Sir Andy Murray’s stunning run at the Qatar Open came to an end as he lost in straight sets to world number eight Daniil Medvedev in the final in Doha.
The two-time Wimbledon champion found the encounter against the third seed a step too far as he was beaten 6-4 6-4 in one hour and 47 minutes.
Murray, 35, a wildcard entry into the tournament, had won all four of his previous matches in three sets.
He remarkably saved five match points in a draining semi-final against Jiri Lehecka and the former world number one needed to show his battling qualities again.
Murray was unable to repeat his semi-final heroics in Saturday's final
IBRAHEEM AL OMARI
He pulled a break back after falling 4-1 down in the first set and did so again after going 3-1 down in the second, but this time a comeback was beyond him.
Medvedev replied with another break in the ninth game of the second set and duly held on to complete back-to-back tournament victories following last week’s triumph at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam.
Murray said: "Obviously it didn't finish how I wanted but I had some amazing matches and created some great memories.
"I am proud of my week and the work me and my team have done to get me back at this stage."
Despite the disappointment of losing, Murray also paid tribute to his Russian opponent, who he said was his favourite player to watch on tour.
"Daniil is an incredible player. He is one of the best," said the Scot.
World number eight Medvedev said: “It was a very tough match because it was windy and we struggled for rhythm.
“Today was a big fight. Sometimes we were both playing bad, sometimes we both played well.”
Sir Andy Murray was knighted by the now King Charles in 2019
PA
It was Murray's fourth ATP final since returning to the tour after having hip surgery in 2018. He has lost three.
All six of his wins this year have gone to deciding sets, including the incredible semi final.
Murray, twice a winner in Doha, has reached the final a record five times.
He last won a title in Antwerp in October 2019, shortly after undergoing the career-saving hip surgery.
