USA Today via Reuters
Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Andy Murray (GBR) reacts after winning a point during his second round match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Andy Murray (GBR) reacts after winning a point during his second round match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most satisfying performances in the latter half of the 2021 ATP season came from former World No.1 Andy Murray. The Brit, who met Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first-round of the US Open, dialed back time to give fans a glimpse of his vintage best.
In 2021, Murray made huge strides in clawing his way back to old form but didn’t quite have the results to back it up. Hopefully, 2022 will provide some solid numbers in favor of the Brit. To start next year, Murray will be flying to Australia to play the ‘Happy Slam’ as he got a wild-card invitation from the tournament.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 12, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Andy Murray (GBR) hits a shot against Alexander Zverev (GER) during a third round match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Murray handed a wild-card for the 2022 Australian Open
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In a statement released by the Australian Open on Twitter, the Brit expressed gratefulness to Craig Tiley for the opportunity.
“I’m really excited to be back playing at the Australian Open and grateful to Craig and the team for the opportunity. I’ve had some great times in Australia playing infront of the amazing crowds and I can’t wait to step back out on court at Melbourne Park,” Murray said.
Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard.
“Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” – @CraigTiley
We can’t wait to see you at #AO2022, Andy 💪💙#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 23, 2021
Murray will be stepping into the Melbourne Park after a gap of two years. His last match at the Australian Open came in 2019, where he lost to Roberto Bautista Agut in a gutsy display of will and determination that was coupled with roaring applause from the crowd at Melbourne Arena.
Murray last played in Melbourne against Bautista Agut in an emotional five-set contest
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That match was emotional for Murray as he realized that it could be the last time he would ever be stepping onto a tennis court. As he had to undergo another hip surgery, it felt as if the Brit might not be in a position to play competitive tennis again.
But, the former World No.1 turned the tables in an emphatic manner and has been fighting against the odds to play the sport he loves. After a confidence-boosting end to the 2021 season, Murray will definitely take his chances in Melbourne to create top-tier upsets on the singles draw.
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Also, the three-time major champion recently bid goodbye to his long-time coach Jamie Delgado and teamed up with Jan De Witt, who will be in Andy’s box till the conclusion of the tennis summer in Australia.
