In a thrilling five-set match that went the distance, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Andy Murray 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (2-7), 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 to reach the third round of Wimbledon 2023.
The match was a battle of two former champions, with Murray looking to win his first Wimbledon match since 2017 and Tsitsipas looking to build on his impressive run to the final last year.
Murray started the match well, taking the first set in a tiebreak. However, Tsitsipas responded in the second set, winning a tiebreak of his own.
The third set was a close affair, with both players trading breaks of serve. However, Tsitsipas eventually prevailed, breaking Murray in the 10th game to take the set.
Murray came out firing in the fourth set, breaking Tsitsipas in the first game. However, Tsitsipas broke back in the seventh game and then held serve to level the match at two sets apiece.
The fifth set was a classic, with both players serving superbly. The set went to a tiebreak, with Tsitsipas prevailing 7-3 to win the match.
Tsitsipas' victory was a major upset, as Murray was the heavy favorite coming into the match. However, Tsitsipas played some of his best tennis of the year, and he will be a dangerous opponent in the third round.
The match was also notable for the heated exchanges between Murray and Tsitsipas. In the second set, Murray called Tsitsipas a "bully" for his time-wasting tactics. Tsitsipas responded by calling Murray a "sore loser."
The match was a highly entertaining affair, and it was a fitting way to mark the 10th anniversary of Murray's Wimbledon title win. Tsitsipas' victory will be a major boost to his confidence, and he will be a contender to win the title this year.
