Andy Murray has won 11 games from two sets down, meaning he has achieved more successful comebacks than any other player. Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 16-29 January Coverage: Commentary daily from 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra ‘Tennis Breakfast’ live from Melbourne, with selected live text commentary and match reports on the website and app at BBC Sport
Andy Murray produced another incredible performance to fight back from two sets down to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in an epic Australian Open match that ended at 04:05 local time.
In one of the last finishes in tennis history, Murray won 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 7-5 in a night of grueling physical and mental endurance.
The second round match started at 22:20 and lasted five hours and 45 minutes.
It was the longest race of the 35-year-old Murray’s eventful career.
The exhausted Briton was left on his face after taking his first match point before the two players enjoyed a warm embrace at the net.
With his mother Judy in tears in the stands, he let out a huge roar as he contemplated one of the best comebacks of his career.
A healthy and boisterous crowd remained in the Margaret Court Arena until the end, showing their appreciation for the efforts of both men and providing much needed vocal support.
The match is the second last finish in Australian Open history after a third round match in 2008 between Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis, which finished at 04:34.
It was the longest match of Murray’s career, surpassing his Davis Cup contest with Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in 2016.
Murray’s comeback is exceptional – even by his standards
Murray has regularly defied the odds since returning from hip surgery in 2019 that he thought would end his career – including in his first-round victory over Italian 13th seed Matteo Berretini on Tuesday.
Two days later the Scot did it again with a comeback that ranked as extraordinary even by his standards.
Amidst the excitement of beating Berretini, Murray was cautious about the toll the five-set thriller would have on his body – a combination of his advanced years and the strain caused by his implanted metal hip – before facing the 26-year-old Kokkinakis.
Murray couldn’t have asked for more recovery time, but the trade-off was playing in chilly conditions, which led to long rallies, long points and a very long night.
The five-time Australian Open finalist started slowly and struggled to find a rhythm, with his regular calls to the box for support an early indication that he was not happy.
Kokkinakis, backed by a raucous crowd at an initially packed Margaret Court Arena, punished him with a flurry of powerful and accurate forehand winners on his way to a two-set lead.
At this point, you wondered how much energy – mental and physical – Murray had left in his tank.
“It was the longest match I’ve played, but in these conditions it’s going to happen,” Murray said.
“Playing in the cold at this time of day and with balls like that, you’re going to get long innings and long points.
“The game was very up and down, there was frustration, tension, excitement and all those things.
“It’s amazing to win the game, but I also want to go to bed now. I want to sleep.”
The one thing that eludes the former world number one on his return in 2019 is another deep run at a major tournament, as he did regularly in his prime.
If he can recover enough to beat Spain’s 24th seed Roberto Bautista Agut – ironically the man he was playing in what he thought might be his last Grand Slam match before hip surgery four years ago years – he will reach the fourth round of a major for the first time since 2017.
More to come.
Add Comment