SYDNEY: Former world number one Andy Murray on Friday advanced to his first final since 2019, where he will take on the Russian top seed Aslan Karatsev to give a huge boost to their confidence ahead of Australian Open,
The 34-year-old three-time Majors winner, who underwent career-saving hip surgery, has registered four consecutive wins for the first time since becoming champions in Antwerp nearly three years ago.
He was exceptional against Vishal again Reilly Opelka Feather Sydney Classic, battling his semifinal 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-4, successfully blunted the American’s huge serve.
Murray, who has been given a wildcard at next week’s Australian Open, said he was encouraged by how he was playing at the opening Grand Slam of the year, a tournament where he is a five-time finalist.
“It would be amazing to start the year with a win, it’s already been a good week for me,” said 135th-ranked Scott, who closed his eyes and let out a big roar when he won the match.
“It’s a huge progression from everything I’ve done over the past year or so. Putting four games together like this, against some of the top players,” Murray said, setting his eyes on his 47th career title.
“I will go for 47 tomorrow. I have played better with each match and hopefully I will take it up again tomorrow.”
He will face world number 20 Karatsev, who went through an epic 3hrs 6mins 6-3, 6-7 (13/15), 6-3 win against Briton Dan Evans to make the final on Saturday. had come.
world number four Barbora Krejcikova Saved seven match points for the lead against an epic third set tie-break Annette Kontaveit And storm into the female decider.
The French Open champion looked for the count when she lost the first set against a seventh-ranked Estonian, but focused again to move the match to third place.
It could have gone either way in a high-quality toe encounter from two of last year’s best players, who indicated they would be a real threat at next week’s Australian Open.
But Krejcikova eventually won her fifth match point, 0–6, 6–4, 7–6 (14/12) after 2 hours and 30 minutes, after seven saves, helping Kontaveit reach her fourth consecutive final. in order to stop .
She will play Spain’s world number 9 player Paula Badosa In the final, she defeated 26th-ranked Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-2.
“I just tried to fight more and stay in the match,” Krejcikova said on her return from the first set bagel.
“I thought at some point I would get my chances and it was important to turn them around. I had to find a plan B and I’m really glad I did. It was an amazing match.”
Both players were newcomers at the end of the season. WTA Finals Last year, where they had their only previous meeting, was won by the Estonian in straight sets in the final.
That win was part of Kontaveit’s impressive run at the end of the year, where he won 28 of his last 32 matches.
The 34-year-old three-time Majors winner, who underwent career-saving hip surgery, has registered four consecutive wins for the first time since becoming champions in Antwerp nearly three years ago.
He was exceptional against Vishal again Reilly Opelka Feather Sydney Classic, battling his semifinal 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-4, successfully blunted the American’s huge serve.
Murray, who has been given a wildcard at next week’s Australian Open, said he was encouraged by how he was playing at the opening Grand Slam of the year, a tournament where he is a five-time finalist.
“It would be amazing to start the year with a win, it’s already been a good week for me,” said 135th-ranked Scott, who closed his eyes and let out a big roar when he won the match.
“It’s a huge progression from everything I’ve done over the past year or so. Putting four games together like this, against some of the top players,” Murray said, setting his eyes on his 47th career title.
“I will go for 47 tomorrow. I have played better with each match and hopefully I will take it up again tomorrow.”
He will face world number 20 Karatsev, who went through an epic 3hrs 6mins 6-3, 6-7 (13/15), 6-3 win against Briton Dan Evans to make the final on Saturday. had come.
world number four Barbora Krejcikova Saved seven match points for the lead against an epic third set tie-break Annette Kontaveit And storm into the female decider.
The French Open champion looked for the count when she lost the first set against a seventh-ranked Estonian, but focused again to move the match to third place.
It could have gone either way in a high-quality toe encounter from two of last year’s best players, who indicated they would be a real threat at next week’s Australian Open.
But Krejcikova eventually won her fifth match point, 0–6, 6–4, 7–6 (14/12) after 2 hours and 30 minutes, after seven saves, helping Kontaveit reach her fourth consecutive final. in order to stop .
She will play Spain’s world number 9 player Paula Badosa In the final, she defeated 26th-ranked Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-2.
“I just tried to fight more and stay in the match,” Krejcikova said on her return from the first set bagel.
“I thought at some point I would get my chances and it was important to turn them around. I had to find a plan B and I’m really glad I did. It was an amazing match.”
Both players were newcomers at the end of the season. WTA Finals Last year, where they had their only previous meeting, was won by the Estonian in straight sets in the final.
That win was part of Kontaveit’s impressive run at the end of the year, where he won 28 of his last 32 matches.
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