Top 25 Australian Open Matches (1988-2024)

[SamSpade]

With this list, I have opted to work only within the time frame of the hart-court era of the Australian Open, starting in 1988. Only men's matches were considered.

1. 2005 Semifinal -- Safin v Federer -- 57, 64, 46, 76, 97

2. 2012 Final -- Djokovic v Nadal -- 57, 64, 62, 67, 75

3. 2009 Semifinal -- Nadal v Verdasco -- 67, 64, 76, 67, 64

4. 1995 Quaterfinal -- Sampras v Courier -- 67, 67, 63, 64, 63

5. 1988 Final -- Wilander v Cash -- 63, 67, 36, 61, 86

6. 2012 Semifinal -- Djokovic v Murray -- 63, 36, 67, 61, 75

7. 2013 Round of 16 -- Djokovic v Wawrinka -- 16, 75, 64, 67, 1210

8. 2017 Semifinal -- Nadal v Dimitrov -- 63, 57, 76, 67, 64

9. 2014 Quarterfinal -- Wawrinka v Djokovic -- 26, 64, 62, 36, 97

10. 2009 Round of 32 -- Gonzalez v Gasquet -- 36, 36, 76, 62, 1210

11. 2004 Semifinal -- Safin v Agassi -- 76, 76, 57, 16, 63

12. 2003 Quarterfinal -- Roddick v El Aynaoui -- 46, 76, 46, 64, 2119

13. 2017 Final -- Federer v Nadal -- 64, 36, 61, 36, 63

14. 2011 Round of 128 -- Nalbandian v Hewitt -- 36, 64, 36, 76, 97

15. 1991 Round of 32 -- Becker v Camporese -- 76, 76, 06, 46, 1412

16. 2022 Quarterfinal -- Medvedev v Auger-Aliassime -- 67, 36, 76, 75, 64

17. 1992 Round of 16 -- McEnroe v Sanchez -- 75, 76, 46, 26, 86

18. 2009 Final -- Nadal v Federer -- 75, 36, 76, 36, 62

19. 22020 Final -- Djokovic v Thiem -- 64, 46, 26, 63, 64

20. 2024 Semifinal -- Medvedev v Zverev -- 57, 36, 76, 76, 63

21. 2022 Final -- Nadal v Medvedev -- 26, 67, 64, 64, 75

22. 2017 Round of 64 -- Istomin v Djokovic -- 76, 57, 26, 76, 64

23. 1994 Round of 64 -- Sampras v Kafelnikov -- 63, 26, 63, 16, 97

24. 2005 Quarterfinal -- Hewitt v Nalbandian -- 63, 62, 16, 36, 108

25. 2023 Round of 128 -- Murray v Kokkinakis -- 46, 67, 76, 63, 75

 

[Hard Court]

I'm sure people will come up with great matches that are not listed. Before, that, I just wanted to say that you have come up with some great matches!

 

[MissileBackHand99]

Agassi v Sampras SFs from 2000 has to be included. I'd personally include their thrilling 1995 Finals match as well

 

[GuyForget]

Agassi v Sampras SFs from 2000 has to be included. I'd personally include their thrilling 1995 Finals match as well

Exactly. And Fed-Nadal 17 should be way further up, v significant that it’s the first time Fed beat Rafa in a slam in 10 years and quite pivotal in the who is better debate

 

[SamSpade]

Hard Court - much obliged pal. As you know, fan of putting together lists such as this.

MissileBackHand99 - that was a late elimination. I am actually an avowed Sampras fan, so if anything I might have a slight bias toward including matches of his. That one however, which I recall watching live when I was in high school, has its moments, but ultimately the ‘finish’ or the climax of a match factors large in my determination of its quality and as such matches that conclude on a somewhat one-sided manner are going to likely be effected within this system - at least when there are so many comparatively strong contenders, as there would be after 40 years of this event. Incidentally you can see the upward trend of the quality of this tournament reflected in the dates of the matches I selected. Now granted, that could be due to a recency bias as well - but if anything I probably have more of an anti-recency bias than anything.

GuyForget - no arguing that the match between Federer and Nadal had a significant impact on their rivalry - however that isn’t really the focus of this particular list. I would be hard pressed to find a place in the top ten for that match taking all aspects into consideration pertaining to quality when you have Djokovic-Nadal, Wilander-Cash, Safin-Federer, Nadal-Verdasco and other sure-fire all-time classics. But I think just outside of the top ten is about right. I have even more reservations for the 2009 final, hence its further down ranking, but still felt it belonged on the list overall.

 

[NatF]

The 2012 SF between Djokovic and Murray is laughably high.

 

[GuyForget]

OP goes by number of games played, not historical significance/relevance

 

[SamSpade]

OP goes by number of games played, not historical significance/relevance

Come on pal… pretty dishonest representation of my argument there… #13 isn’t even low. I stated from the beginning it’s ’my Opinion’ and ‘others would disagree’. You aren’t going to get all elements of bias out. It isn’t uncommon, especially among those that swoon after either Federer or Nadal - or both - to regard their every interaction as marked by the hand of God. I just don’t happen to think that scenario is best exhibited at the Australian Open. It’s more in line I would think in their match ups at Wimbledon or the French Open, which in terms of narrative or significance would either have the benefit of the greatest ever clay player or arguably the greatest ever grass player; and probably have a good deal of history on the line, with one or the other looking to win x-number of times in a row etc. At the Australian, neither Federer nor Nadal is the best ever there, Nadal not even close.

I primarily put emphasis on the narrative within the match, and additionally the quality of play. Obviously the trappings around the match play a role too. One reason why Borg-McEnroe (and for that matter Nadal-Federer) in their respective Wimbledon classics (1980 and 2008) are rightly revered is because I think it’s the perfect medley of all those components. It was #1 vs #2; in the final of the biggest tournament in the world; with the contrast in styles and a good deal of history on the line - Borg’s consecutive titles or Federer’s etc. And then on top of that they played two highly spirited, interesting matches that were also very well played (though some discerning voices exist on that point, especially for 2008, I know). The 2009 Australian final had a lot of that going for it - but to some extent dropped the ball with the execution aspect - at least versus some of the other matches I listed above it. The 2017 final didn’t have as many of those factors going for it - but they probably executed the match somewhat better, so it kind of balances out between them. As such I rated both within the list. Conversely the 2019 Australian final had everything in terms of the surrounding trappings of that match that you cite for 2017 - maybe more so, considering this was a match up between the two players who would ultimately finish out 1 and 2 in the slam race. And yet…a classic they did not put on, and hence it isn’t on the list or was even considered to be by me. For Djokovic-fans, it’s pretty great, but that wasn’t the point of the list. Nor is it to satisfy the fan base of any given player. Incidentally, I of course sight many Federer and Nadal matches within the list. Would many be of the opinion that the ‘17 final was superior to Federer’s 2005 semifinal with Safin - or Nadal’s semifinal with Verdasco in 2009, to say nothing of the 2012 final?

Ultimately had I sought to identify a list of the ‘most significant or relevant’ matches, then sure - the ‘09, ‘12, ‘17 and ‘19 finals would all be on that list. I don’t find that as compelling a project. In general, we all know what that list looks like - for the past 20 years it’s basically just a jumbling together of every encounter Federer or Nadal or Djokovic had with one another.

 

[fezer]

You start in 1988 obviously obviously, because it was the first tournament at Flinders Park. For me the combination of both sf and the final make this one unique. All thrilling five setters, contrasting styles and personalities.

 

[Galvermegs]

With this list, I have opted to work only within the time frame of the hart-court era of the Australian Open, starting in 1988. Only men's matches were considered.

1. 2005 Semifinal -- Safin v Federer -- 57, 64, 46, 76, 97

2. 2012 Final -- Djokovic v Nadal -- 57, 64, 62, 67, 75

3. 2009 Semifinal -- Nadal v Verdasco -- 67, 64, 76, 67, 64

4. 1995 Quaterfinal -- Sampras v Courier -- 67, 67, 63, 64, 63

5. 1988 Final -- Wilander v Cash -- 63, 67, 36, 61, 86

6. 2012 Semifinal -- Djokovic v Murray -- 63, 36, 67, 61, 75

7. 2013 Round of 16 -- Djokovic v Wawrinka -- 16, 75, 64, 67, 1210

8. 2017 Semifinal -- Nadal v Dimitrov -- 63, 57, 76, 67, 64

9. 2014 Quarterfinal -- Wawrinka v Djokovic -- 26, 64, 62, 36, 97

10. 2009 Round of 32 -- Gonzalez v Gasquet -- 36, 36, 76, 62, 1210

11. 2004 Semifinal -- Safin v Agassi -- 76, 76, 57, 16, 63

12. 2003 Quarterfinal -- Roddick v El Aynaoui -- 46, 76, 46, 64, 2119

13. 2017 Final -- Federer v Nadal -- 64, 36, 61, 36, 63

14. 2011 Round of 128 -- Nalbandian v Hewitt -- 36, 64, 36, 76, 97

15. 1991 Round of 32 -- Becker v Camporese -- 76, 76, 06, 46, 1412

16. 2022 Quarterfinal -- Medvedev v Auger-Aliassime -- 67, 36, 76, 75, 64

17. 1992 Round of 16 -- McEnroe v Sanchez -- 75, 76, 46, 26, 86

18. 2009 Final -- Nadal v Federer -- 75, 36, 76, 36, 62

19. 22020 Final -- Djokovic v Thiem -- 64, 46, 26, 63, 64

20. 2024 Semifinal -- Medvedev v Zverev -- 57, 36, 76, 76, 63

21. 2022 Final -- Nadal v Medvedev -- 26, 67, 64, 64, 75

22. 2017 Round of 64 -- Istomin v Djokovic -- 76, 57, 26, 76, 64

23. 1994 Round of 64 -- Sampras v Kafelnikov -- 63, 26, 63, 16, 97

24. 2005 Quarterfinal -- Hewitt v Nalbandian -- 63, 62, 16, 36, 108

25. 2023 Round of 128 -- Murray v Kokkinakis -- 46, 67, 76, 63, 75

Most of these are fine. Thanks again for the time and effort to narrow so many epics down to a quarter century. Some love for the 2nd tier talents of gonzo and gasquet is nice. Dont agree with novaks mia period match in 2017 versus a relative nobody. No25 would be better if murray had one last great run but he kept messing his and his fans' hopes.

Also kokkinakis is normally a bit of a mentally weak player and on a certain day it doesnt make sense he is able to push or beat the big names. A difficult guy to predict any given event.

 

[GuyForget]

Come on pal… pretty dishonest representation of my argument there… #13 isn’t even low. I stated from the beginning it’s ’my Opinion’ and ‘others would disagree’. You aren’t going to get all elements of bias out. It isn’t uncommon, especially among those that swoon after either Federer or Nadal - or both - to regard their every interaction as marked by the hand of God. I just don’t happen to think that scenario is best exhibited at the Australian Open. It’s more in line I would think in their match ups at Wimbledon or the French Open, which in terms of narrative or significance would either have the benefit of the greatest ever clay player or arguably the greatest ever grass player; and probably have a good deal of history on the line, with one or the other looking to win x-number of times in a row etc. At the Australian, neither Federer nor Nadal is the best ever there, Nadal not even close.

I primarily put emphasis on the narrative within the match, and additionally the quality of play. Obviously the trappings around the match play a role too. One reason why Borg-McEnroe (and for that matter Nadal-Federer) in their respective Wimbledon classics (1980 and 2008) are rightly revered is because I think it’s the perfect medley of all those components. It was #1 vs #2; in the final of the biggest tournament in the world; with the contrast in styles and a good deal of history on the line - Borg’s consecutive titles or Federer’s etc. And then on top of that they played two highly spirited, interesting matches that were also very well played (though some discerning voices exist on that point, especially for 2008, I know). The 2009 Australian final had a lot of that going for it - but to some extent dropped the ball with the execution aspect - at least versus some of the other matches I listed above it. The 2017 final didn’t have as many of those factors going for it - but they probably executed the match somewhat better, so it kind of balances out between them. As such I rated both within the list. Conversely the 2019 Australian final had everything in terms of the surrounding trappings of that match that you cite for 2017 - maybe more so, considering this was a match up between the two players who would ultimately finish out 1 and 2 in the slam race. And yet…a classic they did not put on, and hence it isn’t on the list or was even considered to be by me. For Djokovic-fans, it’s pretty great, but that wasn’t the point of the list. Nor is it to satisfy the fan base of any given player. Incidentally, I of course sight many Federer and Nadal matches within the list. Would many be of the opinion that the ‘17 final was superior to Federer’s 2005 semifinal with Safin - or Nadal’s semifinal with Verdasco in 2009, to say nothing of the 2012 final?

Ultimately had I sought to identify a list of the ‘most significant or relevant’ matches, then sure - the ‘09, ‘12, ‘17 and ‘19 finals would all be on that list. I don’t find that as compelling a project. In general, we all know what that list looks like - for the past 20 years it’s basically just a jumbling together of every encounter Federer or Nadal or Djokovic had with one another.

thx Pal

 

[Galvermegs]

Becker getting bageled must surely be rare in a major.. although not as rare as federer or sampras.

 

[Hard Court]

You start in 1988 obviously obviously, because it was the first tournament at Flinders Park. For me the combination of both sf and the final make this one unique. All thrilling five setters, contrasting styles and personalities.

Good point. The SF matches between Lendl-Cash and Wilander-Edberg probably belong in the Top 25.

There are also more matches in the 1990s that should be considered.
1991 SF Lendl-Edberg
1992 QF Edberg-Lendl
1992 F Courier-Edberg. Wasn't a nail biter, but well played.

 

[SamSpade]

Good point. The SF matches between Lendl-Cash and Wilander-Edberg probably belong in the Top 25.

There are also more matches in the 1990s that should be considered.
1991 SF Lendl-Edberg
1992 QF Edberg-Lendl
1992 F Courier-Edberg. Wasn't a nail biter, but well played.

Hard court - good points, I definitely considered all of those matches. In 1988 the semi’s are probably about 3.5/5.0 for me - maybe 3.75/5.0 whereas I’m 5/5 on the Wilander-Cash final. I had presumed the 91 Lendl-Edberg match would make this list, it was one of the last eliminated for me. On a grander scale I do have the 85 semifinal here in Australia between them and the 92 quarterfinal ranked higher than there 91 or 92 matches here - but it is a good point to mention that Lendl looks conspicuous by his absence here, and I’m even a Lendl fan! He, for his era, had so many high level matches. I should do a top 25 for him next, of post one that I’ve probably done for him. Just off the top of my head, the three Edberg matches; 88 Becker Masters; 89 W v Becker; 83 Dallas v McEnroe; 84 FO v McEnroe; 82 FO v Wilander; 89 FO v Chang; 88 US v Wilander; 84 Masters v Connors; 81 Masters v Gerulaitis; 80 Basel v Borg; 91 Philly v Sampras; 90 Us v Sampras; 88 Rome v Perez-Roldan; 84 US v Cash; several other early round Wimbledon matches; 81 FO v Clerc; a Stich match at the Open; a bevy of bo3 battles with Becker, etc

 

[Subway Tennis]

Awesome list. I’m happy that both Nalby vs Hewitt epics have been included.

One match I would suggest entertaining for the list would be Roddick vs Kohlschreiber from 2008.

 

[Galvermegs]

Awesome list. I’m happy that both Nalby vs Hewitt epics have been included.

One match I would suggest entertaining for the list would be Roddick vs Kohlschreiber from 2008.

Kohli should have done quite a bit more with his game... but perhaps he was a bit short compared to most and not really a ballstriker like nishi or a pure athlete like ferrer.