20 years of Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open: the tournament where the Serb feels invincible

Sunday, 22 December 2024 at 09:00

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A few days before the start of the 2025 edition of the Australian Open, in Tenisaldia we have decided to make a review of all the performances of Novak Djokovic in the major he has won the most times, below, the unmissable summary.

With 10 titles to his credit, Djokovic has dominated the fast courts of Melbourne, leaving memorable moments in fans' memories. We take a look at Nole's career from his debut exactly two decades ago to date.

2005: A promising debut

At just 17 years of age and ranked 188th in the world, Djokovic played his first Australian Open, earning access to the main draw after passing the qualifying stage. Although his talent was already evident, his debut was shorter than he would have liked, losing in straight sets to eventual champion Marat Safin.

2006: Federer crosses the road

An 18-year-old Djokovic, ranked number 78, returned to Melbourne with the aim of gaining more experience. After defeating Paul Goldstein in the first round, the Serb would meet a practically unbeatable version of Roger Federer, who arrived as world number 1. The Swiss won comfortably in straight sets and went on to become the tournament champion.

2007: Fourth round and again Federer

Already consolidated in the top 20, Djokovic would reach the fourth round of the Australian Open beating complicated players with solidity, such as the experienced Chilean tennis player Nicolás Massú. His path would again find its end in the fourth round at the hands of Roger Federer, who would once again become the winner.

2008: First Grand Slam title

At the age of 20 and ranked No. 3 in the world, Novak Djokovic won his first major title in Australia, firmly establishing himself among the best players in the world. In an impeccable tournament, Nole took the thorn out of his side by defeating Federer in the semis, cutting the Swiss' streak of 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals. In the final he defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6).

2009: Physical problems hinder title defense

Defending his title as world number 3, Djokovic got off to a solid start, but his tournament ended abruptly in the quarterfinals. In a match against Andy Roddick, the Serb retired due to extreme heat problems when the score was 7-6(3), 4-6, 2-6, 1-2 against him. This episode reflected his need to improve his physical endurance, something that would become a strength in the years to come.

2010: Quarterfinal karma again

Nole would come up short again in Melbourne in 2010 after losing in the quarterfinals to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 5 heart-stopping sets: 6-7, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 1-6.

2011: Absolute dominance and second conquest in Australia

The 2011 season would be one of the most successful in Djokovic's career, and it got off to the best start with the Serb giving a tennis masterclass from start to finish in Australia. Still No. 3, he defeated Federer in the semifinals and crushed Andy Murray in the final 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. It was the beginning of his hegemony in world tennis.

2012: Third title comes after an epic battle

As world number 1, Djokovic would defend his title in Melbourne, this time against the other member of the Big-Three, Rafael Nadal. The final would last 5 hours and 53 minutes, with victory for Nole 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. The match is remembered as one of the classics in the history of tennis.

2013: Three-time champion and fourth trophy in Australia.

Djokovic achieved a milestone by becoming the first player in the Open era to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. As No. 1, he defeated Andy Murray in the final (6-7(2), 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-2). His consistency in Melbourne at this point established him as the undisputed king of the tournament.

2014: Another Swiss puts the brakes on in the quarterfinals

A little over 10 years ago Djokovic encountered an unknown force in the form of Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. "Stanimal" would defeat him in the fourth round in a tight match: (6-7(2), 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-2). It would be the end of a streak of 25 consecutive wins in Australia for Novak.

2015: 5 titles in Australia and dominance over Murray

In 2015, Djokovic reaffirmed his dominance by winning his fifth title in Melbourne. In the final, he overcame Andy Murray in four sets (7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0), showing an exceptional physical and mental level. This triumph marked the beginning of another historic season for the Serb.

2016: Sixth title and tie at the top with Roy Emerson

Djokovic equaled his record of six Australian Open titles by defeating Andy Murray again in the final (6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3)). With this achievement, he consolidated his status as one of the great legends of the tournament and of tennis in general.

2017-2018: Injuries and ups and downs.

In 2017 Novak surprisingly fell in the second round to Denis Istomin. It would be the beginning of a season marked by injuries. The following year, after recovering from physical problems, he would reach the fourth round where he would lose to Hyeon Chung.

2019: New title against Rafa Nadal

Djokovic returned to the top with a flawless performance in 2019. In the final, he defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets (6-3, 6-2, 6-3), winning his seventh title in Melbourne and setting a record in the Open era. This triumph marked the beginning of a new era of dominance on the circuit.

2020: Eighth title in Australia against Thiem

Djokovic, already established as a living legend in Melbourne, defeated Austrian Dominic Thiem in the final in a spectacular five-set battle (6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4). In this way Novak regained the world number 1.

2021: Victory over Medvedev and ninth victory

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth title in Australia with authority beating Russian Daniil Medvedev in a short final 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

2022: Controversy over vaccination and health restriction

Djokovic, who was embroiled in controversy, was not allowed to participate in the tournament because of his stance on vaccination against the Covid virus. It was a historic event that marked the Serb's career, although his legacy would remain intact.

2023: Ten titles and undisputed king in Melbourne

Djokovic reached a record ten Australian Open titles, reaffirming his status as the tournament's top winner. In the final, he outlasted Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6, proving that his tennis was more than current, dropping only one set on his way to the championship.

2024: The new generation asserts itself

This season, Novak would reach the semifinals of the Australian Open where he would lose against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals in an incredible 5-set match. The Italian would win his first Grand Slam in Melbourne and would consolidate his position as the new number 1 in the world.

How will the most Grand Slam winner in history fare in the next edition of the tournament now that he will have none other than Andy Murray as his new coach? We will start to find out on January 11.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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