Novak Djokovic's five best Australian Open matches of all-time

Novak Djokovic began his Melbourne journey with a win on debut in 2008.

From winning his first-ever Australian Open trophy in 2008, Novak Djokovic has scripted nearly two decades of dominance in Melbourne. He has been unmatched in the event, winning all ten finals played at the venue. The Serb has a 99-10 record in Australia, his best performance at a Grand Slam.     

Novak Djokovic has taken part in many iconic battles over the years, proving why he is one of the greatest players to grace the sport. These five matches are a glimpse of the extraordinary encounters he has treated the spectators to.    

Also Read: Top five oldest champions of Australian Open

Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray – Australian Open 2012 Semi-final

The 2012 Australian Open semi-finals was the closest Andy Murray came to defeating Novak Djokovic in Melbourne. The five-set encounter saw Murray take a two-set to one lead over the Serb, denting Djokovic’s aura of invincibility at the venue. This was before Novak came storming back for a 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(4-7), 6-1, 7-5 win after nearly five hours of play.  

It was the second meeting at a Grand Slam venue. The duo previously faced off in the finals at Melbourne a year earlier. Murray went on to turn the tables on the Serb in the 2012 US Open finals for his first major title. 

Also Read: Top 10 youngest male tennis players to reach 10 Grand Slam quarterfinals in Open era

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – Australian Open 2012 Final

The 2012 Australian Open final could be billed as one of the greatest matches played out in Melbourne. The face-off between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was a marathon, taking 5 hours and 53 minutes to complete to become the longest Grand Slam final ever played. 

Djokovic eventually claimed his third consecutive Grand Slam title with a final scoreline of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. By defeating the Spaniard, Djokovic became only the fifth man since the Open Era started in 1968 to win three straight majors, joining Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Nadal. 

Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka – Australian Open 2013 Fourth Round

The fourth round at the 2013 Australian Open played out between Djokovic and Wawrinka was worthy of a final. It was more of a slugfest and less of a tennis match. The Serb bounced back after losing the opening set, 1-6, to claim the next two. Wawrinka was in no mood to give in and claimed the fourth set to force a decider.  

Wawrinka let slip an opportunity in the second set, leading 5-2, letting Djokovic back into the match. The deciding set was exciting which Djokovic won. The five-hour face-off concluded with the final scoreline reading 1-6 7-5 6-4 6-7 12-10.

Also Read: Australian Open: Full list of winners

Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem – Australian Open 2020 Final

The 2020 Australian Open title round concluded with yet another five-setter involving Djokovic. His opponent was Austrian Dominic Thiem. In a face-off showcasing resilience and determination from both players, the Serb had to dig deep to defend his title. The  6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win consumed four hours and secured Djokovic his eighth Australian Open title. 

Thiem pushed Djokovic to the brink, taking a two-set-to-one lead. The Serb, doing what he does best, rallied back by playing some of his best tennis to deny Thiem victory in Melbourne. It was Djokovic’s 17th Grand Slam title.  

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz – Australian Open 2025 Quarter-final

It’s not often that Djokovic finds himself down, especially at an event he has dominated for years. Yet, that is the position he found himself in. The Serb, seeded seventh, was taking on third-seed Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight. 

The odds were stacked against Djokovic after losing two previous encounters in Grand Slam to the Spaniard. Alcaraz overcame Djokovic in Wimbledon (2023, 2024) to earn back-to-back titles at SW19. Even as it looked like a similar script might play out after Alcaraz took the first set, Djokovic turned the tables to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

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