MELBOURNE: Andy Murray struggled for his first victory in Australia Open since 2017 with a five-epic victory over the 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili on Tuesday.
The Grand Slam champion three times, played with Hip Metal after a career rescue operation in 2019, grappling with Georgia for almost four hours before claiming the place in the second half.
Scotland’s Murray, ranked 113 and played as a wild tournament card, showed his trademark fighting enthusiasm to the house in the final set and won 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 wins in 3 hours 52 minutes at John Cain Arena.
Murray Magic ✨ @ Andy_Murray Longer than Nikoloz Basilhvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4 After almost four hours from …
https://t.co/04pmzuce6f – #Ausopen (@AustralianOpen) 1642493275000IT came after the crying of the Melbourne 2019 with a hip injury that raised the possibility of his retirement immediately from tennis, before he left with the operation just a few weeks later.
“Extraordinary, into a difficult three or four years.
Enter a lot of work to come back here,” said Murray who was relieved, 34, said in court.
“I have played in this court many times and the atmosphere is extraordinary.
Andy loves fans.
Fans love Andy ❤️ @andy_Murray · #Ausopen · # A.422 https://t.co/0ldjpen (@AustralianOpen) 1642494097000″ It’s amazing to go back and win the battle of five sets like that, I can’t ask again.
“It continued sharp competition among couples with Murray Rally from a set to beat Georgia who was big Sunday in Sydney and also won over four sets in the first round at Wimbledon last year.