IT’S NEVER ever straightforward when it comes to Andy Murray and late-night Wimbledon tennis matches.
And once more the Centre Court crowd were treated to a full emotional rollercoaster ride from this thrill-seeking Scot.
First, there was joy that Muzza, a two-time Wimbledon winner, had finally returned to singles action on this grass Mecca for the first time in four years.
There were plenty of butterflies, jitters and sweaty palms as the Scottish hero surrendered two match points and obstinate opponent Nikoloz Basilashvili threatened a potential five-set fightback.
BETTING SPECIAL
Yet in the end there was immense relief and satisfaction that all those years of hurt and pain had been wiped away within the space of four gruelling sets and more than three-and-a-half hours.
Murray said: “I tested my own nerves. It’s amazing to be back again playing on Centre Court. In such a brilliant atmosphere.
“Since I came back these last 8-9 months, I had missed the fans.
“It was an amazing reception when I came out, and a great atmosphere throughout.
“I did well to win the fourth set. That was not mentally easy going back to the locker room.
I tested my own nerves. It’s amazing to be back again playing on Centre Court. In such a brilliant atmosphere
Andy Murray
“I had a shower, I went to the toilet – just a number one – and then it was really disappointing that I lost the third.
“I cut out some of the dropshots and served better in the fourth set and turned it round.
“It has been extremely tough even these last few months. I didn’t have the most serious of injuries. But it has been frustrating not to play on court.
“I have had such little momentum. I kept trying and working hard in the gym, doing all the right things. I feel lucky I could do it again.
“I keep being asked if this is my last Wimbledon or last match. No. I want to play. I am enjoying it and I still can play at the highest level.
“He is ranked 28 in the world and I have hardly played any matches and I beat him. I will keep going.”
For Murray, this 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 victory over the Georgian No.24 seed, was hard fought and epic but it will surely go down as one of the most special nights of magical career.
Particularly as he thought his tennis days were over at the start of 2020.
Especially as he had to undergone career-saving surgery to prolong his career and months and months of rehab and aborted comebacks.
This was his chance to remind the British public that he is back and show there is still lots of life left in him on a court.
If anything it also reminded everyone how damn exhausting it is to watch Murray live in action.
That said, for the opening two sets, Murray, 34, was progressing quickly and serving wonderfully, like the incarnation of pistol Pete Sampras.
Any pre-match doubts about his fitness were instantly dispelled inside the opening few minutes of this first-round return.
Murray rolled back the years and opened with a 114mph ace and then followed it up with two 124mph and 125mph service bombs.
There was only break point in the first set and crucially Murray only needed that one to take the early advantage.
When the timid return from Basilashvili crashed into the net, the crowd were on their feet, Murray was fist pumping – well, it was just like the good old days.
Despite the slippery baseline conditions – typically Muzza had a right old moan about it – the Scot took command in the latter stages of the second set and moved 2-0 up.
In the third set, Murray raced into a 5-0 lead and looked to be coasting to victory before the TV watershed.
Basilashvili, according to Wimbledon legend John McEnroe, had essentially “tapped out” like a downtrodden wrestler at this point.
Yet rejuvenated Basilashvili, 29, broke back twice, saved two match points and gave everyone watching some unnecessary worries, particularly wife Kim and mum Judy.
Basilashvili clinched the third set and as the roof shut above their heads, everyone knew they were in for a long night and late trains might be missed.
Thankfully, Murray – now carrying a titanium rod in his right hip – remained defiant, dug deep as he always does, delivered 17 brilliant aces and managed to win just his THIRD Tour match of 2021.
Next up is a qualifier in the second round on Wednesday – either German Oscar Otte or Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech – but for the time being, let him and us simply saviour this wonderful win.
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