'What a fighter': Andy Murray epic leaves tennis world in awe

Andy Murray has shocked the tennis world with one of the most extraordinary performances of his storied career.

The three-time grand slam winner went down in a heartbreaking five set epic against Roberto Bautista Agut but his never-say-die spirit was praised by fans all over the world.

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Carrying a chronic hip injury that led him to tearfully announce earlier in the week that his career was coming to an end, Murray looked gone after conceding the opening two sets.

But the fiery Brit refused to lie down and somehow managed to take the third set, before setting up an unthinkable deciding set on Monday night.

Murray battled bravely even though it was evident he was in significant discomfort throughout the entire match.

There were gripping scenes inside Melbourne Park as time and time again, the 31-year-old defied his opponent and his crippling injury to prolong the match.

Ultimately though, it was the 22nd seeded Spaniard who won his way into the second round courtesy of a 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 triumph in just over four hours.

The entire crowd was on their feet to salute Murray for drawing the curtain on his Australian Open career with an unforgettable performance.

Tributes were coming in thick and fast from fans on social media as the world of tennis paid their respects to a true champion of the game.

Murray was careful not to confirm his retirement after the match, however, saying he will have a major operation on his hip and try to come back from that.

He is determined to end his career at Wimbledon.

“That was incredible. Thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight,” he said.

“I’ve honestly loved playing here over the years. It’s an amazing place to play tennis. If this was my last match, what an amazing way to end.

“I gave everything I had. It wasn’t enough tonight so congratulations to Roberto and his team. I don’t really have anything else to say.

“Thanks to everyone for their support, my team, my family. Thanks to everyone who contributed to my career over the years.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll see you again. I’ll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I’ll need to have a big operation, which there is no guarantee I’ll be able to come back from. But I’ll give it my best shot.”

Triumphs at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and in two Olympic finals ensured Murray was no longer the bridesmaid of men’s tennis, cementing his status as a member of the ‘big four’ alongside Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Scotsman’s win at Flushing Meadows came after being a grand-slam runner-up four times and saw him become first British man to win a major since 1936.

Bautista Agut, who has lined up a second-round clash with Australia’s John Millman, gave tribute to Murray post-match.

“It was an unbelievable match. He gave everything until the last point. I want to congratulate him on all he’s done for tennis,” he said.