Former two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin is hailing Andy Murray’s grit and perseverance as she was left impressed by what the 35-year-old was able to do at the Australian Open. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, had two major hip surgeries a few years ago.
At this year’s Australian Open, Murray outlasted 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in a thriller that lasted nearly five hours. Then in the Australian Open second round, Murray recovered from two sets down to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in a match that lasted five hours and 45 minutes.
Murray completed his big comeback win over Kokkinakis at around 4 am Melbourne time.
Austin on Murray: You gotta applaud this guy
“What am I gonna remember most about the Aussie open 2023 besides the major champions it’s got to be Andy Murray.
The way that he continues to compete and fight. [I] remember it was four years ago when Andy lost and the doctor said ‘you know what I don’t think you’re going to be able to play professional tennis again.
Yes, you can have the surgery but that’s going to be maybe a step too far.’ And now we fast forward to 2023, he has battle through, he works so hard obviously he’s a warrior he loves to compete. 10 ½ hours out on the court for just those first two matches really have enough and the answer.
The way Andy battles all the way to 4:05 in the morning it’s incredible; five hours and 45 minutes. So you just gotta applaud this guy – three majors, he’s got 2 Olympic gold medals, Hall of Fame career in the future love watching him compete,” Austin said of Murray, per Tennis365.
After clinching back-to-back thriller wins, Murray just didn’t have enough in the tank to also beat Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round. This week, Murray was awarded wildcard into Dubai, which is kicking off later this month.
