The most exciting matches from this year’s Australian Open
The Australian Open reached its conclusion on Sunday, with Novak Djokovic sealing his eighth Melbourne triumph with a thrilling victory over Dominic Thiem. So with another Grand Slam down under in the record books, we’ve decided to take a look back at some of the best matches from this year’s competition.
Edmund suffers entertaining first-round defeat
Britain’s main hopes in the men’s singles were on Kyle Edmund, however, he suffered a first-round defeat against Dusan Lajovic, losing 7-6, 6-3, 7-6.
Konta stunned by Jabeur
On the same day as Edmund’s exit, Johanna Konta was also dumped out to Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, losing an entertaining encounter 6-4, 6-2 in 63 minutes.
Evans' brilliant comeback
There was better news for British hopefuls on the opening day. Dan Evans looked like he’d be following both Edmund and Konta out of the competition, however, he came from two sets down to stun Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
Fognini survives scare in five-set thriller
On the 1573 Arena, Italian Fabio Fognini, seeded 12th, also came from two sets down to claim a thrilling win against Reilly Opelka. Fognini won 3-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.
Gauff beats Venus again
15-year-old Coco Gauff proved last year’s Wimbledon victory over Venus Williams was no fluke as she beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion once again in the first round to the delight of the Aussie crowd.
Dart edges out Doi in last set decider
Another British comeback involved Harriet Dart. She came from behind to clinch an exciting first-round win over Misaki Doi, winning the final set 7-6 with a 10-6 tiebreak.
Gauff continues to impress by stunning Osaka
Gauff continued her remarkable run at Melbourne by dumping out third seed Naomi Osaka in a stunning straight-sets upset. The teenager would eventually exit in the fourth round against fellow American Sofia Kenin, but she provided plenty of entertainment in her matches.
Thiem survives scare from home favourite
Dominic Theim would’ve been out in the second round to Australian favourite Alex Bolt if it wasn’t for his sensational recovery. Trailing 2-1, the Austrian rallied to seal a memorable five-set victory.
Federer takes down Millman in five
Roger Federer also nearly went out to an Aussie, edging out John Millman in five sets. The Swiss legend would eventually win the final set 7-6 thanks to a 10-8 tiebreak triumph.
Wang shocks Williams
China’s Qiang Wang halted Serena Williams’ plans for a 24th Grand Slam with a stunning three-set win in the third round. Wang won the decider 7-5 to stun the Melbourne crowd.
Kontaveit's clinical display
Sixth seed Belinda Bencic only managed to win one game in her third encounter with Anett Kontaveit, who put on a clinical display to romp to a 6-0, 6-1 win.
Cilic's marathon against Agut
Marin Cilic is known for his marathon games in Grand Slams, and following a lengthy second-round win over Benoit Paire, he was at it again, this time against Roberto Bautista Agut! The towering Croat once again came out on top, dumping out the ninth seed in a memorable five-set display.
Kyrgios sets up Nadal clash with entertaining Khachanov win
The controversial Nick Kyrgios was at it again in front of his home crowd, eventually coming out on top against Russian Karen Khachanov in a five-set thriller. The Aussie won a decisive tie-break 10-8 after losing a two-set lead and even had time to rage at the umpire along the way!
Barty inflicts revenge on Riske
Top seed Ashleigh Barty dumped out American Alison Riske in the fourth round in front of a packed home crowd. It looked as if Riske would come out on top once again after levelling things up, however, Barty prevailed in a tense final set.
Nadal edges out Kyrgios with two tense tiebreaks
Rafael Nadal took out Nick Kyrgios in four sets to book his place in the quarter-finals in a high-quality fourth-round encounter. The 19-time Grand Slam champion held his nerve to win the final two sets on a tiebreak.
Kenin dumps out Barty
Sofia Kenin reached her first Grand Slam final by defeating Ashleigh Barty in a tense semi-final. The American won a breathless first set before edging the second 7-5.
Thiem beats Nadal in four
Dominic Thiem continued his march to the Australian Open final by defeating Rafael Nadal in four high-quality sets under the lights. Thiem had to hold his nerve to win all three of his sets on a tiebreak.
Kenin's class shines through
You’re supposed to be nervous in your first Grand Slam final, so Sofia Kenin’s first set performance against former World No.1 Garbine Muguruza in the final was understandable. However, after falling behind, the American shone to take the next two 6-2, 6-2. She won five out of six break points on offer and saved 10 out of 12 against, which ultimately, proved to be the difference.
Djokovic beats Thiem in five-set epic
As mentioned, Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem brought the tournament to a close by treating the fans to an epic five-set thriller. The Austrian looked to be in pole position to claim a maiden Grand Slam title, however, Djokovic rallied and won the final two sets to come out on top 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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