Two-time Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray rolled back the years on Tuesday to beat Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Australian Open in five sets 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-6).
The former world number one raced into a two set lead against the 13th seed but was pegged back by the Italian forcing the match into a deciding set. Murray finally sealed the famous victory on the Rod Laver Arena after a winning a fifth set tie braker to advance into the second round.
The pulsating encounter was the first time Murray has beaten a top 20 player since 2017. The Scot was understandably delighted after the win in a match which lasted almost five hours! Berrettini is a very well respected player on the tour having reached the Australian Open semi-final last year and the Wimbledon final in 2021.
Murray will take great encouragement from his performance and will hope his fitness holds firm as he progresses into the next round. The 35-year-old has needed hip surgery in recent years to help him return to the court and has struggled with form in recent years. He has made it clear in the build up to the Australian Grand Slam that he feels in great physical condition and is hoping to perform well in Melbourne.
The gruelling victory against Berrettini was his 50th Australian Open win which takes him to 5th in the all-time standings. Roger Federer currently has the most singles Aussie Open wins with 102!
“Andy Murray vs. Feliciano López US Open 2012” by karlnorling is licensed under CC BY 2.0.