"He’s a warrior, he loves to compete" - Tracy Austin praises Andy Murray's grit and mettle at Australian Open 2023

Andy Murray impressed former American tennis player Tracy Austin with his performances at the 2023 Australian Open.

In the first round of the Asia-Pacific Major last month, Murray put on a classic performance at the Rod Laver Arena against Matteo Berrettini. He defeated the 13th-seed Italian, a semifinalist last year, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(7), 7-6 (6) in four hours and 49 minutes.

The second round saw Murray face Thanasi Kokkinakis in what was the longest match of his career. He valiantly rallied from two sets down to defeat the Australian in a contest that lasted five hours and 45 minutes. He won 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5, and walked off the court at 4:05 am local time.

Speaking about her most cherished tennis memories from this year's Melbourne Major, Austin praised Murray's strong will and tenacity. She also stated her happiness at seeing him return to his old self.

“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.

“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.

Austin made special mention of the resolve and willpower the Briton showed at the Australian Open.

“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.

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Andy Murray to play in 2023 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Andy Murray at the 2023 Australian Open

Since pulling out of the Rotterdam Open, Andy Murray has gained a wildcard entry at the 2023 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he will compete against the likes of World No.1 Novak Djokovic and the rest of the top-5, among others.

Murray stated his happiness at returning to Dubai to compete in the ATP 500 event as it has been a happy hunting ground for him in the past.

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

The 35-year-old, currently ranked World No. 61, is hoping to climb up the rankings ladder with his performances in Dubai.

“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,” he expressed.