In an incredible duel that ended after 4 in the morning in Melbourne, Andy Murray beat local Thanasi Kokkinakis and went to the third round of the Australian Open in the second longest match in tournament history.
The Scotsman prevailed 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 and 7-5 in 5 hours and 45 minutes of play. The only meeting with longer duration is the 2012 final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic which the Serb won in 5:53 hours.
At 35 years old and two hip operations, Murray proved his worth in an unforgettable match. He had just beaten the Italian No. 13 in the world in the first round Matthew Berrettini also in five sets and with a raised match point.
The Briton holds the record for being the player who most times he lifted a two-set deficit below, something he achieved in 11 times.
“It is incredible to have been able to overcome a result like this. The only thing I can say is that I have a big heart,” Murray said after the win.
ANDY. MURRAY. ????
Madness in Melbourne!@andy_murray • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/NaHx1FkJnu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2023
The next rival of the Scotsman (currently 66 in the ranking) will be the Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut (25)who eliminated the American Brandon Holt in five sets: 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 and 6-2 in 2h56m.
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