Murray built a huge lead, let it disappear completely, then needed to save a match point against Matteo Berrettini before managing to pull out a triumph across more than four epic hours on Tuesday in the Australian Open's first round.
Metal hip, bloody knee and all, Andy Murray produced his biggest victory in years.
After a second surgery inserted an artificial hip, Murray decided to try to continue playing. This sort of evening was likely what he had in mind when he pressed on -- and when he spent three weeks in Boca Raton, Florida, practicing under the tutelage of coach Ivan Lendl during the offseason. "He's a great champion. I said it so many times," said Berrettini, an Italian who is one of the players chronicled in the new "Break Point" Netflix docuseries. "Personally, was great to play with that atmosphere against him. Just a great match. Unfortunately it didn't go my way."
Murray raced through the first two sets in less than 1.5 hours before the big-hitting, big-serving Berrettini turned things around and took the match to a fifth, even coming within one point of victory at 5-4 in that set but faltering and flubbing an easy backhand.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Andy Murray tops Matteo Berrettini in five-set epic at Australian OpenAndy Murray built a huge lead, let it disappear completely, then needed to save a match point against Matteo Berrettini before managing to pull off a five-set win at the Australian Open on Tuesday
Read more »
Bianca Andreescu bounces Marie Bouzkova in Australian Open openerAndreescu advances in return to Aussie Open, eliminates No. 25-ranked Marie Bouzkova
Read more »
Kyrgios withdraws from Australian Open with injuryAustralian Open contender Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the tournament with injury in a huge blow to local hopes. Kyrgios reported he was suffering from knee issues, which include a meniscus tear and a cyst - with both issues predicted to get worse if he competed at the Australian Open.
Read more »
Rafael Nadal struggles at times during four-set win over Jack Draper at Australian OpenIt was not a vintage performance by Rafael Nadal, who came into Monday’s first-round matchup with an 0-2 record in 2023 and six losses in his past seven outings overall
Read more »
Rafa Nadal, Iga Swiatek survive early tests, Nick Kyrgios pulls out in Australian Open shockRafa Nadal shrugged off a rocky build\u002Dup to reach the Australian Open second round with a four\u002Dset win over ailing Jack Drape
Read more »