Murray crashes out of Australian Open

Andy Murray has bowed out of the 2019 Australian Open in Melbourne following a 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 defeat to the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

In what is being dubbed as a potential farewell match for the Scotsman, Murray is being lauded for his brave and admirable performance in a five-set epic in the tournament’s first round. Whilst the Scot is said to be weighing up his long-term tennis career at the moment, following a constant battle with a chronic hip problem. However, he fought back the pain today to show up in the year’s first major.

Murray bids farewell to Melbourne?

In what could be his final ever appearance in the Australian Open, Murray struggled in the early rounds as Agut dominated early proceedings and the signs of Murray’s constant struggle with injuries over recent years came to light. The Spaniard took the first two sets, breaking Murray in both sets to take a 2-0 lead as the game entered its third set.

As the fear came into the local crowd that one of tennis’ greats may be appearing in-front of them for the final time, the Scot dug deep to try and stage a legendary comeback against the 20th seed. Murray is often set to be at his best when his back against the wall, and this match was no different.

Murray’s fightback

Following a grueling third set, with Murray displaying all the doggedness that has made him one of tennis’ greats, Murray eventually took the set on a tie-break. The tides appeared to have turned. The crowd was behind the Glaswegian, and Murray’s roars were growing louder with each point he won from beneath the Spaniard. Using his momentum and sheer determination, Murray was able to take the fourth set on a tie-break, sending the home crowd into delirium as one of sport’s greatest comebacks appeared to be taking place before their eyes.

The fifth set came up and the 31-year-old started brightly by taking a 0-30 lead during Agut’s first service of the set. However, the Spaniard showed his own character and determination to repel Murray’s energy and battle back from the woes of his first service. Murray’s heroic fightback ran out of steam and the final set ended up with a 6-2 win for Agut, and a place in the second round.

What next for Andy?

It remains to be seen whether this is the last time that the Australian crowd will see Murray, or if London will be graced with his presence later on this year. However, Murray has already cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest ever players, and the three-time Grand Slam champion reminded fans exactly what he’s about today, with a performance full of character and grit.

Featured image credit: “IMG_6961” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Marianne Bevis