Former No 1 says Andy Murray fight the highlight of the Australian Open

Australian Open
Andy Murray

Former WTA world No 1 Tracy Austin has picked out the grit and determination shown by Andy Murray as her Australian Open 2023 highlight.

Austin is inspired by the fight Murray has shown, not only in the tournament itself but just to be in the field competing.

She noted that the two-time Wimbledon champion was even written off by doctors four years ago.

Murray spent over 10 hours on court in the first two rounds of the tournament but the long matches and late nights caught up with him in a third round defeat.

Despite the tournament witnessing the tenth Australian Open championship for Novak Djokovic, Austin believes that Murray’s two-match run stands out for sheer grit.

“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’,” she said in a chat with Tennis TV.

“And now we fast forward to 2023, he has battle through, he works so hard obviously he’s a warrior he loves to compete,” she added.

“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,” she opined.

Murray will be back in action for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships from 19 February 2023.

He was handed a wildcard for the tournament and is looking forward to forging new memories at a venue he has achieved some success at.

“Coming back to Dubai brings with it a lot of good memories, not least 2017 and the final with Fernando,” Murray said.

“My form is improving and my game is getting better, so the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships provides another great opportunity for me to continue to climb back up the rankings.”

Murray has been cryptic on when he plans to retire hinting that he won’t announce his final match ahead of time.

READ MORE: Andy Murray equals record for most wildcards received as top analyst and Victoria Azarenka defend him

Andy Murray

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