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Read this Andy Murray Australian Open 2023 preview before betting on his next match in Round Two.
Andy Murray Australian Open 2023 Odds
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Former World No. Andy Murray has been rolling back the years this Australian Open, and has surged through to the third round here for the first time since 2017.
Heading into the tournament as a 100/1 outsider, Murray has played out two consecutive five-set matches, spending almost 11 hours on court already. Now, with the top two seeds out of the men’s draw, and Murray rekindling his form from five years ago, the Brit is paying 40/1 (41.00) to win the Australian Open 2023.
Here’s a look at how Murray’s first match unfolded, and what’s next for the Brit at the Australian Open.
Andy Murray Australian Open 2023 Last Match
On Thursday, just two days after knocking out 12th seed Matteo Berrettini in a stunning five set marathon, Andy Murray went down two sets and a break against home star Thanasi Kokkinakis.
It looked as though the toll of playing a tough five-setter against Berrettini was going to prove too tough for the 35-year-old Andy Murray, who has been playing with a metal hip since surgery two years ago. But shame on anyone who underestimates the veteran, who launched the most incredible of comebacks, defeating Kokkinakis 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5 in just short of six hours—the longest match of his career.
At times Murray looked as though he was barely able to walk between points, so visible was his physical fatigue. However, the man was mentally strong, and managed his energy throughout the match perfectly, getting across the line just after 4:00 AM local time.
Andy Murray Australian Open 2023 Next Match
Four years ago, Andy Murray lost in the first round to Roberto Bautista Agut.
That match went to five as well, with Murray falling at the last hurdle after pushing the Spaniard 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2. In an emotional press conference after the match, it seemed as though Murray’s career might be over, the 35-year-old realising that his body was not capable of performing at the top level any more.
Now, four years later, the men meet again. Bautista Agut was the 22nd seed then, now he’s the 24th. The Spaniard also navigated his way through a two set comeback last round, defeating American qualifier Brandon Holt 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. While the pair split their head to head 3-3, Murray’s opponent has won their two meetings since the 2019 Australian Open, for the loss of only six games.
For someone who has just played two five setters, the last thing you want is to step onto the court with a fit Spaniard that has beaten you three times in a row. But, this is Andy Murray, so no doubt he’ll relish the challenge.
Andy Murray Australian Open 2023 Prediction
Prior to Murray’s clash against Kokkinakis, we predicted that the Brit would win a long second round match, then fall agonisingly short in the third round.
We hold to that prediction. Murray is an incredible fighter, but there must be a limit to how far a 35-year-old with a metal hip and limited match play over the past year can push themselves. We expect that limit will be met against Roberto Bautista Agut.
Any other opponent and perhaps Murray could find a way to keep this fairytale run going, but the Spaniard is exactly the wrong type of opponent to play after you’ve just spent 11 hours on court across the first two rounds. Bautista Agut will be comfortable playing long baseline rallies, and will ultimately have more in the tank to get across the line.
Sadly, Andy Murray’s journey at the Australian Open 2023 will end in the third round.
Andy Murray Recent Games Before Australian Open
Despite his age and injury struggles, Andy Murray is still one of the more active players on the ATP Tour. He tries to play quite a number of tournaments and pack out his schedule, mainly to build up form and confidence. And concerning his previous five matches, here is the story for Murray:
- Murray vs Korda – lost – 6-7, 3-6
- Murray vs Simon – lost – 6-4, 5-7, 3-6
- Murray vs Bautista Agut – lost – 3-6, 2-6
- Murray vs Safiullin – won – 6-7, 6-3, 6-4
- Murray vs Korda – lost – 4-6, 6-1, 1-6
Although Murray has lost 4 of his last 5 matches, he has faced tough opponents. Two of these losses have been sustained against Korda, one of the most talented Americans on tour. Another came against Gilles Simon in front of a rather hostile Paris crowd back in November. And the other came against the steady Spaniard, Bautista Agut, who was ranked 22 in the world at the time.
So really, it’s not like Murray has been coming second-best against guys that he should be beating.
Andy Murray Track Record at Australian Open
Believe it or not, Murray’s Australian Open track record extends all the way back to 2006. That’s how long Murray has been grinding on the ATP Tour. Of course, back then Murray was rather inexperienced and he rarely went deep in the draw. However, when 2010 hit, this was when Murray really started to find his game and make the most of his talents. He made the final in 2010 – an achievement that he would match four more times throughout his career to date.
Andy Murray made the finals in Melbourne in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016. But unfortunately, he couldn’t get over the finish line in any of these matches. Therefore, he’s never actually won the Australian Open, despite having such a solid record here. And other than these appearances in the final, Murray has made the semi-final on one occasion back in 2012. He’s also made the 4th round on three different occasions too, although he hasn’t matched this since 2017.
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