The second-round clash between Murray and Kokkinakis will go down as one of the most extraordinary contests in Australian Open history. The match began at 10:20 pm on Thursday and did not conclude until 4:05 am local time, making it one of the latest finishes ever recorded at the tournament.
In a gruelling five hours and 45 minutes of play, Murray clawed back from two sets down to seal a thrilling 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 7-5 victory. It was the longest match of the 35-year-old Briton’s career, surpassing his 2016 Davis Cup battle against Juan Martin del Potro.
A Career-Defining Comeback
Murray, ranked 66th in the world, showed resilience that has defined his career. Despite trailing 5-2 in the third set, he refused to give in. Kokkinakis, who had looked dominant in the opening two sets with powerful forehand winners, faltered when trying to close out the match. A nervy smash error gave Murray the lifeline he needed. From that moment, the former world number one seized control, forcing a fourth set and ultimately completing a famous comeback.
At the conclusion, Murray dropped his racquet and exhaled heavily before sharing a warm embrace with Kokkinakis. The crowd inside Margaret Court Arena, many of whom stayed to witness the extraordinary battle, erupted in applause.
Emotions Run High
Murray’s mother, Judy Murray, was visibly emotional as she watched her son dig deep once more. After sealing the win with a confident backhand down the line, Murray roared in celebration, acknowledging both the magnitude of the victory and the toll it had taken on him.
Speaking after the match, Murray admitted the toll of playing such a late finish. “The match was very up and down, full of frustration, tension, and excitement. It’s amazing to win, but I also want to go to bed now. I need sleep.”
Questions Over Scheduling
While the spectacle thrilled fans, the late finish sparked debate about tournament scheduling. Murray, visibly frustrated during the match, shouted at one point, “Why are we still playing at 3am?”
After the win, he described the situation as a “farce,” questioning who benefits from such late finishes. “If my child was a ball kid and they’re coming home at 5am, I’d be furious. It’s not good for the players, not good for the fans, not good for anyone,” he added.
What’s Next for Murray?
The victory puts Murray into the third round at Melbourne Park, joining fellow Britons Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans in the last 32. He will now face Spanish 24th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, a familiar opponent who defeated him in what many thought would be his farewell Grand Slam match in 2019 before hip surgery extended his career.
For Murray, who has battled through injuries and doubters since his operation, this victory marks another extraordinary chapter. A deep run in Melbourne would be his first at a major since 2017, and judging by his resilience against Kokkinakis, few will write him off.
