The 7 most exciting matches at the Australian Open in the last 20 years

The first Grand Slam of the year is getting closer and closer. The Australian Open 2025 will begin on January 11 and as every year, it promises to be the scene of great battles. Below we will review the seven best matches of the tournament, recalling unforgettable moments that every tennis fan will want to relive.

The Australian Open has in its history absolutely legendary matches both in the case of ladies and gentlemen. Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka among others, have been protagonists of epic duels that demanded them to the maximum and today we will be reviewing the best of the last two decades.

1| Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (2009)

Tournament stage: Final

Ranking of the protagonists: Nadal (#1), Federer (#2)

Swiss Roger Federer was looking to equal Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slams, while Rafael Nadal was in search of his first title in Melbourne as the new world No. 1. The match lasted 4 hours and 23 minutes and was a dramatic battle between the two players, who had already been animating the circuit for some time. Nadal finally prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2, winning the coveted title in Australia;

It was the first moment that Federer could be seen truly moved by the defeat at the prize-giving ceremony. Fortunately for him, later that year he would conquer Wimbledon again, a tournament in which Rafa had defeated him in the final the previous year.

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2| Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic (2012)

Tournament stage: Final.

Ranking of the protagonists: Djokovic (#1), Nadal (#2).

Novak Djokovic was coming off a historic year in 2011, where he won three Grand Slams, putting the tennis world at his feet. Rafael Nadal was looking to break the streak of consecutive losses to the Serb in Grand Slam finals. It was the longest match in the history of major tournament finals, lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes. Djokovic took the victory by 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 in a duel that demanded the limit (and more) from both players. By the end of the match, both could barely stand during the awards ceremony. Djokovic closed the year as world number one, while Nadal would continue to face ups and downs due to physical problems and would only shine again in 2013.

3| Roger Federer vs Marat Safin (2005)

Tournament stage: Semifinals

Ranking of the protagonists: Federer (#1), Safin (#4)

Swiss Roger Federer had dominated the circuit at will in 2004 and it seemed that 2005 would be the same story. Safin, on the other hand, wanted to avenge his defeat in the previous year's final (precisely against Federer), and he came playing very good tennis. The match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes and the agonizing victory was in the hands of the Russian who won by 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(6), 9-7, saving a match point in the fourth set. Safin would advance to the final and win his second major title after defeating local credit Lleyton Hewitt in the deciding match. Despite the defeat, 2005 was another sensational year for Federer, winning the US Open and Wimbledon.

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4| Serena Williams vs Venus Williams (2017)

Tournament stage: Final

Ranking of the protagonists: Serena (#2), Venus (#13)

The Williams sisters gave a demonstration of longevity in Melbourne, returning to play a Grand Slam final against each other many years after their breakthrough on the Tour. Serena was looking to win her 23rd major and overtake Steffi Graf. The younger of the sisters achieved her goal after a hard-fought two-set match, winning 6-4, 6-4. Venus, now 36 years old, proved that her talent was intact and that she could compete at the highest level.

5| Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic (2012)

Tournament stage: Semifinals

Ranking of the protagonists: Djokovic (#1), Murray (#4)

Novak Djokovic was looking to defend his title and keep adding trophies in Australia, while Murray was still chasing that elusive first Grand Slam trophy. The result was a marathon duel of 4 hours and 50 minutes between two legendary tennis players. The victory went to the Serb 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 7-5 in a match that would cement the rivalry between the two players. Murray would go on to win his first Grand Slam title later that year at the US Open and avenge this painful defeat in the final, leaving Nole empty-handed.

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6| Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal (2017)

Tournament stage: Final

Ranking of the protagonists: Federer (#17), Nadal (#9)

In a match that became an instant classic, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal met in the Australian final after having been out of competition for a long period of time, something that is reflected in their ranking. Both players put on a magical show and it was ultimately Federer who would come back from being 2 sets to 1 down to win the match 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3. It was the 18th Grand Slam title for the Swiss. The match marked the beginning of the resurgence of both rivals, who ended up dominating, sharing 2 majors per side. Nadal would win Roland Garros and the US Open and Roger would also win Wimbledon.

7| Naomi Osaka vs. Petra Kvitova (2019)

Tournament stage: Final

Ranking of the protagonists: Osaka (#4), Kvitova (#6)

Naomi Osaka was seeking her second consecutive Grand Slam title after winning the 2018 US Open, while Petra Kvitova was returning to a Grand Slam final after overcoming a serious hand injury. Osaka won 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 in a duel full of intensity and drama. With this victory, Osaka became the new world number one. This match marked the beginning of her consolidation as one of the great figures of modern tennis.

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