Andy Murray delivered a remarkable performance at the Australian Open, coming back from two sets and a breakdown to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in a grueling five-set battle that stretched past 4 a.m. in Melbourne.
The match, lasting five hours and 45 minutes, became the longest of Murray’s career and the second-longest in Australian Open history.
Murray, who is playing with a metal hip following a joint resurfacing operation in 2019, ultimately triumphed 4-6 6-7 7-6 6-3 7-5 to advance to the third round. Kokkinakis, who served for the match at 5-4 in the third set, was left to ponder what might have been, expressing his frustration on social media.
Despite the heartache for Kokkinakis, the night belonged to Murray and his incredible comeback, which followed a grueling five-setter against Matteo Berrettini in the first round.
There were moments during the match when Murray appeared exhausted and on the brink of defeat, but he showcased exceptional resilience and skill, particularly during the pivotal third set.
One memorable moment was Murray’s incredible defense during the third set, where he chased down five successive shots that seemed destined to be winners, forcing Kokkinakis into a mistake and breaking serve. This point was a key turning point in the match and demonstrated Murray’s remarkable endurance and determination.
Murray now holds the record for the most comebacks from two sets down among active players, with 11. Despite the seemingly low profile of this match—against a player ranked 159th in the world and in the second round of a grand slam—the comeback was particularly poignant given Murray’s recent struggles and injuries.
In his on-court interview, Murray reflected on his performance with a sense of disbelief and pride. He attributed his success to his experience, drive, and passion for the game, as well as his respect for the competition and the event.
Murray will next face No. 24 seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who also came from two sets down earlier in the day, for a place in the fourth round. Given Murray’s recent performances, it’s clear that underestimating him would be a mistake, as he continues to defy expectations in Melbourne.