Key events
Mike Hytner
And more news from earlier today:
“Tennis fans have been spotted hoisting a Russian flag at the Australian Open despite a ban introduced by Tennis Australia earlier on Tuesday in response to strong criticism from the Ukrainian ambassador.”
Earlier, play was suspended due to extreme heat in Melbourne, with temperatures climbing to 36C and above:
Murray speaks, standing on Rod Laver Arena, after a titanic battle with a play nine years his junior. The interview starts by saying he has not lost from two sets down for 18 years. Did he know that?
“I didn’t know that, no … I’ll be feeling this this evening and tomorrow. But right now I’m just unbelievably happy, very proud of myself. I’ve put a lot of work into the last few months with my team who are here, to give me the opportunity to perform in stadiums like this, in matches like this, against players like Matteo. And it paid off tonight.”
Berrettini had won his previous nine tiebreaks at the Australian Open, the interviewer points out.
“I didn’t know any of these stats – which probably helped,” Murray chuckles.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever played one of those 10 point tiebreakers. It’s a bit different. When you’re up 6-1, 7-1 or whatever, it feels like you’re still quite far away. I was a bit lucky at the end with the net cord.
“Some of the tennis at the end was really good. It felt like that, playing. I don’t know what it looked like. He was serving unbelievable. He’s one of the best comps on the tour. Yeah, I did well to get through … Thanks very much, thanks everyone.”
The crowd roars. Wonderful stuff.
Murray will meet either Athanasios Kokkinakis or Fabio Fognini in the second round.
Murray defeats Berrettini! 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7, 7-6 (6-10)
“Absolutely phenomenal,” observes the commentator on Eurosport. Another Murray classic … what a win! Melbourne Park is the place where his colleagues on the tour effectively tried to retire him with that farewell video. And yet here he is. Murray applauds generously as Berrettini walks off.
Berrettini 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-6 (6-9) Murray
Murray hits long for 6-8, then nails a couple of smashes to set up three match points!
Berrettini 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-6 (5-8) Murray
Berrettini bites back in a quite amazing point that Murray seems to have control of with a great forehand down the line … then a big serve from the Italian and it’s 5-8 to Murray. The Scot can serve for the match and a place in the second round.
Berrettini 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-6 Murray
Two points away for Murray … 8-3.
Berrettini 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-6 Murray (final set tiebreak)
It’s 3-6 for Murray now as the Scot sends a forehand wide. A glimmer of hope for the Italian … first to 10.
Berrettini 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-6 Murray
Berrettini finally gets on the board. 5-1 in the final-set tiebreak.
Murray on cusp of victory against Berrettini
Hello everyone. Andy Murray currently leads a final-set tiebreak against Matteo Berrettini, 4-0 … and it’s first to 10. Make that 5-0! Can Murray close this out?
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