First Australian Open final without Djokovic, Nadal or Federer since 2005 as Sinner-Medvedev set for showpiece

The historic victory of Jannik Sinner over Novak Djokovic in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals sets the precedent for the first AO final without any Big-3 member since 2005.

The dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic is well-known, especially in the Grand Slams, but the change of era is gradually becoming apparent, with Federer's retirement and Nadal's limited competition over the past 12 months. However, Djokovic remains the world No. 1 and was the favorite to win the Melbourne title for the 11th time, a feat that Sinner prevented.

With this, the 2024 Aussie Open final will not feature any of the Big-3 players for the first time since 2005 when Marat Safin and the local Lleyton Hewitt faced each other, with Safin emerging victorious.

From 2006 onward, 17 editions saw the title claimed by a Big-3 member: 10 for Djokovic, 5 for Federer (who already had the title in 2004), and 2 for Rafael Nadal. The only player to break the Big-3's trophy streak was Stan Wawrinka in 2014, defeating Nadal in his elusive Grand Slam.

On the other hand, four finals featured two Big-3 members as protagonists: In 2009, Nadal overcame Federer in an incredible match spanning two sets for his first Melbourne title. However, luck was not on Nadal's side in subsequent finals, losing to Djokovic (2012, 2019) and Federer (2017).

During the same period, Andy Murray reached five finals but never clinched the title, and Daniil Medvedev had two final appearances in 2021 and 2022, both ending in defeats, first against Djokovic and then against Nadal.

This time, Medvedev will have his third chance at the Rod Laver Arena, facing the best player in recent months who secured his third victory over Djokovic in just three months and reached his first Grand Slam final with a dominant performance where Djokovic didn't have a single break opportunity in the match (6-2, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3).