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.
Ruben Amorim insists he ‘cannot’ quit as Manchester United manager
Danny Jones
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has reiterated that he won’t quit his job at the club and that his departure will only come through being sacked.
The struggling head coach has notched the lowest tally of any permanent manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, and despite a much-needed win against Sunderland this past weekend – not to mention a much more positive performance overall – there are still growing calls of ‘Amorim Out’.
Amorim has registered just 34 points from the 33 Premier League games he’s been in charge of so far,
Nevertheless, as per quotes from The Guardian over the weekend, the Portuguese head coach assured that he will not be stepping away from the role and would have to be sacked for him to leave Man United.
Speaking to the outlet after the 2-0 home win this past Saturday, Amorim said: “No, that is a decision of the board – I cannot do that. Sometimes I have that feeling, and losing is hard, not to create the momentum.
“It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game, [and] something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. Also, the players and especially the staff here. But that is not my decision, and I think it would be really hard to leave if I don’t do everything to follow my career here.”
The 40-year-old still has the support of many supporters, but it’s fair to say that many neutrals and even die-hards who would like to believe they have put their faith in this rebuild and the INEOS project up to now are growingly increasingly impatient and doubtful, with plenty of vocal detractors already.
Amorim continued, “It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here, and I want to fight for this; but the problem is now what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job.”
He also added the caveat that, unlike those who were unfortunately laid off during the two rounds of redundancies over the past 12 months alone, “you fear [losing] your job when you have to pay the bills, and I don’t have that feeling.”
It’s also worth noting that this is by no means the first time he’s fielded questions of the matter of resignation, having previously worried fans with divisive comments about sometimes ‘hating’ his players and flitting between wanting to either quit or echo Fergie and stay at Old Trafford for decades.
"Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years."
Rúben Amorim defended his emotional response after Manchester United’s defeat to Grimsby Town but admitted he wants to improve how he reacts 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nXuN0Ztoee
Despite the United administration assuring that he has their backing, every game feels like it could be make or break for Amorim at the moment.
Although he does have the respite of the October international break coming up, the first game back is against the reigning champions Liverpool away at Anfield – a team he is yet to beat.
In fact, you could also argue that this may only serve as disruption to any kind of momentum they may have generated with the victory over the Black Cats; only time will tell.
You can see his most recent post-match press conference in full down below.
Ok, Man United fans: Amorim won’t quit, but do you think he should be sacked, or does he deserve more time?
Luke Littler announces split from management ahead of 2025 World Grand Prix
Danny Jones
Darts sensation Luke Littler has announced a split from his now former management company, ZXF Sports, with the decision coming on the eve of this year’s World Grand Prix.
Warrington-born Littler has become a superstar in his own right over the past few years, following his incredible breakthrough onto the professional scene, and it appears as though the local lad is now looking to keep moving onward and, hopefully, upward.
Confirming the parting of ways with ZXF online, Littler told his followers on social media that he will now be seeking out “new representation”.
The 2025 World Grand Prix of darts got underway on Monday evening, with Luke Littler’s first match coming against Gian van Veen on Tuesday, 7 October.
Luke Littler has announced he’s parted ways with his management team, wonder if Modus will get him now? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Le7vyowOAt
Sharing a statement this week, the 18-year-old wrote: “I want to say a massive thank you to ZXF Sports, and especially [manager] @Martin_foulds84, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career.
“We’ve had some amazing times together over the last 5 years, and I’ll always be grateful for the advice and support that’s helped me get to this point.
“As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation. Martin has been brilliant for me, and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what’s ahead.”
ZXF Sports, which is run by Foulds, heads up the PR for multiple other big darts pros, such as Chris Dobey, Andy Boulton, and Stockport’s very own Nathan Apsinall.
Littler has often referred to ‘The Asp’ as his de facto older brother on the senior circuit, having been under the same representation since 2020, when ‘The Nuke’ was still moving over from the junior scene.
Safe to say their close relationship is one that fans will be hoping remains close.
At this time, it’s still unclear if the North West sports personality has a new team lined up, but you can bank on plenty of suitors having already courted him.
Many now expect his partnership with PR company, Soapbox, to potentially ramp up – or, indeed, for leading elite darts management Modus to make him a marquee signing for the brand.
Their clients include Raymond van Barneveld and regular title rival, Michael van Gerwen.
Once again, the youngster takes on the world no.15 Dutchman tonight (Tues, 7 Oct) at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, England, with the second slate of fixtures in round one starting from 6pm.
Danny Jones -
20th January 2023 
