Andy Murray has done the seemingly impossible yet again as he came back from two sets down to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis and progress to the third round of the Australian Open, breaking not one but two records in the process.
After already putting on a fairly herculean display in the opening round of the tournament, playing for nearly five hours, many were worried that he might have emptied the tank early doors. Not so, as he ended up taking this match even further, battling for nearly six whole hours — his longest game ever.
As if that wasn’t staggering enough, in addition to playing the third-longest match in tennis history, he also broke the record for the most singles games won from two sets down, surpassing the likes of Roger Federer, Boris Becker and Aaron Krickstein. Madness.
The epic battle lasted for a total of five hours and 45 minutes and he stayed resilient throughout, winning some of the most ridiculous points we’ve ever seen from him. The Scot really is super-human at times.
Despite Kokkinakis making a staggering start and looking like he was going to cruise to victory, the 35-year-old somehow managed to keep a foothold in the tie.
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The Aussie native pushed the former world number one to the very brink and played more than his part in several relentless rallies, with each player showcasing some serious accuracy when it came to playing down the line and well-placed drop shots, but Murray still made sure to capitalise on every little slip-up.
The five-time Australian Open runner-up went on to win the match 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 7-5, with the final point being played at 4:05am.
Although he was obviously relieved to still be in the fight after hours of breath-taking tennis, he did also show his usual emotions while out on the court.
Undoubtedly the most warranted moment of frustration was when he asked the officials if he could go to the toilet after he had been already been playing for several hours and was told he was not allowed.
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Speaking to the umpire during the break, he said: “I respect the rules [but] it’s so disrespectful that the tournament has us out here until 3, 4 o’clock in the f***ing morning and we’re not allowed to go and take a piss. It’s a joke… it’s disrespectful to you, to the ball children, to the players — ridiculous”.
I mean, you’d be fuming, wouldn’t you?
Andy Murray into a fifth set in Melbourne (where it’s 3 AM) … asked for a bathroom break, was told it wasn’t an option and he vented. Oh yes, he vented as he should. pic.twitter.com/8dmrFVAJXT
Nevertheless, not only did he make it to the end but he managed to notch another win on what has been a long and winding road to a comeback we all hope ends with another Grand Slam title — if not in Australia then sometime soon.
It’s worth reminding that there aren’t many players who would keep going after so many setbacks and a metal hip following two major joint ‘resurfacing’ surgeries, let alone still be joking at the end of the day.
All that being said, overcoming injuries, countless impressive points and two record-breaking achievements aside, this was our favourite moment of the entire ordeal.
Manchester Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.
And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.
The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.
The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.
Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.
As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.
This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.
Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.
It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.
Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.
“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.
“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it
Emily Sergeant
Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.
The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.
If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).
An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.
Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.
He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.
So, what’s on Erling’s list then?
Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd
First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.
He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.
As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.
Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”
Danny Jones -
20th January 2023 
