Former world No.1 Andy Murray is through to the second round of the Australian Open for the first time since 2017 after defeating Georgian 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in a thrilling five-set encounter, 6-1 3-6 6-4 7-6 6-4.
In his first visit to Melbourne Park in three years, Murray kick-started his first-round match comfortably with an easy first set against Basilashvili, who struggled in the opener with 18 unforced errors.
But things suddenly shifted in the second set, with Basilashvili clicking into gear and breaking Murray on three occasions to level the match at one set apiece.
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From there it was a tightly contested match before the British three-time Grand Slam winner found a way to get it done in a tense fifth set.
But it was far from easy for Murray, who in the deciding set clinched what looked to be a decisive break early before Basilashvili broke back at the midway point.
Leading 5-4 in the deciding set and looking to break the Georgian’s serve, Murray finally got his man thanks to four unforced errors in a sloppy game from Basilashvili. It was an unfitting way for the match to end.
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Following his win, Murray attracted some bizarre chants from the crowd as he spoke in his on-court interview.
While the noise being made sounded like boos, fans in the stands appeared to be chanting “Siu”, the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo celebration.
At the time of the “Siu” chants, Murray responded: “It’s painful stuff there, those guys.”
The 34-year-old Murray had entered this year’s Australian Open as a wildcard.
Murray has missed several Grand Slams since 2018 due to a hip procedure that sidelined him for the best part of two years.
He spoke on his bid to have a successful summer of tennis.
“There are things in my game I can definitely do better,” Murray said in his on-court interview.
“I would like to have a deep run. It’s something I have not had in one of the Slams since I came back from the injury and it is something that is motivating me.
“I played some of my best tennis over the years here. I feel comfortable here and I hope I can do it this tournament.”
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