Driven by the desire to again deliver on the big stage, five-time finalist Andy Murray has showed his trade-mark fighting qualities to secure his first Australian Open win since 2017.
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Playing just his second tournament at Melbourne Park in five years due to two major hip surgeries and illness, the Scotsman fashioned a 6-1 3-6 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory over 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in a match lasting almost four hours.
Murray's last appearance came in 2019 when he tearfully spoke of his hip problems and announced he was considering retiring, while in 2021 tested positive for COVID-19 in the lead-up.
"It's amazing. It has been a tough three or four years and I put in a lot of work to get back here," Murray said in his post-match interview on John Cain Arena.
"I played on this court many times ... this is the one where I thought potentially I had played my last match three years ago, but it is amazing to be back winning a five-set battle like that.
"I couldn't ask for any more."
The 34-year-old looked like he may run out of steam heading into the fifth set, having already played five times last week en route to the final in Sydney, which was his first ATP Tour decider in more than two years
Reaching five Open finals in Melbourne between 2010 and 2016, Murray relied on a wildcard for 2022 entry but played way above that status.
He broke the Georgian early in the deciding set, taking a 4-1 lead, but Basilashvili, who he beat in the second round in Sydney, clawed his way back to level at 4-4.
Basilashvili's serve then faltered at the final hurdle, giving former world No.1 Murray three match points with the win coming via his opponent's 99th error.
Murray will next meet Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel for a place in the third round.
Now ranked 113th, Murray won the last of his three major titles at Wimbledon in 2016.
He said he still had a hunger to keep improving and to go deep at a slam, particularly at Melbourne which has been the scene of so much previous success.
"I will hopefully keep improving - there are things in my game I can definitely do better," the two-time Olympic champion said.
"I would love to have a deep run here, if possible.
"It is something I have not had in one of the slams since I came back from injury and it is something that is motivating me.
"I have played some of my best tennis here over the years. I feel comfortable here and I hope I can do it here this tournament."
Australian Associated Press
