• Officially, this was the first day of the year’s first major. Unofficially, this was Andy Murray Day at the Australian Open, a chance to salute a future Hall of Famer player in what might well be his final match. Murray announced on Friday that his recalcitrant, rebellious body—his hip injury in particular—was making it impossible for him to continue playing much longer. As much a symbolic occasion as anything else, Murray showed up for this first rounder tonight and tried his best. Unfortunately for him, the man on the other side of the net, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut was the worst possible opponent, a steady veteran—confidence swollen from having beaten Novak Djokovic last week—whose game is predicated on relentless movement.
Five Thoughts on Day One at the Australian Open
