Andy Murray, having barely played all year, has now come through a four-setter and a five-setter at the Centre Court of Wimbledon to progress to the third round. And fittingly, he did it with a fantastic signature lob as he battled back from a two sets to one deficit to defeat German qualifier Oscar Otte on Wednesday.
Former number one Murray triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 over the 151st-ranked Otte under the roof of Centre Court.
The British star, playing in the singles event for the first time since 2017 and ranked a lowly 118 after a battle against hip and groin injuries, avoided what would have been his earliest exit from the tournament.
“What an atmosphere to play in at the end,” said 34-year-old Murray.
“I needed everyone’s help tonight. I did a great job, played some top shots at the end but it was a tough match.”
He will face Canadian 10th seed Denis Shapovalov for a place in the last 16.
“I’m obviously tired. I fell over a couple of times, the court is pretty slick,” added Murray after almost four hours on court.
“Considering everything, I feel alright. The hip’s still good. It’s a rest day tomorrow and hopefully I can come out and perform well.”
Here are the reactions to Murray’s win:
🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aj8cp6EKzY
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 30, 2021
It never gets old, does it?
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2021
Centre Court rides the @andy_murray rollercoaster once again 🎢#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/mjkC92FT8F
"He's done it again!"
— The Field (@thefield_in) June 30, 2021
A fantastic finish to a fantastic match and Centre Court stands up for Sir Andy Murray!
This is a #WimbledonThing alright.
Watch with 🔊
🎥 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/1WAcSFPLdc
Andy Murray.
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 30, 2021
Under the Centre Court roof.
Winning a five-set battle.
A privilege to witness once again ☺️
Murray comes back to take down Otte 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-4 6-2 and reach the #Wimbledon third round pic.twitter.com/iiDHm8nWXR
[WC] @andy_murray rallies past [Q] Otte 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in 3h, 51m to advance to #Wimbledon 3R for the 13th consecutive time. #Murray broke 7 times and hit 55 winners.
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) June 30, 2021
Next: 1st meeting vs [10] @denis_shapo (W/O vs Andujar).
Andy Murray 🙌💪🏽 what a fighter .. @andy_murray tennis missed you 🔥
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 30, 2021
Absolutely superb victory for @andy_murray. What a player. What a warrior. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 30, 2021
For the love of the game. pic.twitter.com/dlJMQTvBCX
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 30, 2021
Sir Andrew Barron Murray! ❤️ A metal hip and one big freaking heart! What a fighting win in 5 sets! A trademark lob to win it! Love you, @andy_murray! #Wimbledon
— PP (@PrashantSport) June 30, 2021
Andy Murray, you all.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 30, 2021
The two times champ comes back to beat Oscar Otte 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in almost four hours and reach the 3rd round at #Wimbledon.
He never lost in the first two rounds here.
Shapovalov next. pic.twitter.com/ewZnVIgqW1
Both Kyrgios and Murray picking themselves up to win their respective Wimbledon matches after a fall, due to the godforsaken grass, is the life lesson I’ve learned from tennis today.
— Sritama Panda (@cricketpun_duh) June 30, 2021
YES, ANDY MURRAY’S DONE IT! #Wimbledon2021
Never ever question why players don't retire. pic.twitter.com/l4Co1QNTGJ
— Nikhila (@kokudum) June 30, 2021
The definition of a warrior. Brilliant, @andy_murray#Wimbledon
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) June 30, 2021
Love Andy Murray. What a legend. So pleased for him tonight.
— Prof Alice Roberts💙 (@theAliceRoberts) June 30, 2021
Just two words, because I am lost for more to sum him up - Andy and Murray. @andy_murray
— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) June 30, 2021
Wonderful stuff from @andy_murray at #Wimbledon
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 30, 2021
He ambles around like a wounded bear but never, ever gives up. Every win is a lesson in resilience.
Perfectly assisted by top-drawer commentary from @MrAndrewCotter pic.twitter.com/8RzUQlG7Vi
If that's the last one of those, if we never get another Murray coaster on Wimbledon Centre Court, if that was it.
— Chris P (@scoobstennis) June 30, 2021
I'll take it.
A very special moment.
I'll never forget it.
I thought the very Murray performance on #Wimbledon singles return was a rollercoaster, but Sir Andy goes ahead & wins a five-set epic in the second round
— ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) June 30, 2021
There's something about Andy Murray on Centre Court and I'm glad we get to live it again#Replughttps://t.co/bo0ZEOW2uy
This man. This court. So many memories.#Wimbledon | @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/27SZVqifCV
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2021