The Australian Open, first held in 1905, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Held annually in Melbourne, the ‘happy slam’ is first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, take place in January.
Throughout the years we have witnessed some enthralling matches at the Australian Open, some of them becomes memorable because of time spend on court by players. In the era of Big 3, Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal five set encounter is longest Australian Open match. It was so challenging that players couldn’t even stand up during presentation ceremony.
Hot and humid condition makes it even difficult fort player, but as Bellie Jean King says, ‘Pressure is Priovilage’. Every player give their 100% to be part of history. In this article we will take a look at some historic matches when players limits were tested in long matches. Longest match in tennis history was played at Wimbledon 2010 and longest match in Australian Open was played in 2012..
Here’s list of 7 longest Australian Open matches in tennis history
7) Novak Djokovic vs. Stan Wawrinka (2013 Men’s Fourth Round)
Novak Djokovic defeated Stan Wawrinka in an epic 5-hour and 2-minute encounter, with the scoreline reading 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10. This match was a display of grit, skill, and sheer determination from both players.
Wawrinka started with dominance, taking the first set in emphatic style. Djokovic, however, fought back with his trademark consistency and mental toughness, leveling the match. The intense rallies and clutch moments from both players kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In the final set, Djokovic’s experience and composure under pressure helped him edge past Wawrinka. This match is remembered for its drama and the incredible quality of tennis on display.
The Serb proceeded to defend his Australian Open title, defeating his now rival turned coach, Andy Murray in the finals. With this victory, Djokovic claimed his fourth Australian Open title. Wawrinka would go on to win this tournament the next year, clinching his maiden Grand Slam title.
6) Boris Becker vs. Omar Camporese (1991 Men’s Third Round)
Boris Becker and Omar Camporese battled for 5 hours and 11 minutes in this third-round clash, with Becker ultimately prevailing 7-6(7), 7-6(4), 0-6, 4-6, 14-12. This match was a testament to Becker’s grit and determination.
Camporese delivered an incredible performance, pushing the three-time Wimbledon champion to the edge. The match featured a mix of powerful serves, long rallies, and moments of sheer brilliance from both players. Becker’s experience proved crucial in the final stages.
The thrilling decider stretched well beyond expectations, leaving fans captivated. Becker’s hard-fought victory added another chapter to his legacy as one of tennis’s toughest competitors.
5) Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco (2009 Men’s Semifinal)
In an all-Spanish clash, Rafael Nadal overcame Fernando Verdasco in a 5-hour and 14-minute thriller in Australian Open 2009, winning 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-7(1), 6-4. This match is widely regarded as one of the most exciting semifinals in Grand Slam history.
Verdasco, playing some of the best tennis of his career, pushed Nadal to the brink with his aggressive baseline play and unrelenting forehand. Nadal, however, countered with his incredible defensive skills and ability to capitalize on key points.
The match’s intensity left both players physically drained, but Nadal’s triumph set the stage for his first Australian Open title. This win was fundamental for Nadal as he booked his spot in his first Australian Open final, where he beat Roger Federer to win his first title at Melbourne Park.
4) Ivo Karlovic vs. Horacio Zeballos (2017 Men’s First Round)
This epic first-round battle between Ivo Karlovic and Horacio Zeballos lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes, with Karlovic emerging victorious 6-7(6), 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 22-20. The match set a record for the most games in a single match at the Australian Open.
Karlovic, known for his powerful serve, faced a determined Zeballos in a marathon match. Both players displayed incredible stamina and mental fortitude as the final set lasted nearly three hours. Zeballos matched Karlovic’s intensity but could not break his serve when it mattered most.
This match highlighted tennis’s sheer unpredictability, with both players pushing each other to their limits. Karlovic’s perseverance ultimately secured him a place in Australian Open history.
3) Rafael Nadal vs. Daniil Medvedev (2022 Men’s Final)
Rafael Nadal achieved a historic victory in the 2022 Australian Open final, defeating Daniil Medvedev in 5 hours and 24 minutes. With a 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 scoreline, the Spaniard completed a stunning comeback to claim his 21st Grand Slam title.
Medvedev dominated the early sets with precision and aggression, appearing to have the match in his control. He was leading in thrid set 3-2 (40-15) but failed to convert the break points. The momentum shifted as Nadal showcased his resilience in third set, when his probability of winning was less than 5%.
The victory was not just a remarkable comeback but also historic, making Nadal the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles. His triumph is celebrated as one of the most inspiring moments in tennis history.
2) Andy Murray vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis (2023 Men’s Second Round)
In one of the most dramatic encounters of recent years, Andy Murray staged a heroic comeback to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis. The match lasted 5 hours and 45 minutes, finishing at 4:05 AM, making it the second-longest match in Australian Open history. Murray prevailed 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5.
The contest was defined by Murray’s dogged determination and ability to outlast Kokkinakis despite the odds. Kokkinakis dominated early on, but Murray’s extraordinary defense and never-say-die attitude brought him back into the match. The extended rallies and emotional intensity gripped spectators.
The match’s late-night finish added to its legendary status, leaving fans in awe of Murray’s endurance. This victory served as a testament to Murray’s indomitable spirit and a reminder of his resilience despite past injuries.
1) Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal (2012 Men’s Final)
This legendary final is considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Spanning 5 hours and 53 minutes, it remains the longest Grand Slam final ever. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in an extraordinary battle, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5.
The epic conclusion saw Djokovic collapsing in triumph while Nadal reflected the immense toll the match had taken on both competitors. This final cemented Djokovic and Nadal as two of the greatest competitors in tennis history.
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