Five classic matches in Australian Open history

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal 2012 finals makes it to list

The Australian Open 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle for tennis fans, as the world’s best players battle it out on the hard courts of Melbourne Park. Will Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka defend their titles and make history, or will they face tough challenges from new contenders and old rivals? The next fortnight will be full of action, drama, and excitement, both for the spectators at the venue and for the viewers at home.

Novak Djokovic is aiming for a record-breaking 11th Australian Open crown, while Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to become the first woman to win back-to-back titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013. The two champions have dominated the tournament in recent years, with Djokovic winning three consecutive titles from 2019 to 2021, before being stopped by Rafael Nadal last year.

The Australian Open has a rich history of memorable matches, showcasing the skill, passion, and resilience of the players. While everyone has their own favorites, some of the most iconic games are listed below.

Rod Laver vs Tony Roche, 1969 Semifinals

In 1969, Rod Laver and Tony Roche battled for over four hours in the scorching Australian Open semifinals. The match was played on grass with wooden rackets, without tiebreakers or changeovers. Laver edged the first set 7-5, then survived a 42-game epic second set, saving two set points and breaking Roche at 21-20. Roche fought back to win the third set 11-9 and crushed Laver 6-1 in the fourth.

But Laver rallied in the fifth set, winning 6-3 to reach the final. It was the first Australian Open of the Open Era, and Laver went on to complete his second grand slam that year, repeating his feat from 1962.

Andre Agassi vs Pete Sampras, 2000 Semifinals

In a historic clash, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras faced off in the 2000 Australian Open semifinals. Agassi was aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four majors at once. Sampras unleashed 37 aces, but it was not enough to stop Agassi’s comeback.

After losing the first set 6-4, Sampras won the next two in tiebreaks, including a flawless 7-0 in the second. He had a match point in the fourth, but Agassi saved it and forced a fifth set. There, Agassi dominated, winning 6-1 and advancing to the final. He completed his career Grand Slam by beating Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the title match.

Serena Williams vs Kim Clijsters, 2003 Semifinals

Serena Williams staged a stunning comeback to beat Kim Clijsters in the 2003 Australian Open semifinals. She lost the first set 4-6 and was down 1-5 and two match points in the third.

But she refused to give up and won six consecutive games, aided by a crucial double fault from Clijsters at 4-5. She clinched the match 4-6 6-3 7-5 and went on to claim her first of seven titles in Melbourne. It was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in tennis history.

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal, 2012 Finals

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal delivered a classic in the 2012 Australian Open final, lasting nearly six hours in a grueling test of skill and stamina. It was their third consecutive grand slam final, with Djokovic aiming to retain his title and Nadal seeking revenge.

The match went to a decisive fifth set, where Nadal led 4-2 before Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback. He won a 32-shot rally to break Nadal in the ninth game, then held his nerve to serve out the match 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5. It was Djokovic’s third Australian Open crown and one of the most memorable matches in tennis history.

Ashleigh Barty vs Danielle Collins, 2022 Finals

Ashleigh Barty defeated Danielle Collins in the 2022 Australian Open finals to give the home crowd their first Australian champion since 1978. Barty, the then World No. 1, became the first woman to win the women’s singles title since 1978. 

Barty won the first set 6-3 in just 32 minutes but faced a resurgent Collins in the second set, who raced to a 5-1 lead. Barty put her head down and won the next four games to end up at 5-5. There was no turning back for Ash Barty as she forced the 2nd set into a tiebreak and closed out the set to win 6-3, 7-6(2).

It was a truly momentous occasion for the Australian in the Rod Laver Arena as she was presented the trophy by Evonne Goolagong Cawley, the first indigenous woman to win the Australian Open title. 

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