Andy Murray wielded his new racquet to great effect at the Sydney Tennis Classic tonight, breezing by Norway’s Viktor Durasovic in a straight sets romp.
The 34-year-old prevailed 6-3, 6-1 in the round of 32 clash, setting up a date with Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili tomorrow.
Murray’s win was his second with what he called a “more forgiving” racquet, which has a larger frame and a larger sweet spot compared to the one he’s used throughout his illustrious career.
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“Last week was the first time I played a match with a different racquet in 20 years,” Murray said after the win.
“I’m still getting used to it but really nice to get my range here and hopefully I can take it with me down to Melbourne.”
The former world No.1 was a mainstay in the latter stages of the Australian Open in his prime, having been the runner-up at Melbourne Park on five separate occasions.
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While he has not made it past the third round of any major since 2017, Murray believes he could still have another deep run left in him.
“It’s a stretch. At my peak it was difficult enough,” he said of his chances of winning the Australian Open.
“I believe I can have a good run there and who knows?”
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