By Tony O’Reilly-
Novak Djokovic (pictured)has embarked on a teasing mission against Andy Murray for falling eight minutes short of the Serbian’s five-hour and 53 minutes Australian Open final with Rafael Nadal in 2012.
Murray fought back from two sets down to seal an incredible 4-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in a second round contest that did not finish until 4.05am.
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The athletes battled for five hours and 45 minutes before the 35-year-old Scot’s resolve a backhand winner past the despairing Australian.
Following the victory, Djokovic posted an Instagram story praising the Scot for his victory.
Along with a picture of Murray celebrating with the 5:45 clock in the background, he wrote: ‘Phenomenal fighting spirit of a great champion! Really inspirational! Well done mate’.
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Two minutes later, the Serbian posted photos from his own exhausting battle with Nadal in 2012, resurfacing photos of him in agony along with a picture of him crouched in front of the 5:53 clock.
Djokovic tagged Murray in the post and wrote: ‘You just felt short of 8min. Sorry mate’ – along with both a laughing face and a muscle emoji.’
Nadal and Djokovic’s Australian Open final remains the longest Grand Slam final of all time – and it was the Serbian who triumphed in the end 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5.
The 35-year-old must now recover for a third round against No 24 seed Roberto Bautista Agut
The 35-year-old must now recover for a third round against No 24 seed Roberto Bautista Agut
Djokovic has booked himself in the third round this year with a comfortable 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0 against French qualifier Enzo Couacaud.
But after having to leave the court with a hamstring injury, it’s unclear how he will cope in the next round when he meets Grigor Dimitrov.
Murray meanwhile must now recover for a third round against Roberto Bautista Agut, the No 24 seed who never gives an inch.
Speaking post-match, Murray reaffirmed his belief his round two clash finished far too late.
‘I don’t know who it’s beneficial for,’ he said. ‘It ends in a bit of a farce.
‘Amazingly, people stayed until the end, and I really appreciate them doing that and creating an atmosphere for us at the end.
Image: PA
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