'Amazing' Murray saves 5 match points to reach Qatar Open final

Former world number one Andy Murray was at a loss to explain how he saved five match points Friday to overcome Czech challenger Jiri Lehecka and reach the Qatar Open final.

The 35-year-old launched into a roar of delight after the 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) triumph that took him into his first ATP tour final for eight months.

Murray now has to take on Russian world number eight Daniil Medvedev, who beat Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in the second semi-final.

"That was one of the most amazing turnarounds of my career," said Murray, a two-time winner in Qatar.

"I don't know how I managed to turn that match around."

Ice in his veins ??All five match point saves as @andy_murray produces another *stunning* comeback! pic.twitter.com/8CjZBktAvl

Murray saved two match points on his own serve and three as his 21-year-old opponent tried to complete victory with his own big serve.

The British veteran, who had a hip replacement in 2019, has now come back from eight match points in four matches at the Doha tournament.

He has fought two tie-breaks and been taken to three sets in every match this week.

"I have never experienced this in my whole career," he said.

After he took the first set without losing a game in just 32 minutes, Murray had believed this would be an easier encounter - "and then it turned into something completely different".

Murray had the best of a nervy start by both players. Considered one of the hottest prospects on the tour, Lehecka, who beat top seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final, served first, went 15-40 down, had two advantage points and then let Murray take over.

The Czech rediscovered his big serve and powerful returns for the second set when he broke Murray's serve in straight games.

Murray reclaimed two