Look back at Melbourne’s longest nights ahead of Australian Open 2026

Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 final, lasting 5 hours and 24 minutes is the longest ever match played in Australian Open history.

The Australian Open has a unique relationship with time. Night sessions at Melbourne Park are known to stretch deep into the early hours, shaped by demanding hard courts, physical rallies, and players unwilling to concede ground.

Unlike other Grand Slams, Melbourne’s conditions often turn matches into extended tests of stamina, where recovery between points becomes as important as shot-making. 

Over the years, this combination of surface, schedule, and atmosphere has produced contests that went far beyond the expected duration.

These matches became defining moments not just for their winners, but for the tournament itself – showcasing resilience, mental strength, and the ability to compete at a high level long after fatigue set in. 

Here’s a look at the three longest matches ever played at the Australian Open, and what made each one so exceptional. 

Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka -Fourth Round 2013| 5 hours 2 Minutes 

Start time – 7:30 PM | End Time – 1:37 AM  

The final unfolded as a relentless exchange from the baseline, with neither player giving an inch over nearly six hours of play. Momentum swung repeatedly as long rallies and tight service games kept the match on a knife edge deep into the fifth set. 

As the night wore on, both players were visibly drained but refused to relent, relying on sheer resolve to stay in the points. Movement slowed, but focus never dipped, turning the match into a test of mental survival as much as physical endurance. 

Despite finishing well after midnight, Rod Laver Arena remained almost full, with the crowd fully aware they were witnessing a historic moment. 

Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev – Final 2022| 5 hours 24 Minutes  

Start Time – 7:30 PM | End Time – 12:45 AM  

The match began with Medvedev in control, before Nadal slowly dragged his way back into contention as the contest stretched late into the night. Each set felt increasingly tense, with the outcome in doubt until the very end. 

Fatigue became a defining factor in the closing stages, with both players leaning heavily on experience and composure rather than power. Nadal’s ability to stay mentally strong under pressure ultimately made the difference in the longest final of his career. 

The crowd played its part, growing louder with every twist and staying invested until the final point despite the late finish. 

Also Read: From Federer–Nadal to Sinner–Alcaraz: How tennis found its next great rivalry

Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka -Fourth Round| 5 hours 2 Minutes  

Start Time – 8:00 PM | End Time – 1:00 AM  

What was expected to be a routine early-round match quickly turned into a gripping, back-and-forth battle that refused to end. The two traded momentum deep into a fifth set that stretched the contest well past midnight. 

As exhaustion set in, rallies became a test of will, with neither player willing to blink. The final set, which ended 12–10, was decided as much by stamina and belief as by shot-making. 

Even in the early hours of the morning, the crowd stayed engaged, responding warmly to the effort and drama unfolding on court. 

Why These Matches Still Matter

These encounters capture what the Australian Open does best – long nights, physical extremes, and players pushed to their limits. They remain enduring reminders that in Melbourne, matches are often won not by brilliance alone, but by who can endure the longest. 

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