The Australian Open is one of tennis’ most prestigious events, featuring thrilling matches, historic victories, and unforgettable moments.
Below, we have ranked the last 15 Australian Open tournaments from best to worst, based on the significance of the wins, memorable moments, and key performances that defined each year.
From record-breaking comebacks to the rise of new stars, here’s a look at the most notable tournaments in recent history.
1. 2022 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Rafael Nadal
Women’s Champion: Ashleigh Barty
- Rafael Nadal made history by coming from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev (2–6, 6–7, 6–4, 6–4, 7–5), moving ahead of both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for the most Grand Slam singles titles.
- Ashleigh Barty triumphed on home soil, claiming her first Australian Open title and her third Grand Slam overall by defeating Danielle Collins (6–3, 7–6).
- Barty’s Retirement: The 2022 victory marked a historic moment, as it was Barty’s last Grand Slam before her sudden retirement from tennis later that year.
2. 2021 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Naomi Osaka
- Novak Djokovic claimed his ninth Australian Open title with a dominant win over Daniil Medvedev (7–5, 6–2, 6–2).
- Naomi Osaka secured her second Australian Open title by defeating Jennifer Brady (6–4, 6–3).
- The tournament was held under strict COVID-19 quarantine measures, with limited fan attendance, making it a unique and challenging event for players and fans alike.
3. 2017 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Roger Federer
Women’s Champion: Serena Williams
- Roger Federer made a stunning return to form, defeating Rafael Nadal (6–4, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3) in a classic final to win his 18th Grand Slam title.
- Serena Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam, setting a new Open Era record, by defeating her sister Venus Williams (6–4, 6–4).
- Both the men’s and women’s finals featured epic showdowns, further cementing the legacies of Federer and Serena.
4. 2019 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Naomi Osaka
- Novak Djokovic claimed his seventh Australian Open title with a dominant performance over Rafael Nadal (6–3, 6–2, 6–3).
- Naomi Osaka secured her second Grand Slam title by defeating Petra Kvitová (7–6, 5–7, 6–4).
- Stefanos Tsitsipas made a significant run to the semifinals, marking the beginning of his rise as a future star in tennis.
5. 2016 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Angelique Kerber
- Novak Djokovic captured his sixth Australian Open title by defeating Andy Murray (6–1, 7–5, 7–6).
- Angelique Kerber claimed her first Grand Slam title by defeating Serena Williams (6–4, 3–6, 6–4).
- Extreme heat during the tournament led to several medical timeouts and challenges for players.
6. 2020 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Sofia Kenin
- Novak Djokovic secured his eighth Australian Open title with a thrilling win over Dominic Thiem (6–4, 4–6, 2–6, 6–3, 6–4).
- Sofia Kenin claimed her first Grand Slam title by defeating Garbiñe Muguruza (4–6, 6–2, 6–2).
- The tournament was impacted by bushfires, affecting air quality and causing delays in the early rounds.
7. 2015 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Serena Williams
- Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray (7–6, 6–7, 6–3, 6–0) to claim his fifth Australian Open title.
- Serena Williams claimed her fifth Australian Open title by defeating Maria Sharapova (6–3, 7–6).
- The event featured record-breaking performances from both Serena and Djokovic.
8. 2018 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Roger Federer
Women’s Champion: Caroline Wozniacki
- Roger Federer won his 20th Grand Slam title by defeating Marin Čilić (6–2, 6–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–1).
- Caroline Wozniacki won her first Grand Slam title by defeating Simona Halep (7–6, 3–6, 6–4).
- Extreme heat prompted organizers to implement the extreme heat rule for player safety.
9. 2014 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Stan Wawrinka
Women’s Champion: Li Na
- Stan Wawrinka claimed his first Grand Slam title by defeating Rafael Nadal (6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3).
- Li Na won her second Grand Slam title by defeating Dominika Cibulkova (7–6, 6–0).
- The tournament was marked by surprises, with both Wawrinka and Li Na emerging as champions.
10. 2013 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Victoria Azarenka
- Novak Djokovic secured his third consecutive Australian Open title by defeating Andy Murray (7–6, 6–7, 6–3, 6–2).
- Victoria Azarenka successfully defended her title by defeating Li Na (4–6, 6–4, 6–3).
- The tournament featured dominant performances from both Djokovic and Azarenka.
11. 2012 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Victoria Azarenka
- Novak Djokovic won one of the longest and most epic Grand Slam finals, defeating Rafael Nadal (5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7, 7–5).
- Victoria Azarenka won her first Grand Slam title by defeating Maria Sharapova (6–3, 6–0).
- The men’s final was one of the most physically demanding in tennis history.
12. 2011 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Novak Djokovic
Women’s Champion: Kim Clijsters
- Novak Djokovic won his first Australian Open title by defeating Andy Murray (6–4, 6–2, 6–3).
- Kim Clijsters triumphed in the women’s draw by defeating Li Na (6–3, 3–6, 6–3).
- The tournament introduced a new generation of players, with Djokovic starting his reign.
13. 2010 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Roger Federer
Women’s Champion: Serena Williams
- Roger Federer captured his fourth Australian Open title with a straight-set win over Andy Murray (6–3, 6–4, 7–6).
- Serena Williams captured her fifth Australian Open title by defeating Justine Henin (6–4, 3–6, 6–2).
- Andy Murray’s loss in the final marked another near miss for the promising player.
14. 2000 Australian Open
Men’s Champion: Pete Sampras
Women’s Champion: Serena Williams
- Pete Sampras won his third Australian Open title in a tight match against Safin.
- Serena Williams secured her first major title, establishing the foundation for her legendary career.
- The event was marked by inconsistent performances from top players but key milestones for Sampras and Serena.