Andy Murray thrilled after five-set victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili at Australian Open
- Sean Fisher
- 18 January 2022
Andy Murray returned to the court where he thought he'd played his last ever game three years ago, and came out on top in a five-set battle with Georgian opponent Nikoloz Basilashvili.
The 34-year-old Scot broke down in tears three years ago at the John Cain arena as he opened up about his hip problems.
Back then, it seemed like fans had taken their last glimpse of Murray on a tennis court, but three years on and he's not only back on the court, but has come out on top in a grueling five-set battle.
"It was amazing," said Murray in an on-court interview after the match. "It has been a tough three or four years.
"I've put in a lot of work to get back here. I have played on this court many times and the atmosphere is incredible. I have always had fantastic support.
"This is where I thought I had potentially played my last match three years ago but it is amazing to be back, winning a five-set battle like that. I couldn't ask for any more."
Murray faced Nikoloz Basilashvili just a week before their match-up in the Australian Open, with the Briton getting the better of him en route to his Sydney Cup final loss.
Murray magic ✨@andy_murray outlasts Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 after nearly four hours of tennis!#AusOpen · #AO2022
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2022
🎥: @wwos · @espn · @Eurosport · @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/lr9xMN8f9M
It proved to be a more difficult task for Murray this time round, but he eventually claimed his first Australian Open win in five years, beating the Georgian 6-1 3-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4.
Following the match, Murray acknowledged just how tough of an opponent Basilashvili is.
"It was a brutal match in Sydney. We played for three hours over three sets. He hits the ball huge from the back of the court. I had to do a lot of running and a lot of defending.
"He is not the sort of guy you want to see next to your name in the draw too often. Obviously there was a little bit of confidence from the win last week and thankfully I managed to get over the line today."
Murray now progresses to the second round of the tournament, where he'll play Japan's Taro Daniel on January 20.
Andy loves the fans. The fans love Andy ❤️ @andy_murray · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/0LdJPBxBeF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2022
Having never won the Australian Open, and having last reached the final in 2016, Murray is hoping to piece together some results and build momentum.
"I will hopefully keep improving. There are things in my game I can definitely do better.
"I would love to have a deep run here, if possible. It is something I have not had in one of the slams since I came back from injury and it is something that is motivating me.
"I have played some of my best tennis here over the years. I feel comfortable here and I hope I can do it here this tournament."
