Aslan Karatsev fails to defend title, loses to Mackenzie McDonald in Dubai

  DUBAI – Mackenzie McDonald shattered Aslan Karatsev’s hopes of defending his title by beating the seventh seed 7-5 6-3 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday (February 22). Karatsev’s opponent in the 2021 final, Lloyd Harris, was also beaten as he went down 6-3 6-3 to Alex Molcan in just 65 minutes. Karatsev, who defeated Andy Murray in last month's Sydney final, failed to capitalise on his chances in a long and dramatic sixth game of the match. The game went to deuce seven times and in which Karatsev held five break points for a 4-2 lead before McDonald held with his fourth game point. Games continued to go with serve until 5-5, when McDonald broke for 6-5 and then not only served out for the set but won a total of seven straight games as he swept to a 4-0 lead in the second set. Karatsev then staged an ambitious recovery bid, winning the next three games and holding a break point for 4-4. McDonald though held on to lead 5-3 and then broke his frustrated opponent once more to claim the match. "It was always going to be a huge challenge for Aslan Karatsev to successfully defend his title here, and despite his best efforts he was unable to overcome a difficult and determined opponent," said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. ICA/Expat Media
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