Rod Laver Arena: Scottish Andy Murray beat home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis over a period of five hours and forty four minutes. The 35-year-old overpowered the Australian, 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 7-5. Also Read: Australian Open 2024: Reigning Champion Rafael Nadal Upsetted By Mackenzie McDonald In Straight Sets
The match started at 10:20 p.m. at the Rod Laver Arena and ran till 4 am in the morning. It is unethical to toil one’s body till the wee hours of the morning. Also, the conditions deterioate as the time crosses the limits.
After the match, Murray said that he doesn’t know who the late finishes are beneficial for. He adds “We come here after the match and that’s what the discussion is, rather than it being like, ‘epic Murray-Kokkinakis match’. It ends in a bit of a farce.”
Murray appreciates people staying throughout the match and applauding the men on court. He is all thankful as he states that some people had to work the next day too.
Murray was two sets down and had his bags packed until the third set when things changed for the better in favor of the three-time grand slam winner. He came back epically to qualify for the third round of the slam.
He also highlights “If my child was a ball kid for a tournament and they’re coming home at five in the morning, as a parent, I’m snapping at that. It’s not beneficial for them. It’s not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don’t think it’s amazing for the fans. It’s not good for the players.”
The Scot faced a heavily time-consuming opening match also. He defeated Matteo Berretini. The Italian was two down sets and came back winning the next two. Murray clinched the final decider set and advanced to the next round. The match lasted a good 4 hours, a match highly praised by critics and fans for the intensity and grit.
Andy Murray faces Spanish seed Roberto Bautista Agut to advance to the fourth round. 24th seeded Agut defeated Portuguese J Soussa in the first round. He beat Brandon Holt after an initial scare to set up the R32 clash with Murray. Also Read: 7 Best Tennis Documentaries Of All Time
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