Battle-hardened former world number one Andy Murray staged a defiant new fightback Thursday to beat French qualifier Alexandre Muller to a place in the Qatar Open semi-finals and declared himself ready to win another title before he retires.

On Friday, Murray will now take on Czech powerhitter Jiri Lehecka, 21, who also came back from a set down to overcome top seeded Russian, Andrey Rublev.

Number two seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada is now the tournament favourite after beating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the day’s last match.

Auger will have to beat third seed Danil Medvedev of Russia, who saw off Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. O’Connell needed treatment for an injured foot as he led in the second set but fought on.

Murray lost the first set 4-6 to Muller. The British hero broke his 26-year-old opponent’s first serve, then lost two straight service games as the Frenchman threatened an upset.

But Murray produced a masterclass to wrap up the next two 6-1, 6-2 and reach his first ATP semi-final since Stuttgart last June.

He admitted the first set was “physically very challenging” and he had to take “more chances” with his shots to take control.

Murray has had a gruelling time in Doha, where he is a two-time…

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