Andy Murray’s superhuman powers appear to know no end.
Not only is Scotland’s king of the court turning back the clock to produce the type of epic fightbacks that put the grand into Grand Slam at the age of 35 - he’s now managed to unite the Hotline. Incredible. His five-set thriller to oust darkhorse Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Australian Open was followed up Thursday’s 4am crushing of Thanasi Kokkinakis to set up a third round meeting with Roberto Bautista Agut today,
Robert Livingstone called from Palm Beach, Florida, to say: “For the second time in days against massive odds a superb never say die Andy Murray triumphed in a near six-hour dual of total attrition, unbelievable. It was edge of the seat stuff, just brilliant. At 35 Murray rolled back the year, but behind that racket was a fighter with guts and courage who refused to give up. Tears from his mum said it all. Andy Murray is a proven all time great.”
Allan Morrison emailed: “Not even 35-year-old Pele. Maradona, Messi or Ronaldo could match what Murray achieved in Australia. Over 10 hours play in 48 hours and with a metal hip.. unbelievable. He is without doubt our greatest sportsman ever.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Well done Andy Murray for getting Michael Beale off the back page. Rangers have been bang average since Beale took over. A shaky defence who concede goals every week. A huffy striker who only plays when he wants to. Now they are in the market for bargain basement signings, who might come good. Then you ask why aren't they playing each week?”
And so quick as an Andy Murray backhand the conversation moved onto football - with all the to-ing and fro-ing of a Muzza rally. Harry Fitzpatrick, Ontario, Canada, took issue with Allan McGaw who claimed Alfredo Morelos’ double against Kilmarnock prove the striker is back to form.
Harry said: “Surely this would win the worst comment of the year on the Hotline? Does this put his price tag up to the £25m Steven Gerrard quoted a couple of years ago? I’m surprised he didn’t sign him for Villa. Maybe he would still be in a job!”
Andy Logan emailed: “Ian McKay thinks teams raise their games against Rangers, they don’t have too because they are bang average. Even their own manager acknowledged they can’t put teams away. I have to thank Mr Beale as no team talk will be needed when they visit Tynecastle in a couple of weeks after his ridiculous comment about Aberdeen being the third best team in Scotland.”
Meanwhile Andy Scott, Edinburgh, said: “Kenny Wilson stated in yesterday's Hotline that his team were on the way to eleven titles in twelve years like this was some form of unique achievement. Sorry to burst his bubble but Rangers were the first team to actually do this, 1988/89 through 1999/2000, and that included playing against his team every season.”
Rangers are close to signing Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell and want Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege and Swansea’s Morgan Whittaker too. Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “If Rangers get the players they’re after, they will certainly be a much improved team, Cantwell and Raskin seem to be excellent players and a new keeper too.”
Ally McCoist criticised Killie’s plastic pitch as “rubbish”. And Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, agreed: “Ally is absolutely correct, plastic pitches should be outlawed in the Premiership. Top flight football worldwide is played on grass, yet the two plastic pitches in our top league are a disgrace."
Finally, Celtic fan William Hutchison, Aberdeen, was disappointed with one aspect of his side’s 4-0 win over St Mirren. He said: “My only grievance is why there wasn't there a minute’s silence from both teams for Frank McGarvey? Frank played for both and.I know they had minute’s applause in other games but this was more personal.”
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