03:24 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 2-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Third double fault of the match by Murray, 30-30. Kokkinakis angles a forehand winner into the corner, break point Kokkinakis.
Shaky backhand by Kokkinakis into the net, deuce. We enter the fourth hour in Melbourne.
Out of nowhere, Kokkinakis drills a backhand winner up the line, second break point. Serve and volley from Murray and Kokkinakis can’t get the ball back in play. Gutsy play by Murray.
First serve by Murray and Kokkinakis wildly shanks a forehand return out of court. A fist pump by Murray, he’s not going anywhere!
03:17 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray gets 0-30 but Kokkinakis does well, pushing the Briton wide on the backhand side before finishing with the smash.
Then a frustrated groan from Murray after getting a backhand all wrong. No mistake this time though, Murray finishes Kokkinakis yet again at the net and has a break point…promptly saved by a fierce Kokkinakis ace.
They exchange points at deuce with break points and game points saved in another seemingly endless game, both players seem able to raise their level when they really need it at the moment.
Kokkinakis plays a delightful drop shot that draws applause even from Murray but it’s not enough to secure the game, as the Scot punches back with a neat backhand volley the following point.
Finally….game Kokkinakis. Over ten minutes for that game…incredible.
03:04 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Seriously, it is a shame that this is going so late. On Tuesday night against Matteo Berrettini, the crowd were so into the final-set tie-break that they echoed the umpire’s voice every time he called the score. Here, the atmosphere is growing less passionate as the stands gradually clear, and even those who stay are flagging. Few wanted to go to a fourth set at 1.47am, though I can see one woman in a red cardigan doing a jig of delight.
03:03 PM
Fourth set: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray gets the fourth set underway. I can’t quite believe we’re in one to be honest but there we go.
Kokkinakis launches into a forehand winner to start the game before catching Murray out at the net and gets to 0-30. How he’d love an early break in this set to settle the nerves.
Excellent work from Murray though, drawing three straight errors from his opponent to to give himself game point. But he fails to convert, getting caught in no-man’s land to give Kokkinakis an easy pass. Deuce.
The next point goes to the Aussie too but Murray saves break point with some good aggressive hitting. Another amazing point soon follows, Murray somehow stays in it before Kokkinakis finally finishes him off with a smash. Deuce again.
Ace from Murray – he must finish the game off here surely. And does, thanks to a superb backhand half-volley.
Nearly ten minutes for that game…
02:50 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) Kokkinakis – TIEBREAK
Kokkinakis return into the net, 4-3. Kokkinakis ace, 4-4. Wild Kokkinakis forehand lands beyond the baseline, 5-4.
Kokkinakis hits back with an excellent forehand winner, 5-5. Murray first serve unreturned by Kokkinakis, 6-5.
Kokkinakis has had overhead but hits it well wide, 7-5. Terrible shot but Murray won’t care.
INTO A FOURTH SET WE GO!!
02:44 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 Kokkinakis – TIEBREAK
Sweetly hit forehand winner into the corner by Murray, 1-0. Murray whips a forehand wide, he is not happy with that shot, 1-1. Murray attacks the net and Kokkinakis nets a forehand pass, 2-1.
Kokkinakis ace, 2-2. Sensational cross-court forehand return winner by Murray, 3-2. Kokkinakis responds with his own brilliant cross-court forehand return winner, 3-3.
02:38 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Better from Murray at the net this time, putting away a high volley for a winner, 30-0. Ace No 6 for Murray, 40-0.
Big Murray first serve and Kokkinakis can’t return it. TIEBREAK TIME!
02:35 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 5-6 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis shanks a terrible overhead well wide, 15-15. That was pure pressure. Lost his head there.
Murray then comes out on top at the net, finishing with a volley winner, 15-30. Running Murray forehand pass but Kokkinakis stretches and makes the volley. Great shot.
Kokkinakis ace, his 17th of the match, 40-30. Murray turns defence into attack, attacks the net but incredibly nets his backhand volley.
Could that be the decisive point?!
02:30 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Slight injury scare there as Murray holds his abdominals and bends over in apparent pain. But then he pings down a 182kph serve and a huge forehand to close out the game, so who knows what’s going on!?
02:29 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 5-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis backhand pass but Murray is there with a forehand volley winner, 30-15. More attacking tennis from Murray as he dictates the rally and finishes with another forehand volley winner, 40-15.
Murray is pushed wide by a Kokkinakis return and bends over in pain, holding his hip.
But he seems to be OK as he blasts a cross-court forehand for a winner.
On we go!
02:25 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Normally a crowd would be going barmy at Murray breaking back to extend the match, but this lot were rather hoping that they might be able to sneak home. And who can blame them? Only a smattering of applause for that terrific act of defiance from the embattled Scot.
02:22 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 4-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Aggressive point by Murray and he draws the error from Kokkinakis, 0-15. Kokkinakis takes control of the rally but sends a forehand long, 0-30. Is the pressure getting to him?
This time Kokkinakis puts away an overhead for a winner, 15-30. First serve by Kokkinakis followed by a forehand winner, 30-30.
We’ve just passed the three hour mark!
Kokkinakis forehand long, break point Murray. Murray takes charge of the point, pushes Kokkinakis left and right and the Aussie can’t get one more ball back. Murray breaks back!
02:18 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 3-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Ideal service game for Murray as he races to 40-0. And he holds to love with a backhand volley winner.
Pressure on Kokkinakis now, who is serving for the match next.
02:15 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Apart from the Aussie chants there’s also a Greek flag flying in the stands here in a salute to the Australian-Greek community that also gave us Nick Kyrgios and Mark Philippoussis. As Trivial Pursuit buffs will know, there’s more Greeks in Melbourne than any city except Athens. (And yes I know Kyrgios is from Canberra.)
02:15 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis ace, his 15th of the match, 30-15. Kokkinakis double fault, 30-30.
Followed by a 16th ace, 40-30. Followed by another double fault, deuce.
Murray nets a defensive forehand after a deep backhand by Kokkinakis. And he comes through that test with a drive forehand winner.
02:09 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-4 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis gets the better of a long rally to open the game. For all his bluster in this set so far the Aussie is showing an ability to keep cool within the points.
Murray forehand into the net, two break points. Murray strikes his forehand long. Kokkinakis breaks again.
02:03 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Brilliant from Kokkinakis to turn defence into attack and finish with a forehand winner down the line, 30-30.
Frustration for Murray as he nets a forehand, 40-30. Great disguise on the drop shot from Murray and Kokkinakis slips to his knees, deuce.
Ace by Kokkinakis to hold. Good response by the Aussie.
02:01 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
That last break point was a lot. Four lobs from Murray who would have lost that point 999 times out of 1000. Kokkinakis is now talking to the supervisor about the time violation he received from Eva Asderaki while Murray is complaining that she didn’t penalise Kokkinakis for “audible obscenity”. He did receive a “racket abuse” penalty for totalling his racket, though. Murray clearly feels that this is his moment to get into Kokkinakis’s head and Judy is on her feet again.
01:59 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis got a warning for racket abuse from the umpire.
Murray starts the game on the front foot, hitting a forehand winner. And he holds to love to compound Kokkinakis’ woes.
How long can Murray keep this level up?
01:54 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 1-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Just when you thought Murray was down and out, he fights back to earn himself three break points.
Kokkinakis saves the first with a huge forehand that drops on the line. Surely Murray has to take one of the next two?
Deep Kokkinakis forehand and Murray nets on the second break point. A series of forehands into the corner by Kokkinakis and he finishes at the net with a drop volley. What a touch.
Kokkinakis ace! He’s played brilliantly from 0-40. Kokkinakis has a chance to finish the game but Murray makes him play an extra ball and the Australian hits a forehand well long, deuce.
Kokkinakis is given a time violation by the umpire for going over the 25 second shot clock. He is fuming. ‘That a bad call’ he says. Both players have been given violations.
Deep Murray return catches the baseline and Kokkinakis shanks his forehand out. His head has gone here. Fourth Murray break point.
SENSATIONAL DEFENSE BY MURRAY. He has no right to win that point but he does, remarkably getting back four overheads by Kokkinakis. Kokkinakis then nets a forehand and explodes, smashing his racket onto the court.
He is livid.
Murray breaks.
01:40 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Ivan Lendl has gone missing from Murray’s player box, prompting Sir Andy to shout “Where are you?” In the absence of his mentor, Murray donates a cheap break.
01:40 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 0-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Unbelievably good from Kokkinakis to push Murray wide and whip a controlled forehand down the line for a winner, 0-15.
Murray nets, 0-30. Murray then sends a forehand long, 0-40. Is this the beginning of the end?
Wild forehand by Murray flies well long to complete a wretched game. Kokkinakis breaks.
01:37 PM
Third set: Murray* 4-6, 6-7 (4), 0-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Uphill task for Murray now. Looks like it might be beyond him today.
Super return by Murray but Kokkinakis has answer with a brilliant forehand down the line, 30-15.
Kokkinakis goes for another forehand down the line but just misses, 30-30. Great hands at the net by Kokkinakis to reach a dipping backhand pass from Murray, 40-30. Murray shrugs his shoulders in disbelief.
Kokkinakis eventually holds to maintain his momentum.
01:28 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-7(4) Kokkinakis – TIEBREAK
Kokkinakis wrong-foots Murray with a forehand winner, 2-5. Murray’s drop shot is too obvious, Kokkinakis reads it and flicks a backhand up the line, 2-6.
Deep Murray forehand and Kokkinakis nets, 3-6. Kokkinakis double fault, just his second of the match, 4-6.
Kokkinakis ace, 4-7. The Australian is a set away from one of the biggest wins of his career.
01:23 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
I should point out that it is now gone 12.15am and the stadium is still 90 per cent full. A testament to the compelling nature of the occasion but also perhaps the navigability of Melbourne. Wonder if the trams are still running.
01:23 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-6 Kokkinakis – TIEBREAK
Makeable volley for Murray but he nets after setting the point up nicely, 0-1. Defensive backhand by Murray drops just wide, 0-2. 11th ace of the match for Kokkinakis, 0-3.
Bit of fortune for Murray as his backhand clips the top of the net, forces Kokkinakis forward and Murray finishes with a volley winner, 1-3. Third ace of the match for Murray, 2-3. Kokkinakis backhand volley winner, 2-4.
01:18 PM
Murray* 4-6, 6-6 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
The break at the change of ends seems to have benefitted Kokkinakis as he moves to 40-0.
A backhand into the net by Kokkinakis makes it 40-15. But a forehand into the net by Murray means we enter a tiebreak.
01:14 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Judy Murray is on her feet as her Andy breaks serve at last, on his fourth break point. That was a mini-choke from Kokkinakis, but he still has the advantage of youth on his side, not to mention the lairy Aussie fans behind me. Meanwhile, I think I felt a drop of drizzle…
01:12 PM
Murray 4-6, 6-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis looking a bit frustrated as Murray moves to 40-15. And the Briton get a huge bit of luck as his forehand clips the top of the net and drop on Kokkinakis’ side.
Kokkinakis will serve to stay in the set next…
01:07 PM
Murray* 4-6, 5-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis forehand winner into the open court, 30-0. Best shot from Murray in a long time as he hits a backhand winner down the line, 30-15.
Timely first serve is unreturned by Murray, 40-15. Two set points.
Murray saves the first to keep himself in this set. Then the second with a forehand winner. Murray shakes his racket with positive intent.
Break point Murray after a brilliant return catches Kokkinakis out. Patience and perseverance from Kokkinakis to stay in the rally and force Murray into an error.
Kokkinakis forehand winner down the line, third set point. Another cat and mouse, Murray lobs Kokkinakis, who chases back but can’t get the ball back in play. Deuce.
Kokkinakis double fault, his first of the match. What a time for it. Break point Murray.
Kokkinakis forehand into the tramlines. Murray breaks back.
12:58 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Some of the remarks coming from behind me, and playing on Kokkinakis’s unusual name, are not fit for reporting on a family website. “Have a cry,” says one less risqué voice as umpire Eva Asderaki hands Murray a time violation and we see his shoulders slump.
12:57 PM
Murray 4-6, 4-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis average forehand speed 133km/h, Murray 121km/h – very big difference.
Tame Murray backhand into the net, 0-30. Murray can’t hurt or overpower his opponent right now.
Murray gets a time violation from the umpire.
Big forehand down the line by Kokkinakis leads to a defensive lob by Murray and the Australian finishes with a drive forehand winner. Three break points.
Murray backhand long. Kokkinakis breaks and will serve for the set.
12:52 PM
Murray* 4-6, 4-4 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis starts the game with a forehand winner and then an ace. Murray can’t believe it.
More relentless hitting from Kokkinakis leads to a 27th forehand winner, 40-0.
And he finishes the game in style with another forehand which is too hot for Murray.
12:48 PM
Murray 4-6, 4-3 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Another routine hold for Murray after a backhand volley winner. Scoreboard pressure now on Kokkinakis.
12:46 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
“Keep moaning, Murray” comes a voice from the crowd. The temperature continues to drop in here and the fans have become a little restless, perhaps feeling that Kokkinakis – who they were getting behind – is slipping slightly from his very high first-set level.
12:45 PM
Murray* 4-6, 3-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Fourth ace of the second set for Kokkinakis, 30-0. But Murray pulls it back to 30-all after back-to-back forehand errors from Kokkinakis.
But Kokkinakis gathers himself and holds with a couple of first serves.
12:39 PM
Murray 4-6, 3-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis is unloading every time on his forehand and he is frustrated after netting one, 30-0.
He nets another forehand, 40-0. And Murray holds to love with a brilliant curved forehand winner.
No breaks so far in this set.
12:35 PM
Murray* 4-6, 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A flock of seagulls are making a lot of noise overhead as Kokkinakis waits to serve.
Nevertheless, he holds to 15 with a forehand winner.
12:31 PM
Murray 4-6, 2-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
What a rally and great reactions from both players: Murray at the net, Kokkinakis scrambling on the baseline. Murray finishes with a volley winner.
He then hits a backhand winner down the line, 40-15. Murray holds to 30 when Kokkinakis fails to return his first serve.
12:27 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Sarcastic thumbs up there from Murray to his coaches after Kokkinakis nails an ace down the ‘T’ in his first service game of set two. It’s a regular trope which I usually take to mean “You said he would serve out wide”, or vice versa. Not a happy sign. Kokkinakis is serving extremely well though. Meanwhile the “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi” chants have started up at deafening volume behind my right ear
12:26 PM
Murray* 4-6, 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
It feels like Murray believes by taking Kokkinakis into longer rallies, the Australian will eventually break down.
The Briton earns himself a half chance after dragging Kokkinakis to the net, who then slices a backhand long, 15-30.
Kokkinakis ace, 40-30. Kokkinakis holds when Murray fails to return a big wide serve.
12:21 PM
Second set: Murray 4-6, 1-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray has to start this set well and stop Kokkinakis’ momentum.
A second ace of the match from Murray makes it 30-15. What a rally, astonishing hustle from Murray and he finishes with a flicked forehand winner down the line, 40-15. He enjoyed that shot.
As the match moves past the one hour mark, Murray holds when Kokkinakis’ forehand goes into the tramlines.
12:17 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Advert on the big screen for a charity lottery run by “The Happy Slam”. Which the Australian Open hasn’t been, in the end, for Murray over the years. So many great moments here but some painful ones too. He needs to find a lot more physical intensity and raise the speed on his groundstrokes if he is going to avoid another sickener.
12:14 PM
Elsewhere in Melbourne….
12:13 PM
Murray* 4-6 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis starts the game by dominating the rally and waiting for the right moment to whip a forehand winner down the line.
He then hits his fifth ace of the match, 30-0. Three set points for Kokkinakis as Murray nets a return.
Murray saves the first to keep his hopes alive. But a backhand down the line does the job for Kokkinakis and he takes the set.
Uphill task for Murray now.
12:09 PM
Murray 4-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Great wide serve by Murray into the corner is unreturned, 40-15. Kokkinakis responds with a vicious topspin forehand winner into the corner.
Murray holds to force Kokkinakis to serve for the set.
12:06 PM
Murray* 3-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Cat and mouse rally between the players and Murray has a chance to lob but his effort bounces out, 15-0.
Big Kokkinakis first serve and he finishes with a forehand winner. And he completes the hold with an ace.
12:02 PM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
Murray just turned to his coaches and seemed to complain about his racket, which is certainly not directing the ball where he wishes at the moment. One of the hallmarks of his win over Berrettini was an unusually calm and upbeat demeanour, so it will be interesting to see how he holds together emotionally. His game is way off right now, whether because of fatigue or the very different conditions – cold/blustery as opposed to calm and humid under the roof.
12:02 PM
Murray 3-4 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Another groundstroke from Murray flies long, 15-30. Murray attacks the net but can’t control his volley off a dipping backhand pass from Kokkinakis, two break points.
Kokkinakis nets on the first. Murray then saves the second when Kokkinakis’ mis-hits a forehand long.
After over six minutes, Murray somehow survives when his backhand clips the top of the net and drops on Kokkinakis’ side.
11:54 AM
Murray* 2-4 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis looks very assured as he hits another forehand winner into the open court, 30-0. Wild forehand by Murray allows Kokkinakis to hold to love.
11 winners for Kokkinakis. Just four for Murray.
11:50 AM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
The crowd are getting into this, so far we’ve had a few chants of “Kokkinakis” and a very Aussie cry of “Shut up seagulls”. Meanwhile Murray has had to request that fans in his eyeline at the back of the court stop waving their flags while Kokkinakis is serving. I’d say the consensus is mildly against Murray but it’s not a landslide.
11:49 AM
Murray 2-3 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray with a tame drop shot into the net, 15-30. Then a weak backhand into the net, 15-40. Two very unusual unforced errors.
Murray saves the first with a forehand volley winner. And the second when Kokkinakis nets a return.
Third break point for Kokkinakis after Murray fails to kill off the point and the Aussie turns defense into attack with a forehand winner.
Murray forehand into the net. Kokkinakis breaks.
11:42 AM
Murray* 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Routine hold to 15 for Kokkinakis. He is well up for this and so is the home crowd.
Murray will have to weather the storm.
11:37 AM
Murray 2-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Bad miss by Kokkinakis on the forehand side after setting up the point beautifully with a backhand return, 30-0.
Kokkinakis is really going after Murray’s second serve at every opportunity. He hits back-to-back forehand return winners to make it 30-30.
He’s sending a message to Murray – miss the first serve and you are in trouble.
Murray finds a timely first serve and finishes with a forehand winner, 40-30. Another first serve from Murray and he holds as Kokkinakis’ return goes long.
11:33 AM
Murray* 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Break point chance for Murray after Kokkinakis gets a mid court ball but pushes his forehand long, 15-40.
Kokkinakis keeps his head to get Murray on the run and finish with a forehand winner down the line. He then saves the second. when Murray nets a forehand.
Another break point chance for Murray after Kokkinakis nets a defensive backhand slice. But the Australian saves it with an ace.
Kokkinakis survives that scare when he forces Murray into netting a backhand.
11:28 AM
Latest update by Simon Briggs on Margaret Court Arena
I can confirm that absolutely every seat on Margaret Court Arena is full (worse luck for the long lines of fans waiting to get in) and that it’s cold like an English spring night. It will be difficult to get the ball through the court.
11:25 AM
First set: Andy Murray 1-0 Thanasi Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl and his mum Judy are sitting next to each other. Looks a bit chilly in Melbourne.
But Murray makes a hot start, hitting an overhead winner on the opening point. Kokkinakis bangs in a big forehand return winner, 30-15.
Murray holds to 15 after Kokkinakis’ next forehand return flies long. No sign of any physical issues for the Briton.
11:19 AM
Latest update on Rod Laver Arena
Injury, what injury? Djokovic leads Couacaud 4-1 in the third set.
Despite his issues, the 21-time grand slam champion’s quality should be too much by the end.
11:17 AM
Coin toss
Kokkinakis wins it and opts to receive first. Murray then choose to swap sides.
11:14 AM
Here we go
An energetic and raucous crowd welcomes Murray and Kokkinakis onto the court.
This should be a good one!
11:09 AM
Kokkinakis: I’m going to be ready
It’s going to be a tough match. I’ve played him a while ago in Davis Cup. Yeah, he definitely handed it to me that day, but I’m ready now. I feel good. It’s going to be a tough match obviously. I watched a fair bit of his match against Berrettini, and he played great. He is looking in good shape. I practiced with him a fair bit recently.
Just going to continue to play my game. He may have lost a little bit, but his anticipation is just as good as ever, and he can still play at the top of the best of them. I’m going to be ready for the best version of Murray, and, yeah, I’m going to go out there and play my game, play aggressive, and hopefully come out best.
11:04 AM
Bencic wins!
10:58 AM
Upset alert!
Couacaud plays the best set of his life, against an injury-hampered Djokovic, to take the second set 7-6.
Does the nine-time champion Djokovic have anything left to mount a response?
10:50 AM
Murray and Kokkinakis due on court soon
Murray and Kokkinakis are scheduled second on Margaret Court Arena. The match before them is ongoing between Belinda Bencic and Claire Liu.
Bencic, the 12th seed, needed 73 minutes to win the opening set 7-6 after being 2-5 down and having to save two set points.
The pair have traded breaks early in the second set but Bencic leads 3-2.
10:42 AM
Elsewhere in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic, who came into the tournament with a hamstring injury, took a medical timeout in the second set of his match with Enzo Couacaud.
Djokovic won the first set 6-1 but trails 6-5 to the qualifier in the second. I’ll keep you updated as we await Murray.
10:35 AM
All eyes on Murray’s recovery
After his epic battle with Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, hopefully he is able to bring his best level today:
It’s obviously not that easy to recover from a 4-hour 45-minute match. But I have put myself in the best chance to be able to do that with the training and stuff that I’ve done the last few months.
I wouldn’t expect myself to feel perfect on Thursday, but hopefully I’ll be in a good place.
10:27 AM
Can Murray do it again?
By Simon Briggs in Melbourne
Less than 48 hours after claiming a famous victory over 13th seed Matteo Berrettini, Andy Murray will be back on court against one of the most popular figures in Australian tennis.
Thanasi Kokkinakis is probably best known as the defending champion in the men’s doubles here, which he won alongside childhood pal Nick Kyrgios. But he is a dangerous hitter in his own right, a rangy player with a big game modelled on 2003 Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis.
Slightly surprisingly, Murray and Kokkinakis have been scheduled on the second-string Margaret Court Arena, while serial Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has taken the main stage for what looks likely to be a routine outing against Enzo Couacoud.
It will be interesting to see how the crowd reacts. Even when facing a home favourite, Murray is still likely to pick up a fair dollop of support, for he won over many locals during his five unsuccessful appearances in the final here.
Also, there is little chance of Kokkinakis whipping up the fans, given that he considers Murray to be a friend and role model. At a small ATP event last year in North Carolina, Kokkinakis posted a video of Murray advising him on the optimal body position for the double-fisted backhand.
“Andy is someone I respect a great amount,” said Kokkinakis on Wednesday after completing a comfortable win over Fabio Fognini. “Obviously he has been at the top of the game, and he can relate a little bit with the injury side of things. I missed a fair few years, and so has he, especially recently.
“He was someone when I came onto tour that was always willing to give some advice. I practised with him a fair bit, I played doubles with him at Indian Wells, so we have a fairly good relationship.
“We get along really well. I actually really like him off the court. I remember watching him when I was younger, thinking ‘This dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable.’ Then when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy.
“Yeah, I’ll put all that aside and give it a crack tomorrow. But he’s someone I have the utmost respect for.”