Andy Murray has advanced into the next round of the Australian Open after an epic five-set battle over number 13 seed Matteo Berrettini.
The Scottish tennis star and world number 66 has been somewhat on the periphery of the sport for the past few years due to recurring injury problems but is eyeing up a comeback on this year’s tour, with an opening victory against last year’s semi-finalist going some way to putting a marker down.
It took the 35-year-old nearly five whole hours to see off his opponent, going on to win the match 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(10-6), dumping out arguably one of the outside favourites for the tournament behind the likes of Novak Djokovic, who also won on his Australian Open.
As he closed out his fifth and final set with an admittedly fortunate return which just glanced the net on its way over, it was plain to see how knackered the pair of pros were, each looking visibly exasperated as they walked off the court.
Lasting more than three times longer than the average match, the Rod Laver Arena was treated to a truly arduous back and forth, with Murray dropping his third and fourth sets to push the game into a tough-going fifth-set tie-break.
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With nearly a full decade between them, 26-year-old Berrettini certainly gave him a run for his money and despite commanding the opening two sets, the former world number one had to fight his way back in, managing to keep enough of a foothold to stay in the contest.
Impressive points like this certainly helped. Talk about rolling back the years.
Murray took to Twitter shortly after the gruelling ordeal, writing: “Thanks to everyone for all the kind messages. We left it all out there. Hope you enjoyed the show.”
Not only was this his first win against a top 20 opponent in almost six years — the previous coming against then-number nine-ranked Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals of the French Open — it was also his biggest scalps since his two hip surgeries.
Looking back to 2019, Murray recently admitted that he was close to calling it quits altogether and is still “one big injury away from retirement“, joking that his diving volley during Tuesday’s match might not have been the best idea either. Nevertheless, the British hopeful clearly isn’t going down without a fight.
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Now with a metal hip following his most recent ‘resurfacing’ surgery, not to mention being strapped in ankle supports, Murray cut a shade of the bionic man at times but admitted that he was “unbelievably proud” of his comeback following so many injuries.
He went on to confess that he’s questioned himself in recent years, adding that “there’s certainly a lot of people questioned [his] ability” and “whether [he] could still perform at the biggest events and the biggest matches”.
However, he ultimately conceded and gave himself a rare pat on the back while speaking to reporters: “I was impressed with myself, which again is not something I often do. I’m hard on myself usually.”
Against all odds, he continues to fight his way back onto the court no matter the physical obstacles; a graceful Berrettini went so far as to call him a “gladiator”.
The UK roster is already one lighter in the Open after Emma Raducanu sadly existed the ASB Classic in New Zealand with yet another injury of her own, so those watching at home will be hoping their five-time runner-up goes far again this year.
Featured Image — Roland-Garros (via Twitter)/Australian Open (via IG)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
17th January 2023 
