The Australian Open affectionately known as the “AO” or “Happy Slam” kicks off Australia and Melbourne’s jammed packed sporting calendar. Held annually at Melbourne Park, this iconic tournament welcomes the world’s top players to compete on high-speed blue hard courts under the radiant Australian sun. 

Renowned for its electric atmosphere, the event blends world-class tennis with a vibrant festival culture, featuring live music, premium dining, and the fan favourite AO live featuring some of the world and Australia’s top artists. With over 1.2 million attendees in 2025 and three retractable-roof stadiums ensuring play in any weather, it remains a global leader in sporting innovation and fan engagement.

Recent Winners:

Men’s Champions:

Jannik Sinner (2024 & 2025)

Novak Djokovic (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)

Rafael Nadal (2022)

Roger Federer (2017 & 2018)

Women's Champion:

Madison Keys (2025)

Aryna Sabalenka (2023 & 2024)

Ash Barty (2022)

Naomi Osaka (2019 & 2021)

Sofia Kenin (2020)

Caroline Wozniacki (2018)

Serena Williams (2017)

Angelique Kerber (2016)

Moments that have defined the last decade:

 2017: The Year of Legends 

Serena Williams: The Superhuman Slam

 In a feat that defied medical expectations, Serena Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam title without dropping a single set. It was later revealed she was eight weeks pregnant at the time. This victory surpassed Steffi Graf's Open Era record, and her performance battling morning sickness and the Melbourne heat to defeat her sister Venus in the final remains a testament to her unmatched physical and mental fortitude. It would stand as her final Grand Slam title, a fittingly historic "curtain call" for the GOAT.

The Final we deserved: Federer & Nadal reignite rivalry at Melbourne Park 

The 2017 Men's Final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal shifted the trajectory of tennis history. Both legends were returning from long injury layoffs, and most critics believed their championship days were over. Federer’s comeback from 3-1 down in the fifth set was punctuated by a stunning 26-shot rally that left the world breathless. This match didn't just give Federer his 18th major; it reignited the greatest rivalry in tennis and proved that the "Old Guard" wasn't ready to step aside just yet.

2022: Aussie Fairytale

Ash Barty Ends the 44-Year Drought

World No. 1 Ash Barty carried the weight of an entire nation as she sought to become the first local champion since 1978. She dominated the tournament with clinical precision, using her signature slice and serve to dismantle opponents without losing a set. Her 5-1 comeback in the second set of the final against Danielle Collins ignited a roar at Rod Laver Arena that could be heard across the city. Her shock retirement just two months later made this victory even more significant, as she left the sport at the absolute peak of her powers.

The "Special Ks" Show

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis transformed the Men’s Doubles into a rock concert. Entering as wildcards, their high-energy, "crowd interaction" style brought a younger, rowdier demographic to Melbourne Park. By winning the title, they proved that doubles could be a main-stage attraction, recording television ratings that challenged the singles finals. Their victory was a celebration of friendship and resilience, particularly for Kokkinakis, who had spent years sidelined by debilitating injuries.

2023: The Redemption of a GOAT

Novak’s Tearful 10th Title

Returning after his 2022 deportation, Novak Djokovic faced a hostile media landscape and a serious 3cm hamstring tear. He moved with a heavy strap on his leg but played some of the most aggressive tennis of his life to compensate. After defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim his 10th title and 22nd Grand Slam, he collapsed in his player box and sobbed. This rare crack in his "Iron Man" persona showed the world the immense psychological toll the previous 12 months had taken on him.

2024: The Changing of the Guard 

Sinner Dethrones the King

The 2024 semifinals saw the unthinkable: Novak Djokovic was outplayed on his favourite court. Jannik Sinner snapped Djokovic’s 33-match Melbourne winning streak with a display of ball-striking so pure that Djokovic didn't even earn a single break point in the first two sets. Sinner went on to win the title from two sets down in the final, signalling that the next generation had finally arrived and was capable of surviving the marathon physical demands of a Grand Slam. 

2025: The Dream Run

The Madison Keys Masterclass

In 2025, at the age of 29, Madison Keys finally captured the Grand Slam title that had eluded her for a decade. Her path was the stuff of legends: she had to go through the World No. 1 and No. 2 back-to-back. Her victory was a victory for longevity and persistence, proving that a player's prime doesn't have a fixed expiration date. The image of her lifting the trophy alongside Aussie icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley became the defining image of the tournament.

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