Top
Roger Federer interviewed at Australian Open
Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tennis News
, , , , , , , ,

FEATURE: Best moments from the Australian Open, including Roger Federer and the ‘Miracle of Melbourne’


The Australian Open is always a highlight for tennis players and fans alike. The first Grand Slam of the year often throws up some of the best matches of the year, with this edition being no exception.

There were plenty of outstanding matches and memorable moments that will be looked back on in years to come. Here, we take a look at the top five moments from the 2020 Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios came of age

There is no doubt that Nick Kyrgios divides opinion among the tennis world. It’s true that he can be petulant, but when he’s at his best, he is a joy to watch. His third round win against Karen Khachanov was incredible. Nearly four and a half hours of top quality tennis with Kyrgios winning in a fifth set tiebreak, 10-8.

The Australian had led two sets to love, he had match points in the third and fourth sets. It took a monumental effort for him to come through and was a testament to his hard work. Perhaps the fact that he pledged $200 for every ace he hit to the Australian bush fire cause provided him with extra motivation.

Roger Federer believing in miracles

Roger Federer had an interesting Australian Open. He made the semi-final, losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, but his third round and quarter final matches were epic. In the third round, he faced home favourite John Millman in a match that lasted over four hours.

The 38-year-old was 8-4 down in the fifth set tiebreak, but used his experience to win six points in a row to win it 10-8. Millman, who has beaten Federer before, pushed him to the limit and was deservedly praised for his effort. Federer had a similar match in the quarter-final against Tennys Sandgren. On that occasion he saved seven match points, proving he is as mentally tough as he has ever been.

Novak Djokovic meaning business

The 2020 Australian Open saw Djokovic extend his record of winning the highest number of Australian Open titles to eight. That puts him on a career total of 17 Grand Slam titles, two behind Rafael Nadal and three behind Federer.

The Swiss maestro hasn’t won a Grand Slam since the Australian Open in 2018. He is in real danger of being caught up by the other two. If Nadal wins the French Open and Djokovic wins Wimbledon and the US Open, Nadal will be level with Federer on 20 and Djokovic will be two behind on 18. Strap in tennis fans, 2021 should be good!

Caroline Wozniacki waved farewell

The 2020 Australian Open also saw the end of Caroline Wozniacki’s career. The 29-year-old’s only Grand Slam title came at the Australian Open in 2018. The former world number one lost in the third round to Ons Jabeur. Before the Australian Open, she had competed at the Auckland Open, playing in the doubles with her good friend Serena Williams. Wozniacki’s career was a successful one, deserving more than her one Grand Slam title.

Caroline Wozniacki blowing a kiss

… and Coco Gauff arrived (again)

Coco Gauff continued to make waves in the tennis world with her latest Grand Slam performance. The 15-year-old made the fourth round, losing to eventual champion Sofia Kenin. Yet again, Gauff’s matches were put on the large stadium courts and she coped with the pressure extremely well.

She beat one of her heroes, Venus Williams, in the first round as she did at Wimbledon. She achieved her most impressive result to date in the third round against defending champion and former world number one Naomi Osaka. She won in straight sets in a very impressive performance. Gauff had lost to Osaka at the same stage of the 2019 US Open.


By
0

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.