Novak Djokovic inched closer to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title after he overcame a sluggish start to defeat Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, here on Friday.
Murray hasn't advanced past the third round of the season's opening major since 2017, and his 4:05 a.m. finish in Melbourne was the latest of his career.
The Indo-Kazakh pair defeated Ukrainian-Belgian pair Anhelina Kalinina and Alison Van Uytvanck 6-2, 7-5.
In the second set, the Spaniard showed signs of a cramp or a niggle on his left leg.
Rublev awaits either Emil Ruusuvuori or Australian qualfiier Max Purcell in the second round.
Defending Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki defeated Sweden's Johanna Larsson in straight sets to notch up her ninth straight win at this venue.
She also faces a Swede in Rebecca Peterson.
Defending champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open third round for a 20th straight year Wednesday but was made to battle hard by Britain's Dan Evans before winning 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/3) 6-3.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic downed Mitchell Krueger of the US 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open here on Tuesday.
Not only is retirement considered a tough process for athletes, but research has confirmed that retirement due to injury is especially difficult.
