Murray and Kokkinakis went head-to-head in a five-set battle that went past 4 am local time and lasted an astounding five hours and 45 minutes. It broke the Brit’s previous longest match record of five hours and seven minutes, created during his 2016 Davis Cup tie against Juan Martin del Potro.
While Andy Murray was trailing 4-6, 6-7(4), 2-5* at one point in the clash, the 35-year-old managed to turn the corner and salvage the encounter, registering one of the biggest comebacks of his career 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5.
The former World No. 1’s tenacious performance drew immense global attention, with many of his colleagues joining in to acknowledge the extraordinary effort against an unbreakable opponent.
American tennis player Reilly Opelka lauded the veteran and reiterated his position in the Big-4 discussion, involving Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King commended the three-time Grand Slam champion on his record-setting win.
Many well-known tennis figures appreciated the five-time Australian Open finalist for his triumph, including Juan Martin del Potro, Michael Russell, Brad Gilbert, Paul Annacone, Agnieszka Radwanska, Patrick McEnroe, and his brother, former doubles World No. 1 Jamie Murray.
“It’s obviously amazing to win the match, but I also want to go to bed now” - Andy Murray after historic Australian Open 2023 comeback
Despite being exhausted from the grueling encounter that finished past 4 am, Andy Murray spared some time to speak to the press.
Andy Murray will now face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday.
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