Four years ago, the curtains seemed to have come down on Andy Murray‘s tennis career. Suffering from a hip injury, the Australian Open even had a farewell video arranged for him. However, he came up victorious against all odds and was back and rolling at this year’s competition. Fighting his way from down, he arguably had one of his career’s greatest performances against Thanasi Kokkanakis. In his emphatic comeback win, the 35-year-old won an impossible rally which earned him an acknowledgment from NBA great, Shaquille O’Neal.

Before his second-round battle against his Australian opponent, Murray put on a classic in the first round. The game lasted nearly five hours and took a major toll on his body. However, he turned back the clock against Kokkanakis to the time he was the number one player. After falling behind two sets, the three-time Grand Slam champion found a way back into the contest. The match lasted until 4 in the morning with Murray raising his hands in victory.

A turning point in the match came in one of the most enthralling sequences this year. Arguably on the back foot, the British tennis phenom somehow stayed alive in a rally. Winning the play, Shaquille O’Neal and the entire tennis world stood up for his masterclass.

Andy Murray impressed Shaquille O’Neal

The second round battle was Murray’s longest according to CNN. The father of four had to rally all the way from behind to advance in the competition. In a true strength of his strength and grit, he did so. His hunger to win was on full display during an enthralling rally. Thanasi Kokkanakis hit four smashes, but they weren’t enough to phase Murray. Running the court, an exhausted Andy Murray left the crowd stunned. After returning whatever the Australian threw, he forced an error which led to the former World Number one winning the point.

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In a clip shared by TSN, the fans went ballistic on the play. Even Shaq shared the rally on his Instagram in awe of the tennis giant.

One user wrote, “Jesus Christ with a bionic hip”

Several others were beyond impressed with his resistance on the point and said, “That might be one of the greatest points I’ve ever witnessed.”

“That was a recovery of the ages”

“ICONIC ANDY MURRAY”

While Murray celebrated, his opponent broke apart. Thanasi Kokkanakis smashed his racket in frustration. Likewise, the fans called him out for it.

They said, “Bro was pissed”

“Hate when they throw their racket like a child”

The match lasted for over five hours, and Murray would advance to the third round of the Australian Open. Several fans deemed this to be a ‘dream run’ for the 35-year-old tennis icon. However, it came to an end heartbreakingly.

Murray’s emphatic Australian Open lasted three rounds

A fairytale run at the competition ended for the British tennis star. He lost to Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets putting an end to his campaign at the tournament. However, the crowd knew how special the run from Andy Murray truly was. Despite being on the losing side, the crowd gave him a standing ovation as he limped off the court.

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Thankfully, this isn’t the last of Murray. He said he has big plans for the calendar year. Hence, fans can expect the former World number one to be back on the big stage soon. Do you think Andy Murray can shock Shaquille O’Neal and the tennis world by winning a tournament this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.