Andy Murray's column: Returning to the Australian Open and Celebrating Like Cristiano Ronaldo
Andy Murray of the United Kingdom is back at the Australian Open and as a BBC Sport columnist. The 34-year-old former world number one discusses his exciting five-set triumph over Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili in round one, as well as tuning out supporters' 'Siuuuu' celebrations in the style of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three years ago, in Melbourne, I believed I had maybe played my final match.
You may recall my emotional press conference where I stated that I believed this to be the case, however, in retrospect, I believe I did not explain my ideas, as well as I, might have.
Before I went in there, I was nervous!
Because I was handicapped by the hip ailment, which was also hurting my life outside of tennis, emotions had been building for a long period.
So it was a fantastic pleasure to be back at the Australian Open this year, playing on the same court as 2019, and then defeating Basilashvili in five sets.
It didn't feel like I was out there on the court in 2019. Physically, I was badly hindered, and I had little to no preparation.
I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to play again, and even if I had defeated Roberto Bautista Agut, I wouldn't have been physically able to play the following match.
After hip surgery and several stops and starts with new niggles, returning to Grand Slams is a goal I have fought so hard to achieve.
It would have been simple to quit playing, but I continued trying. I'm proud of the labor and effort that went into it.
Another setback occurred last year when I was unable to travel to Australia because I tested positive for coronavirus just before my scheduled departure.
That was painful for me. I had put in a lot of work at the end of November and December, and I was performing admirably.
I'd put in a lot of practice time and felt in great shape when the positive test came up. I was devastated.
I could handle the injuries and setbacks, but it was challenging since I was participating in a Challenger tournament in Italy at the same time as the Australian Open.
I was in good health; I'd just recently recovered from a sickness. I was aware of the regulations and the scenario in Melbourne, but I only wish I had been able to participate.
Ronaldo's 'Siuuuus' is being blocked.
Even with the losses, nights like Tuesday are still delightful. The atmosphere at John Cain Arena was fantastic, as it always is since the audience can be rather rowdy.
I initially mistook the crowd for booing me, and I believe Basilashvili mistook them for booing him as well. Then I noticed they were doing Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuuu' celebration a bit later.
I joked that it was bothersome, but in reality, you simply forget about it. Once you realize what it is and are prepared for it, it does not affect you.
The wonderful atmosphere of 'the people's court' is reminiscent of a zoo, a boo, or Ronaldo's'siuuu.'
It contributed to the incredible mood. These are the kinds of moments and matches I'd like to attempt to produce as often as possible, especially now that I'm 34 and retirement isn't far away.
Everyone in our sport aspires to play in front of large crowds at the Grand Slams, and that's something I've always enjoyed.
Last year at Wimbledon, I had the opportunity to play in several unique settings under the lights on Centre Court. The audience was a huge motivator for me, and I had a great time on those occasions.
There will, hopefully, be many more in the future.
'I'll never be able to move like I'm 25 again.'
It's always a thrill for me to return to Melbourne. The circumstances have suited my game, which is why I've done so well over here and made it to the final five times.
For me, defeating Basilashvili was a significant victory. After putting in a lot of effort to return to this event and physically compete at the greatest level, beating a top-25 player and winning a match in five sets was fulfilling.
I'm not going to be able to move as well as I did when I was 25.
However, the more matches I play, as well as keeping healthy for a long time and not missing a lot of training, the more my movement will develop. My physique on the court will improve as a result.
When I take gaps as I have and miss two or three months, it takes time to re-establish my physical fitness.
My mobility and anticipation are improving again because I've had these constant matches and have been able to train for significant amounts of time in the last seven, eight months.
I made the final in Sydney last week, which was fantastic, but I was worried that it might hurt me against Basilashvili since the conditions are so different here.
You're playing on an indoor court in Sydney, and the surface is a touch slower than this one. Playing outside in the wind has a different effect.
As a result, I felt like I had a disadvantage because I didn't have much time to adjust to the conditions. But now I get a day off, and the three-and-a-half hours on the court on Tuesday should benefit me when I face Taro Daniel on Thursday.
At Melbourne Park, Andy Murray spoke with Jonathan Jurejko of BBC Sport.
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