Top 5 longest matches in Australian Open history ft. Rafael Nadal, Novak …
With the Australian Open, billed as the ‘Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific,’ the opening Slam of the season, held at Melbourne Park, is unique in more ways than one. It is also called the ’Happy Slam’, a term first coined by Roger Federer, a 6-time champion at the event.
The main court of the Melbourne Major, fittingly named after Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, has witnessed many epic marathon clashes over the years. It is hard enough to play a 5-set match in a Grand Slam, but playing one during the peak Australian summer season where temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius – now that’s taking it to a whole new level.
Top 5 longest matches in Australian Open history ft. Rafael Nadal, Novak …
As the 2023 edition of the Australian Open continues, we take a look back at 5 of the longest men’s singles matches in the competition in history:
#1 Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – 2012 Australian Open final
The final of the 2012 Australian Open is undoubtedly one of the greatest ever tennis matches and remains the longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era. Going into the final, Djokovic had already spent 4 hours and 50 minutes on the court in his semifinal win over Andy Murray.
The summit clash was simply a treat to watch and even in the 5th set, a 32 shot-rally was produced by the two ‘Iron Men,’ much to the amazement of the audience. The final match lasted a jaw-dropping five hours and 53 minutes and it was Djokovic who finally triumphed with a final score of 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5, bringing up his fourth Grand Slam title and third Major title in row.
#2 Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis – Second round, 2023
READ MORE:Rafael Nadal destroyed Daniil Medvedev’s career after…
Two days after a near five-hour battle with Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open, Andy Murray had to do it all over again, and this time he was on court for five hours and 45 minutes. Taking on Thanasi Kokkinakis, Murray initially lost the first two sets, and not many expected Murray to turn things around.
He, however, came back to win the match 4-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5, sealing a memorable comeback for the ages. The three-time Grand Slam champion also registered his 11th tour win from two sets down in the process, the most by any man in the Open Era.
#3 Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev – Final, 2022
2022 Men’s Australian Open Winner Media Opportunity
Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 2–6, 6(5)–7, 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 in five hours and 24 minutes to win his second Australian Open title, and a then all-time record 21st Major men’s singles title. Since 2009, he had lost four Australian Open finals and was desperate for his second title in Melbourne, making the win all the more memorable.
Top 5 longest matches in Australian Open history ft. Rafael Nadal, Novak …
With the Australian Open, billed as the ‘Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific,’ the opening Slam of the season, held at Melbourne Park, is unique in more ways than one. It is also called the ’Happy Slam’, a term first coined by Roger Federer, a 6-time champion at the event.
The main court of the Melbourne Major, fittingly named after Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, has witnessed many epic marathon clashes over the years. It is hard enough to play a 5-set match in a Grand Slam, but playing one during the peak Australian summer season where temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius – now that’s taking it to a whole new level.
Top 5 longest matches in Australian Open history ft. Rafael Nadal, Novak …
As the 2023 edition of the Australian Open continues, we take a look back at 5 of the longest men’s singles matches in the competition in history:
#1 Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – 2012 Australian Open final
The final of the 2012 Australian Open is undoubtedly one of the greatest ever tennis matches and remains the longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era. Going into the final, Djokovic had already spent 4 hours and 50 minutes on the court in his semifinal win over Andy Murray.
The summit clash was simply a treat to watch and even in the 5th set, a 32 shot-rally was produced by the two ‘Iron Men,’ much to the amazement of the audience. The final match lasted a jaw-dropping five hours and 53 minutes and it was Djokovic who finally triumphed with a final score of 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5, bringing up his fourth Grand Slam title and third Major title in row.
#2 Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis – Second round, 2023
READ MORE:Rafael Nadal destroyed Daniil Medvedev’s career after…
Two days after a near five-hour battle with Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open, Andy Murray had to do it all over again, and this time he was on court for five hours and 45 minutes. Taking on Thanasi Kokkinakis, Murray initially lost the first two sets, and not many expected Murray to turn things around.
He, however, came back to win the match 4-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5, sealing a memorable comeback for the ages. The three-time Grand Slam champion also registered his 11th tour win from two sets down in the process, the most by any man in the Open Era.
#3 Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev – Final, 2022
2022 Men’s Australian Open Winner Media Opportunity
Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 2–6, 6(5)–7, 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 in five hours and 24 minutes to win his second Australian Open title, and a then all-time record 21st Major men’s singles title. Since 2009, he had lost four Australian Open finals and was desperate for his second title in Melbourne, making the win all the more memorable.
