Murray Wins Australian Open Five-set Epic As Weather Plays Havoc
Muhammad Rameez Published January 17, 2023 | 05:30 PM
Andy Murray rolled back the years to defeat 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in a five-set epic at the Australian Open on Tuesday, on a day when sweltering heat and then heavy rain played havoc
Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jan, 2023 ) :Andy Murray rolled back the years to defeat 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in a five-set epic at the Australian Open on Tuesday, on a day when sweltering heat and then heavy rain played havoc.
There was also controversy off the court on day two after organisers banned Russian and Belarusian flags at Melbourne Park.
Novak Djokovic was set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the Grand Slam later Tuesday, following his ban and deportation last year.
The day looked set to belong to the 35-year-old Murray -- and Melbourne's famously fickle weather.
The Briton saved match point to defeat Italy's Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins on Rod Laver Arena, where the roof was closed because of the extreme heat.
"I will be feeling this this evening and tomorrow," the former world number one, who plays with a metal hip after career-saving surgery, said.
"But right now unbelievably happy and proud of myself." The three-time major winner faces either Fabio Fognini or Thanasi Kokkinakis in round two.
Also in the men's draw, Russia's fifth seed Andrey Rublev ended the tournament of 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) temperatures.
Former US Open champion Thiem was outplayed as he continued his return from a wrist injury that kept him off the court for nine months across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
As the mercury rose, the heat forced play to be halted on outside courts. The roofs were closed on the three main stadiums: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
Play resumed on the outside courts about three hours later, only to be disrupted again in the evening when a storm hit, dumping torrential rain that forced players back into the locker room. About 90 more minutes of play were lost.
Britain's Dan Evans, Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain, Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina all rolled into round two.
Eighth-seeded Taylor Fritz of the United States defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia, while 12th seed Alexander Zverev needed a fifth set before finally seeing off Juan Pablo Varillas. Ninth seed Holger Rune also won in straight sets.
Serbia's Djokovic was deported on the eve of last year's Australian Open because of his stance on Covid vaccines.
But the 35-year-old will be back when he faces Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in his opener and looks likely to be given a warm reception by the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
On Tuesday, Tennis Australia banned Russian and Belarusian flags after a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia.
The red, white and blue stripes of Russia were seen Monday during at least two matches, with Ukrainian fans reportedly calling security and police to the stands.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit schedule being discussed
Govt decides to procurement wheat from farmers
Deputy PM to pay 4-day visit to China from Monday
Pakistan seeks foreign investments in diverse sectors: PM
Digital transformation key priority for govt to improve tax collection: Aurangze ..
President-designate of COP29 for collective efforts to deal with climate change ..
Punjab Assembly Speaker suspends 27 members
World Migratory Bird Day being observed today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 11 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 11 May 2024
Taxing cigarettes a way forward for public and economic health
3 Gawadar attack victims funeral offered
More Stories From Sports
-
SA Gardens, Wapda move in National Challenge final
57 minutes ago -
SA Gardens to face Wapda in National Challenge Cup final on Sunday
4 hours ago -
Pakistan hockey team to play Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final today
4 hours ago -
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
18 hours ago -
Shakib claims four as Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe
18 hours ago -
Austria's Grand Slam winner Thiem to retire at end of season
18 hours ago
-
Central Asian Volleyball C'ship trophy unveiled
22 hours ago -
Two-day ‘Commissioner Tent Pegging festival’ to start on May 11
22 hours ago -
Cricket: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 4th T20 International
22 hours ago -
Olympiakos make history by reaching Europa Conference League final
22 hours ago -
Tamasha to livestream ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024
23 hours ago -
Pakistan and Japan Final clash in Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 on Saturday
23 hours ago