'Insane' scenes as Andy Murray sends Wimbledon into pandemonium
Andy Murray has sparked crazy scenes at Wimbledon after producing an incredible fightback to advance to the third round.
Murray battled back from a two sets to one deficit to defeat German qualifier Oscar Otte on Centre Court on Wednesday.
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The former World No.1 triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 over the 151st-ranked Otte, sending fans into a frenzy.
The Scottish 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.
He will face Canadian 10th seed Denis Shapovalov for a place in the last 16.
Otte had played Monday and Tuesday to see off fellow qualifier Arthur Rinderknech with that match decided by a final set tie-breaker, 13-12.
Murray won the title in 2013, giving Britain its first male Wimbledon champion in 77 years, and again in 2016.
His victory on Wednesday had fans in attendance roaring with delight, and many more on social media.
Can't quite believe the week of sport we're witnessing.
England beating Germany. Two other proper bonkers games at the Euros featuring Spain, Croatia, France, and Switzerland. And now Andy Murray putting in a gladiatorial performance at Wimbledon.
It's only WEDNESDAY people.— Chris Kerr (@kerrblimey) June 30, 2021
Even he can’t believe his body has just done that. Loved watching that, those last two sets were just vintage Andy Murray (but is he going to have anything left in his bag by the end of this?!) #Wimbledon
— Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) June 30, 2021
Andy Murray wins in five sets. What an utterly insane night. #Wimbledon
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) June 30, 2021
Can you hear fans cheering for @andy_murray? Insane. So happy that sport finally has fans back. #Wimbledon
— Daria Abramowicz (@abramowiczd) June 30, 2021
@andy_murray I am in awe! Hardly played a match in 2 years and here he is winning a near 4 hour long, 5 set match! WITH A METAL HIP!!! His fitness levels and determination are insane. What an athlete, what a player, what an inspiration! #Wimbledon #Murray
— Luke (@Luke___G) June 30, 2021
Yet again,put through the wringer and on the biggest rollercoaster ride that is Andy Murray! Well done! 🎾🎾🎾
— Margaret Arnold 💙💙💙 Our NHS #Get Vaccinated (@Mags_Arnold) June 30, 2021
That was insane, all things considered. 👌
— Clarkey (@shelfy1882) June 30, 2021
Novak Djokovic eases into Wimbledon third round
Earlier, Novak Djokovic looked in ominous form during a second-round victory over Kevin Anderson to stay on course for a third straight Wimbledon title.
The World No.1 produced a scintillating display against the South African in what was a repeat of the 2018 final at the All England Club.
A straight-sets victory proved enough for Djokovic to claim the Championship three years ago and he again made light work of the big-serving Anderson to progress into round three with a 6-3 6-3 6-3 win.
Djokovic is not only chasing a sixth Wimbledon title and third in a row - he can also match Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal's men's record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles.
If that is not enough, he is also halfway to the calendar-year sweep of all four majors last achieved by Rod Laver in 1969 and could also be on for the Golden Slam if you add the Tokyo Olympics into the mix.
Quite simply, by the end of the year Djokovic could well have settled the GOAT (greatest of all-time) debate.
Denis Shapovalov, the 10th seed, joined the top seed in the third round with a walkover after Pablo Andujar had to withdraw with a rib injury.
Queen's Club winner Matteo Berrettini backed up his exploits from earlier in the month with victory over Guido Pella on Court Three.
The Italian seventh seed was pegged back in the second set before he was able to progress with a 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-0 win.
And Nick Kyrgios edged a thriller against the 21st seed Ugo Humbert after he clinched the decider 9-7 with their match suspended at 11pm on Tuesday night.
A fall briefly threatened to derail the Australian's hopes but he was quickly back on his feet to finish the job.
with agencies
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