![]() "It's really tough to talk about the match now. Those watching on Laver could not hide their disbelief as a loud, collective gasp echoed around Melbourne's show court, while Berrettini clutched his face before managing a rueful smile. Murray poorly executed a drop-shot and, with options to beat his stranded opponent at either side, Berrettini dumped a straightforward backhand into the net. The pivotal moment of a gripping contest - turning it back in Murray's favour - came when Berrettini choked after being presented with a golden opportunity to win the match. Costly miss on match point 'sums up' Berrettini's defeat Momentum had swayed away from Murray and his energy seemingly started to dip as Berrettini continued to grow in confidence.īut the British number four's refusal to know when he is beaten came to the fore once again as he avoided losing from a two-sets lead for only the second time in 159 matches. Murray produced some of the best tennis he has played since his comeback, particularly in the opening two sets as Berrettini struggled to fire up his devastating forehand.Īfter Murray was unable to take break points for a 3-1 lead in the third, Berrettini discovered his rhythm and strong serving enable him to eventually level. Instead, an upbeat Murray felt playing the 2021 Wimbledon finalist was an opportunity to earn the statement win he has long craved. ![]() When the draw for the Australian Open pitted Murray against Berrettini, the general consensus was the veteran Scot had landed an opponent who would leave him cursing his luck. Nobody upsets the odds quite like Murray and this latest act of defiance was the greatest since he had the surgery four years ago which left him with a metal hip. Evans beat Bagnis in the first round when he reached the Melbourne last 16 in 2017 - a career-best run in Melbourne Metal-hip Murray defies the odds again The British number two had moved into a two-sets-to-one lead when the players were taken off court as temperatures topped 35C at Melbourne Park.Ĭooler conditions when they returned at 5pm local time - after a three-hour break - helped Evans wrap up the win. "He's an unbelievable player and one of the best competitors."Įvans, 32, will play French veteran Jeremy Chardy next. "I was a bit lucky at the end with the net cord, but it felt like some of the tennis was really good. "I've been working to give myself the opportunity to perform in matches like this and against players like Matteo. "I will be feeling it this evening and tomorrow but right now I'm unbelievably happy and proud of myself," said Murray, a five-time runner-up in Melbourne. Extreme heat stops play at Melbourne Park. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |