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.
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’.
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