Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis – Second Round – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis on and what time does it start? Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis will take place on Thursday 19th January, 2023 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis taking place? Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis being played on? Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
What channel is Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis on in the UK? Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
Former world number one Andy Murray was exceptional on Tuesday, blowing away the cobwebs of recent tour performances with a five-set victory over Matteo Berrettini. The three-time Grand Slam champion beat a top 20 player at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017 and with it claimed Berrettini’s seeded draw in Melbourne, something the Brit has been desperately seeking out in recent seasons on his return from major surgery. Murray has finished runner-up at the Australian Open on a remarkable five occasions, almost half of his 11 Grand Slam finals since his first at the US Open in 2008.
THE PREDICTION
This looks the must-watch match on Thursday with so much on the line for both players who have seen portions of their careers severely hampered by injuries. World number 159 Thanasi Kokkinakis was a promising young player before several years of recurring injuries hampered his progression and it is only in the past two years that he has been able to become an ever-present on tour. The 26-year-old claimed his maiden ATP title on home soil in Adelaide this time last season before taking that form to a remarkable Men’s’ Doubles title alongside Nick Kyrgios here soon after. The Aussie is playing well right now but a straight-sets victory over Fabio Fognini, played over two days due to weather disruptions, is no great reflection of how he may fare here considering Fognini’s attitude. A run to the semi-finals as defending champion in Adelaide last week, and the strong backing he will receive on Margaret Court Arena on Thursday, suggest he can take at least a set here but Murray is a well-loved champion who should be well-received too, limiting the ‘partisan’ atmosphere Aussies usually enjoy in Melbourne. If Murray recovers well from his opening epic this match should fall his way in three or four sets. Back the Brit to come through outright here.
