Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray hits a stunning win over Matteo Berrettini

The former world number one Andy Murray leaves the Italian Matteo Berrettini out of the Australian Open 2023 in his first-round fixture at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.

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With tension until the last moment, Murray achieved a dream victory by 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(7), and 7-6(6). He put a fight that has occupied the Rod Laver Arena for 4 hours and 54 minutes. The match ended with an incredible kind of drop shot after touching the net. Neither the blood on his leg nor a Matteo with a match point could overcome a Murray who has shown the legend that he is.

The start of the match began with Murray taking a step forward to get the first break. Despite possible opportunities that Berrettini could enjoy, the Briton brought out his experience as a champion to hold on from serve, even coming back from 15-40 down to maintain the advantage. With a direct serve, Andy closed a practically perfect set to warn Matteo, controlling unforced errors to the maximum.

The second quarter did not start very differently. In a game in which he ended up sticking out his fist, Murray broke Berrettini's serve at the first change with an incredible running pass. It seemed that the former number one only had to return the ball to the track to put the Italian in trouble. Little by little, Matteo gained confidence with his forehand until in the fifth game. He was the one who managed to get on the court to prevail with his winner.

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The duo also had a 15-shot rally, with Murray serving. During the intense rally, both players tested each other's forehands and backhands. After that, Murray finally won the point with a stunning shot. Murray will play against Thanasi Kokkinakis and Italian veteran Fabio Fognini for a place in the third round.