December 18, (THEWILL) – Andy Murray’s attempt to win a third Mubadala World Tennis Championship title was thwarted in the final by 24-year-old Russian Andrey Rublev. The Brit player had shown promise as the year progressed and defeated Rafael Nadal in the exhibition event semi-finals the day before.
The 34-year-old has great aspirations of having a significant impact next year, but after being overpowered by the Russian, he was given a harsh message about what he needs to do to bring those aspirations to life.
Rublev has been one of the most impressive players in the class of 2021, and he will be a target for Murray in the months ahead. On Saturday, however,
Murray started off strong with a few of good service games, starting up where he left off against Nadal on Friday.
Rublev’s serve was as outstanding, and the Russian was a constant threat from the back of the court.
Murray was put under strain in the fifth set as Rublev created a chance down the line with a stinging forehand. Murray fended off the initial attack with an ace, but the Russian persisted and pulled an error from Murray to take the lead at 3-2.
The Russian always is a ruthless hitter from the back of the court, and he was not afraid to mix things up with a drop shot now and then against his British co-finalist.
Murray has expressed his desire to return to pre-injury levels of movement, believing that such a scenario would allow him to compete with the very best competitors in the sport. And in the final, a player ten years his junior gave his 34-year-old legs a thorough drilling. Murray’s mobility was quick at first, but he was quickly outpaced by a hungrier opponent.
Murray’s serve saved him on several occasions, but he was unable to consistently hit through Rublev from the back of the court. Rublev clinched the set at 5-4 in the opener by unleashing a barrage of devastating shots on both sides.
Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, put forth a lot of effort in the first set to no avail, and it must have been maddening to see winners sail by him in the 10th game. The Brit appeared to be feeling the effects of his exertions when he threw away a cheap break of serve to begin the second set.
By this time the older player was grumbling to himself after failing to deal with a barrage, as Rublev applied pressure from the rear of the court. That grumbling has been a consistent trait over the years, and it is an indication that the fire still burns brightly, but there was not much he could come up with as a solution against a player in such good form.
Rublev’s three double faults in the eighth game of the second set provided Murray with an unexpected opening. The break came out of nowhere, thanks to a magnificent return of serve and a smart angle.
Murray began to dictate points as Rublev’s level dropped, but the Russian held his nerve in the tiebreak to win 6-4 7-6 (2).
Murray may never reach the heights of 2016, but good indicators near the conclusion of the second set indicate that he can still fight at the highest level. And, that is as immense a compliment to how far he has brought himself this year.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
