‘Unbelievable’ - Andy Murray marathon win over Thanasi Kokkinakis at Australian Open hailed by Tim Henman

ByBen Snowball

Updated 20/01/2023 at 13:25 GMT

Andy Murray’s Australian Open adventure continues after his titanic five-set win over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round, which concluded at 4am in Melbourne. Murray next faces 24th seed Roberto Bautista Agut and faces a huge challenge to recover physically after two gruelling matches that have gone the distance. Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk.

Eurosport expert Tim Henman has saluted Andy Murray for an “unbelievable performance” after the Brit roared back to stun Thanasi Kokkinakis in a late-night thriller at the 2023 Australian Open.

Despite being two sets and a break down to the home favourite, Murray drew on all his reserves to come through 4-6 6-7(4) 7-5(5) 6-3 7-5 in five hours and 45 minutes – the longest match of his career.

And Henman has joined a bulging group of tennis stars past and present, including Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe, to pay tribute to the 35-year-old’s latest heroics.

ATP Rome

Nadal: Murray was the only player close to level of Federer, Djokovic and myself

09/05/2024 at 21:23

“It's an incredible victory for Andy Murray last night,” said Henman.

“On the one hand, it's the second round of a Grand Slam, but you throw into account what he's been through and the fact that he's out there for five hours and 45 minutes with a metal hip, playing someone 10 years younger in front of a home crowd for Kokkinakis...

“It's just an unbelievable performance. It epitomises that fighting spirit, the hunger and desire to find a way to get the win. Even down two sets to love, and 5-2, Murray still has that inner belief that he can turn it around.

“I think it's the reward for all the hard work that he's put in during the off season.”

• Exclusive: 'Not fair for players' - Becker backs Murray over ‘disrespectful’ rules view
• 'Don't have many options' - AO boss defends the scheduling after Murray marathon

'Good on you, Andy!' - Wilander breaks down THAT point from Murray against Kokkinakis

It was Murray’s second five-set match of the Australian Open after he was also pushed the distance by Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the first round, meaning he has already come through two titanic battles.

And Henman is now hoping Murray can somehow recover in time for his third round match against Roberto Bautista Agut.

“Fingers crossed, he can recover, he's been on court for 10 and a half hours,” he added.

“It's a monumental effort to get past Berrettini and Kokkinakis and hopefully he can find the energy again, because he hasn't got an easy match in the third round against Bautista Agut.”

Murray’s quarter of the draw is incredibly inviting after second seed Casper Ruud, eighth seed Taylor Fritz, 11th seed Berrettini and 12th seed Alexander Zverev all crashed out in the first four days.

If Murray sees off the 24th-seeded Bautista Agut – a big ask given his physical exertions to date – then he would not have to face another seeded player until at least the semi-finals. Although that is perhaps jumping a little far ahead…

- - -

Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk.

ATP Rome

Are Nadal, Alcaraz, Djokovic playing Italian Open? When does it start?

06/05/2024 at 13:10

Roland-Garros

French Open hint? Murray training on clay ahead of potential Grand Slam return

29/04/2024 at 20:33

Tennis

Murray steps up rehab with return to court in Wimbledon fitness race

19/04/2024 at 13:06