Andy Murray credits his ‘big heart’ for helping him win Thanasi Kokkinakis epic at Australian Open

Murray, 35, came from two sets down to beat Kokkinakis in an epic match that lasted five hours and 45 minutes, and finished beyond 4am in Melbourne.

It was Murray’s second five-set match of the 2023 Australian Open after he was also pushed the distance by Matteo Berrettini in the first round.

It was also the longest match of his career for the former world No. 1, who came close to retiring at the Australian Open in 2019 and has undergone two hip surgeries in recent years.

“It was unbelievable that I managed to turn that around,” said Murray afterwards.

“Thanasi was serving unbelievable, hitting his forehand huge and I don’t know how I managed to get through it.

“I did start playing better as the match went on and, yeah, I have a big heart.”

Murray will hope to recover in time to face 24th seed Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday.

Bautista Agut has won the last three meetings between the pair, including in five sets at the 2019 Australian Open when it looked as though Murray’s career might be nearly over.

Asked how he managed to come through another five-set marathon – this one the second longest in Australian Open history – Murray said: “I’ve done it before, I have experience of it.

“I just rely on that experience, that drive and that fight for the game, competing, my respect for this event and the competition – that’s why I kept going.

“I’m aware I don’t look particularly happy when I’m playing a lot of the time. But that’s when I’m happiest on the inside.

“I’ve always loved competing. I’ve always worn my heat on my sleeve and shown my emotions when I play. I’ve been criticised a lot for it over the years for it but that’s who I am.”

But there were still plenty of supporters in the stands even as the clock ticked past 4am and many were cheering for Murray.

“Thanks so much to everyone for staying,” he added. “It’s ridiculously late. You didn’t need to do that but it really helps me and Thanasi in a situation like that with all of you creating an amazing atmosphere.

“I think everyone including me should get off to bed now!”

Bautista Agut also needed five sets to beat American Brandon Holt in his second-round match.

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