeks, Murray has finally won a match on the ATP Tour.

It has been a long and gruelling journey, laden with setback after setback.

But such is the mental toughness of this tennis titan, nothing has kept him down. He is an unrelenting hero of the sport, and yesterday only proved that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Qatar ExxonMobil Open
Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Even if he is to be dismissed by the hugely talented and energetic Mensik later today, to claim that all-important first victory after suffering first-round exits in five consecutive tournaments is key.

It could provoke a shift in his mindset and allow him to start enjoying deeper runs, with the hope being he can find some form in time for that pivotal grass-court season.