Andy Murray banishes painful Australian Open memories on ‘amazing’ return
Andy Murray overcame 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 on John Cain Arena, the same court that saw his heartbreaking farewell at the 2019 Australian Open.
At the 2019 event, Murray was in a deep rut as he struggled with injury and even publicly considered retirement.
He bravely pushed Roberto Bautista Agut to five sets that day before eventually losing, followed by an emotional goodbye to the crowd at what he thought could have been his last Australian Open.
Murray noted his memories of that year after ousting Basilashvili in just under four hours.
“It’s amazing,” the former world number one said in his on-court interview.
“It’s been a tough three or four years, I put in a lot of work to get back here.
“I’ve played on this court many times and the atmosphere is incredible, I’ve always had fantastic support.
“This is the [court] where I thought I’d played my last match here three years ago.
“But, it’s amazing to be back and win a five set battle like that, couldn’t ask for any more.”
Murray was his usual determined self on court, as seen in this excellent piece of defence in the third set.
He just does not give up ❤️?
?: @AustralianOpen | @andy_murray | #AusOpen | #AO2022
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 18, 2022
Just like when facing Bautista Agut in that 2019 match, the crowd played a huge part in this encounter, something Murray thanked them for.
“Last year when we came back to play after the enforced break with Covid, we were playing with no fans in the stadium, and it was tough.
“We train and practise to allow us to play and compete in atmospheres like this, on courts like this, to entertain you guys and perform in front of you.
“You created an incredible atmosphere and yeah, I’m so happy.”
SIR. ANDY. MURRAY. ?
He outlasts Basilashvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 to qualify for R2 at the #AusOpen.
?: @AustralianOpen | #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/fyqeVK5U4B
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 18, 2022
The Brit will face Japan’s Taro Daniel next for a place in the third round.
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