January 14, (THEWILL) – Andy Murray will play in his first ATP final in 27 months after defeating Reilly Opelka in the Sydney Tennis Classic 6-7(6) 6-4 6-4.
If he beats Russia’s Aslan Karatsev later today, the former world number one would make his first final since October 2019 and might face Dan Evans in an all-British final.
Opelka, a muscular American who hit 20 aces, gave the Scot a severe test. The 6 feet 11 inches American, who holds the joint record of the tallest-ever ATP-ranked player, was exactly the type of challenge Murray needed ahead of the Australian Open.
As THEWILL reported, Murray defeated David Goffin in the quarter-finals after the Belgian was forced to withdraw, and Nikoloz Basilashvili in the round of 16 after being drawn against him in the first round of the Australian Open.
The Open in Melbourne is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. This year’s edition is scheduled to take place at Melbourne Park, from January 17–30.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
