Kohlschreiber lauds 'great tennis' in 31-minute tiebreaker with Murray

Philipp Kohlschreiber is refusing to get down about his defeat to Andy Murray in Dubai, saying the quality of the match was exceptional.

The pair played a 31-minute, 20-18 tiebreaker in the second set, tying the ATP record. Murray fended off seven match points before dominating the third set.

Kohlschreiber said that while the defeat was very disappointing, he enjoyed the memorable encounter.

"I think I played great tennis, one of my best matches," he told reporters in Dubai. "But the way I played, the way I enjoyed myself on the court, [there’s] nothing to be sad about."

The 33-year-old German says he improved his forehand in the offseason, adding power to the stroke.

"I think I have two ways of my game,” he said. “You know, one is, like, the fighting spirit—playing a lot of topspin, running a lot. I tried to be more aggressive today, to show also that I worked in the preseason."

While he will be questioning some of his play, there were also positives.

"Maybe I was holding back a little bit,” he admitted. “Maybe I should go on crosscourt. Maybe, maybe, maybe. So of course I have to analyze that kind of match. But also, I think only in a good way.

"The forehand, how the footwork was, the attitude: That's the good things."

Kohlschreiber holds the No. 29 ranking.