Murray wins at Australian Open as father-in-law slumps

But when Murray appears most exasperated he often produces his most inspired tennis – and that was the case in the third set, as he used his superior touch, craft and speed to outmanoeuvre Sousa.

A third-round Australian Open match between American Madison Keys and former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic was interrupted Saturday evening when Ivanovic’s coach, Nigel Sears, collapsed as he walked up the stairs inside Rod Laver Arena.

Murray played on at the neighbouring Margaret Court Arena apparently unaware of the drama unfolding elsewhere and was far from his fluent best as he sealed a 6-2 3-6 6-2 6-2 victory over Portugal’s Joao Sousa.

Ivanovic and Keys waited on court for about 10 minutes before they were informed play was suspended, and they left the arena. Sears coaches Ana Ivanovic and was watching her match against Madison Keys.

He came back strong though and broke Sousa twice in the final set to take victory and set up a clash with either Bernard Tomic or John Millman. He’s in the hospital cracking… jokes. His match wasn’t stopped, but word filtered through to Murray about his father-in-law as he finished.

Press Association sports journalist Tom Allnutt tweeted: “Just spoke to Jamie Murray”.

The players later were given the option to resume play or postpone their match.

“I just tried to keep fighting”, Murray said in a recorded statement after the match. “Said “he is conscious, talking, sitting up”.

Murray, who has already stated that he will quit the tournament if his pregnant wife Kim goes into labour back home in the United Kingdom, immediately went to visit his father-in-law with his mother Judy once he finished his match.

“He’s a tough player, for sure”, said the Swiss star.

According to ESPN, Sears had told members of Ivanovic’s coaching team he had not been feeling well about a half hour before he collapsed.

The medical emergency overshadowed the action on day six which saw Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza dumped out of the tournament and Victoria Azarenka given a huge boost in her bid to win a third title at Melbourne Park.

“I will enjoy myself first because I beat No. 3 in the world”, Strycova said.

Ivanovic was visibly concerned after the incident and showed huge mental strength to return to court in a 4-6 6-4 6-4 loss to Keys.

2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, into the fourth round for the fourth straight year, is also in action taking on big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic.

“I thought I struggled”, Murray admitted.