Boris Becker shreds the Australian Open for poor scheduling while hailing “Sottish Braveheart” Andy Murray

Boris Becker praises Andy Murray for his character during his battle against Thanasi Kokkinakis before criticizing the Australian Open for poor management.


Boris Becker shreds the Australian Open for poor scheduling while hailing “Sottish Braveheart” Andy Murray

Andy Murray and Boris Becker

Andy Murray‘s win over Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2023 Australian Open had everyone talking. Multiple conversations emerged out of it. The five-hour 45-minute-long clash was won by Murray after losing the first two sets. With a metal hip and a nine year younger opponent in front of him, Murray’s win was truly historic.

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The match finished shortly after the clock struck 4 AM in Melbourne. Assuming a short cooldown followed by the press conferences, the two players would have possibly reached their hotel around 6 AM. While it was the end of the tournament for Kokkinakis, Murray still had a match to prepare for. Eight hours following the win, the Briton was back in Melbourne Park for practice.

The scheduling was criticized a lot as a result of the late finish. Jumping in on the conversation is Boris Becker who has returned to commentating. He returns to the job after his prison sentence was cut short and he was deported back to Germany. Becker praised Murray but expressed his disappointment with the scheduling.

“Andy is a true champion. Sure, he won three Grand Slams and was the world No. 1 – but especially this Scottish Braveheart spirit, you can’t learn. It’s in his blood. He has always been an incredible fighter. After all these injuries, it is absolutely incredible what Murray has done here again. The question is whether it makes sense to play that long.

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“It is also a bit of a distortion of competition. Murray wins here at five minutes past four in the morning, then there is the cool down and the press conference. He won’t get to the hotel before six or half-past six – and you can’t even think of sleeping then,” said Becker speaking on Eurosport Germany.

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Andy Murray takes on Roberto Bautista Agut in round three

Andy Murray - IMAGO / AAP
Andy Murray – IMAGO / AAP

With the Australian Summer draining down players, for Murray the case was different. Playing in the evening session, he wasn’t troubled by the heat but was drenched in sweat. Returning to practice eight hours later, everyone was surprised and shocked yet unhappy with how worn out the players are getting.

“He may have a day off from playing, but his entire body rhythm is disrupted. In which sport do you play until four in the morning? That is not fair for the players who go on there. However, he has to make sure that the blood is running again, and that he starts sweating again. Of course, he is very tired the day after the match and his joints hurt. But he can’t stay in bed until three or four o’clock in the afternoon because he might have to be back on the court tomorrow afternoon,” added Becker.

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While the opinions come in from all directions, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley isn’t much keen on it. He defended the scheduling done by his team stating they are protecting the best interests of the fans and broadcasters. As for Murray, things get only tough as he now takes on Roberto Bautista Agut.

The Spaniard also came from two sets down to win a five-setter. It will be a match between two tired bodies and the freshness will be a big factor in deciding the winner. Murray and Agut are scheduled for the first match of the evening session on the Margaret Court Arena for another blockbuster under the lights.

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