Andy Murray insists his ‘big heart’ helped him overcome a two set deficit versus Thanasi Kokkinakis

Andy Murray urged that his ‘big heart’ helped him bounce back from two sets down to win against Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday.

Having carved out one of the most impressive displays of his career against Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, Murray found himself two sets behind against the Australian and was seemingly heading for a tournament exit. 

But the 35-year-old dug his heels in and produced an incredible five-set turnaround, winning 4-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5, in what will surely go down as one of the Scot’s best ever turnarounds.

 Andy Murray produced a sensational comeback in the second round of the Australian Open

The 35-year-old came from two sets down to beat Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis

Having played for five hours and 45 minutes – with the match finishing at 4.06am local time in Australia – Murray described his comeback as ‘unbelievable’.

Murray told Eurosport: ‘It was unbelievable I managed to turn that around, Thanasi was playing unbelievably. I did start playing better as the match went on, I have a big heart.

‘Remember the other day you mentioned a stat after my match but I think now I am outright the man with the most matches coming back from two sets down [11]. I have done it before, I have experience of it.

The Scotsman urged that his ‘big heart’ helped him turn around the two-set deficit on Thursday

‘I rely on that experience, my love of the game, for competing and respect for the men in the draw.’

The veteran, who has often been criticised for his shouting and gurning whilst playing on the court, urged that he would be nowhere with his passion for the game.

Despite wearing his ‘heart on his sleeve’ in frustrating and disappointing moments, the Brit vowed that he is always ‘happy on the inside’ whilst competing at the highest level.

He made no apology for ‘wearing his heart on his sleeve’ and urged that he ‘loves competing’

Murray continued: ‘I am aware I don’t look particularly happy when I’m playing most of the time but I’m happy on the inside.

‘I have always loved competing, I have always loved my heart on my sleeve, shown my emotions. I have been criticised a lot but that is who I am.

‘Thanks so much to everyone for staying, it’s ridiculously late, but it really helps me and Thanasi in a situation like that when we have you creating an amazing atmosphere.’