Andy Murray beats Matteo Berrettini in Australian Open first round

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 17/01/2023

Andy Murray advanced into the second round of the Australian Open after beating Matteo Berrettini on day two of the Grand Slam tournament.

The 35-year-old displayed one of his most impressive performances in years to overcome the Italian 13th seed 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-6).

With Andy Murray’s win against Matteo Berrettini, the Scot has now reached 50 career wins at the Australian Open (Open Era) (Image: @atptour)

A former world number one who is now the 25th seed, Murray saved a match point at 5-4 in the decider. He won 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4 in a first-round match that was delayed for three hours because of serious heat in Melbourne.

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The five-set squeaker lasted for over four hours on the Rod Laver Arena and was an exciting one to watch.

Murray, who was widely expected to end his professional tennis career following a hip surgery in 2019, celebrated his first victory over a top-20 opponent at a Grand Slam since 2017.

The three-time major champion will now face either Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis or Italian Fabio Fognini in the second round on Thursday.