Andy Murray reaches Sydney Classic final after three-set victory over Reilly Opelka
- Sean Fisher
- 14 January 2022
The Scot fought back from a set down to reach his first ATP Tour final since 2019.
After losing the first set, Andy Murray mounted a fightback to secure a three-set win over American Reilly Opelka in the Sydney Classic semi-final.
The Scotsman found himself 1-5 down in the first set, but clawed his way back only to lose the subsequent tie break.
However, 34-year-old Murray bounced back from his disappointment by claiming the following two sets to win 6-7(6) 6-4 6-4.
How it started ā”ļø How it's going
ā #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2022
12 years after his first final Down Under, @andy_murray does it again in Sydney š #SydneyTennis š #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Delw1eJFNa
His victory booked his spot in the final of the tournament - the first time he's reached an ATP Tour final since Antwerp in 2019.
The 6ft 11 Opelka proved to be a good match-up for Murray as he warms up for the Australian Open, and by beating him he keeps up his superb record against the giants of the game.
He holds a 7-0 record against Ivo Karlovic and 8-0 against John Isner, with his superb returns and ability to keep the ball in play helping him to counter their strengths.
How do you lob over a 211cm man š¤
ā #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2022
Take it away, @andy_murray š#SydneyTennis š #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/cwuAB50slk
But it might be a more familiar foe that Murray comes up against in tomorrow's final, with Dan Evans taking on Russia's Aslan Karatsev for the final spot.
If Evans comes out on top, it'll set up the first ever all-British ATP Tour final.
However, after his success, Murray had only one thing in his mind - winning the trophy. In his on-court interview, the former world No.1 said, "It's already been a great week for me. I'll go for 47 tomorrow."
