The Australian Open, often affectionately dubbed the “Happy Slam” in the eloquent words of Roger Federer, transcends mere sportsmanship; it stands as a jubilant ode to tennis, culture, and the resilient Australian ethos.
Throughout its storied existence, this prestigious Grand Slam tournament has borne witness to an array of
extraordinary moments, each etching itself indelibly into the rich tapestry of sporting history. From the iconic era of Rod Laver to the contemporary brilliance of champions like Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open unfolds as a treasure trove, offering spectators a collection of unforgettable moments.
However, in the latest edition of ‘FLOS’ FIVE’, we take you through a captivating journey, unveiling the five most enduring and remarkable moments in the history of the competition.
McEnroe Meltdown (1990)
Among the fiery personalities that have graced the courts of the Australian Open, none stands out more than the tempestuous John McEnroe. In the tumultuous year of 1990, the then-ranked world No. 9 found himself in the centre of controversy, leading to his disqualification during the fourth-round clash against Mikael Penfors.
The reason for this unprecedented event was a contentious call from the umpire that McEnroe vehemently deemed incorrect. What followed was a chaotic sequence of disdainful glares, vehement yelling, heated arguments, profanity-laden outbursts, and even the dramatic flinging of his racket.
This infamous match served as the quintessential representation of McEnroe’s reputation as one of the sport’s most ill-tempered figures.
The moniker ‘Jonny Mac,’ as affectionately bestowed upon him, became synonymous with this display of unruly behaviour, etching his name into the annals of tennis history. The aftermath saw McEnroe slapped with a $6,500 fine, a somewhat justifiable punishment for his explosive actions on the court.
Centre Court Floods (1995)
Melbourne and its unpredictable weather struck again and in quite some style in 1995. The semi-final clash between Andre Agassi and Aaron Krickstein came to an abrupt halt when a power outage disrupted the drainage system, causing the centre court at Flinders Park to be drenched in water.
Luckily for fans, the ankle-deep flood would not stop the flow of the competition, as other matches proceeded in other venues as scheduled.
This memorable incident underscored nature’s influence on the event, even with the presence of a roof over the court.
The players however were relocated to the indoor courts at Rod Laver, where Agassi went on to defeat Aaron Krickstein 6-4, 6-4, 3-0, with Krickstein retiring from the match prematurely following a groin injury.
Nadal’s Victory, Federer’s Tears (2009)
Undoubtedly, one of Rafael Nadal’s most treasured memories unfolded in the aftermath of an arduous battle during the 2009 Australian Open final.
With just a single day of rest following a gruelling victory over compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the semifinals, Nadal faced the formidable Roger Federer, who enjoyed a two-day break after dispatching Andy Roddick in straight sets.
Doubts lingered in the minds of many regarding the Spanaird’s ability to sustain excellence over the course of a potentially demanding five-set encounter.
In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Nadal triumphed over Federer in another captivating five-setter, characterized by moments of sheer brilliance. Commentators found themselves frequently exclaiming in awe, accurately capturing the essence of a match that demanded spectators to rise from their seats every game.
Nadal clinched the victory with a scoreline of 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2. Following the heartbreak of defeat, Federer’s emotional floodgates opened, and tears streamed down his face. When handed the microphone for his post-match speech, a visibly distraught Federer uttered,
“Maybe I’ll try later again, I don’t know. God, it’s killing me,” before breaking down even further.
This poignant moment starkly illustrated the profound emotional toll that sports can exact. Despite the cliché of “it’s just a game”, Federer’s tearful response resonated globally, revealing the depth of anguish that accompanies a significant loss. In a display of remarkable sportsmanship, Nadal, ever gracious, offered Federer a consoling hug, underlining the respect and camaraderie that transcends the competitive arena.
The Williams Sisters’ Final Faceoff (2003)
In a remarkable display of sibling rivalry, Serena and Venus Williams faced off as finalists for the fourth consecutive Grand Slam at the 2003 Australian Open. The preceding year had seen Serena emerge victorious over Venus in the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open.
In a hard-fought match, Serena secured the Australian Open title with a 7-6, 3-6, 6-4 victory, completing what has since been coined the ‘Serena Slam’—a remarkable achievement of winning four consecutive Grand Slam titles in a non-calendar year.
Following a final set marked by four consecutive errors from Venus, the sisters shared a poignant moment at the net, embracing each other. Despite the defeat, the 22-year-old Venus paid a heartfelt tribute to her sister, expressing
admiration for Serena’s championship prowess.
“I wish I could have been the winner, but of course, you have a great champion in Serena, and she has won all four Grand Slams, which is something I’d love to do one day,” Venus remarked. “So, yeah, I’d kind of like to be just like her”.
The moment not only showcased the intensity of their competition but also underscored the deep bond and respect between the tennis prodigy sisters.
The Djokovic vs Nadal Marathon (2012)
The Men’s Singles final of 2012 stands as an epic marathon, featuring a gruelling clash between two tennis titans in the longest major match of the Open era. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal battled fiercely for 5 hours and 53 minutes, eclipsing the previous record set in 1988 when Mats Wilander defeated Ivan Lendl at the US Open in a four-hour and 54-minute encounter.
In a display of incredible resilience, Djokovic eventually wore down Nadal, emerging victorious after a relentless five-set struggle. The final set saw Djokovic secure the win with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 triumph. Notably, he broke a 6-5 lead and saved a breakpoint in the final set, clinching his fifth Grand Slam title in an unforgettable display of skill, endurance, and determination.
