Australian Open 2023: 3-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, taking part in with a steel hip, refused to surrender as he fought again from 2 units and 2-5 down towards Thanasi Kokkinakis in a surprising 2nd-round match that prolonged to five hours and 45 minutes.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 19, 2023 23:16 IST
Australian Open: Murray battles previous Kokkinakis in practically 6-hour epic (Reuters Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: 5 hours and 45 minutes. Andy Murray performed the longest match of his profession to provide the best comeback in his profession as he battled previous Thanasi Kokkinakis in a surprising males’s singles 2nd-round match on the Australian Open. Murray was two units and 2-5 down towards 26-year-old Kokkinakis however he showcased the preventing spirit that has outlined him as soon as once more by scripting a magical fightback in Melbourne within the match that began on Thursday and ended on Friday.
It was effectively previous 4 am in Melbourne on Friday however the power on the Margaret Court Arena was beautiful. Murray received the gang roaring together with his brilliance whilst he took on one of many native favourites in Kokkinakis.
Murray progressed to the third spherical with a 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis. The 5-time finalist, taking part in with a steel hip, has wanted practically 11 hours and 10 units to go previous the primary two rounds. Murray battled previous Matteo Berrettini in a 5-set thriller that final 4 hours and 49 minutes.
“I don’t understand how I managed to get by means of that,” Murray says. “I did start to play better as the match went on … I have a big heart,” Murray said after his win on Thursday (Friday).
“I think now, I have the most matches coming back from two sets to love down. I have done it before. I have experience of it,” he added.
Murray will next play Roberto Bautista Agut, the man who beat him at the 2019 Australian Open, after which Murray’s career appeared to be over because of his hip condition.
Asked how he managed to find the resolve and energy to fight back from the brink against a charged-up Kokkinakis, Murray said it was his love for the game and respect for Australian Open that kept him going.
“My love of the game, and competing, and my respect for this event. That’s why I kept going,” Murray added.
“I’m aware I don’t look happy when I’m competing … but that’s when I’m happiest on the inside. I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve, and shown my emotions when I play. I’ve been criticised a lot for it.”
Murray apologised to the crowd for keeping them there well past the midnight and thanked them for the energy on the court.
“Thanks so much to everyone for staying. It’s ridiculously late … it helps me and Thanassi when we have you creating an atmosphere.”
Published On:
Jan 19, 2023
