Murray wins Australian Open five-set epic

Wednesday, 18 January 2023 01:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Andy Murray celebrates victory against Matteo Berrettin

MELBOURNE, AFP: Andy Murray rolled back the years to defeat 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in a five-set epic at the Australian Open on Tuesday, on a day when sweltering heat and then heavy rain played havoc.

There was also controversy off the court on day two after organisers banned Russian and Belarusian flags at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic was set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the Grand Slam later Tuesday, following his ban and deportation last year.

The day looked set to belong to the 35-year-old Murray ─ and Melbourne's famously fickle weather.

The Briton saved match point to defeat Italy's Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins on Rod Laver Arena, where the roof was closed because of the extreme heat.

The former world number one and three-time major winner who plays with a metal hip after career-saving surgery, faces either Fabio Fognini or Thanasi Kokkinakis in round two.

Nadal victorious but Kyrgios suffers Australian Open heartbreak

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