Andy Murray explains goal for 2022 Australian Open after epic Nikoloz Basilashvili win | Tennis | Sport
Andy Murray has admitted he wants a ‘deep run’ at the Australian Open after beating Nikoloz Basilashvili on Tuesday morning. The Brit went into the match having not won a Grand Slam match Down Under in three years. However, he dug deep to emerge victorious – winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 to book his place in the second round of the tournament.
Murray has been an underdog in tennis for several years, now, with a serious hip injury impacting his career in recent times.
But the Brit showed the magic remains by digging deep to beat Basilashvili in a showdown that had the Australian Open fans on the edge of their seats.
Murray was always ahead, winning the first and third sets, but was unable to close out the match in the fourth with his opponent digging deep.
Yet the former world No 1 was able to bounce back from losing a tie-break to book his place in the second round of the competition, winning the final set 6-4.
After the epic match, Murray appeared a tired figure as he spoke to the media. Understandable, given the encounter lasted a gruelling three hours and 40 minutes.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
And he revealed he wanted a ‘deep run’ in the tournament, despite previously struggling to make his mark Down Under due to his injury issues.
“Hopefully keep improving,” he said when asked about his aims for the competition.
“There are things in my game I could do better.
“I would like to have a deep run. It’s something I haven’t had since I came back from injury – and I hope I can do it in this tournament.”
Last year, fans weren’t able to watch the Australian Open in the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And Murray admitted he was ‘so happy’ to play in front of a crowd again.
“Last year we were playing with no fans in stadiums,” he said.
“We train and practise to allow us to play in atmospheres like this and entertain you guys, I’m so happy.”
Murray also labelled the victory as ‘amazing’, admitting it’s been tough due to his injury issues but he was working hard to get back to his best.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
