Australian Open players rush to aid ball girl
Follow all the action as the first-round matches continue on day two at the Australian Open.
In the women’s singles, Garbine Muguruza got off to a perfect start against Clara Burel, while British qualifier Harriet Dart could do little to stave off the brilliance of Iga Swiatek, falling 6-3 6-0 to the 2020 French Open champion. Simona Halep and Anett Kontaveit also cruised through in straight sets, although there was somewhat of a shock as Petra Kvitova was beaten by Sorana Cirstea. Leylah Fernandez, who faced Emma Raducanu in last year’s US Open final, also suffered an early exit at the hands of Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. Raducanu’s tantalising match against Sloane Stephens will be the last out on Margaret Court Arena this morning.
In the men’s draw, the new favourite in Novak Djokovic’s absence, Daniil Medvedev, swept aside Henri Laaksonen with relative ease. There were no problems for fellow Russian and No 5 seed Andrey Rublev either, who also coasted through in three. For Andy Murray, though, it was a day of typical exhaustion as produced another triumphant performance to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili in five gruelling sets. Follow all the latest updates below:
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios vs Broady
Next up in the John Cain Arena, the ever-exciting and just as controversial Nick Kyrgios takes on Britain’s Liam Broady.
Broady, who came through qualifying to reach the main draw, will be up against the crowd here too.
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:22
Australian Open 2022: Murray speaks post-match
“Obviously when we came back last year to play after the enforced break with Covid, we played with no fans in the stadium. It was tough. It is not loads of fun. You know, we train and practice to allow us to play and compete in atmospheres like this on courts like this to entertain you guys and perform in front of you. It’s an incredible atmosphere and I am so happy.”
Asked about how far he thinks he can go in the tournament, Murray is clear:
“I would love to have a deep run here if possible. It’s tough but I would like to have a deep run. It’s something I have not had in one of the slams since I came back from the injury and it is something that is motivating me. I play some of my best tennis over the years here, I feel comfortable here and I hope I can do it this tournament.”
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:18
Australian Open 2022: Murray speaks post-match
“It was a brutal match in Sydney, we played three hours over three sets [at the Sydney International last week]. I am sure you guys can tell from watching. He hits the ball huge from the back of the court and I had to do a lot of running today, a lot of defending. He is not the sort of guy whose name you want to see next to yours in the draw very often. Obviously a bit of confidence from the win last week, and thankfully managed to get over the line today.”
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:17
Australian Open 2022: Murray speaks post-match
“It has been a tough, tough three, four years. Put in a lot of work to get back here. I played on this court many times.The atmosphere is incredible. I have always had fantastic support. This is the one where I thought potentially I had played my last match three years ago, but it is amazing to be back winning a five- set battle like that. Couldn’t ask for any more.”
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:16
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:16
Australian Open 2022: Murray beats Basilashvili
Basilashvili throws everything at two winners to take it back to 30-40. That was remarkably brave hitting from the Georgian. He has no answer at the third time of asking though!
A deep Murray backhand pushes him behind the baseline and a weak return loops into the net. Murray roars to the crowd. What a tremendous display from the Scot who prevails in five sets.
Murray 1-6 6-3 4-6 7-6 6-4 Basilashvili.
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:07
Australian Open 2022: Murray 5-4 Basilashvili
A forehand drifts just wide of the tramline and it’ll be three match points for Murray!
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:03
Australian Open 2022: Murray 5-4 Basilashvili
After three hours and 47 minutes, we enter what could be the final game and Murray starts it emphatically, leaping on a weak second serve to take a 0-15 lead.
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:02
Australian Open 2022: Murray 5-4 Basilashvili
Murray delivers an ace at a crucial time, having fallen behind 15-30 in the game. He lets out a roar and then confounds Basilashvili with a deft drop shot at the net to set up game point. An unforced backhand error hands Murray the game!
Basilashvili will now serve to stay in the match.
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 08:00
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-4 Basilashvili
Murray attempts to respond instantly and takes Basilashvili to 30-30 on serve. The Georgian closes the game out with an ace, though, and the pressure is immediately back on Murray’s serve.
Tom Kershaw18 January 2022 07:57