5 tennis greats of the Australian Open
Every January, the bright blue hard courts, sweltering summer heat, and high-octane atmosphere set the scene for the Australian Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The stage for some of the sport’s greatest stars and most promising young talents, to win the Australian Open is a tremendous feat in itself. Only a select few have managed to claim the trophy multiple times — cementing their places among the game’s all-time greats. Whether you’re a tennis fanatic or a casual spectator of the sport, here are five legendary players who have left a lasting legacy, both in Melbourne and beyond.
Rod Laver
Image credit: @rodlaverarena
No list of Australian Open legends is complete without mentioning Rod Laver. A true pioneer in the world of tennis — with the main arena named after him, no less — Australia's Rod Laver dominated the sport in the 1960s. Laver was ranked world number 1 from 1965 to 1969, with 11 major singles titles to his name. Along with multiple French Open, US Open and Wimbledon wins, Laver took out the Australian Open title an impressive three times in 1960, 1662 and 1969. Perhaps his most impressive feat, Laver completed the Grand Slam (winning all four major tournaments in a single calendar year) twice in 1962 and 1969, and remains the only man to do so more than once in his career.
Novak Djokovic
Image credit: @djokernole
Ranked No. 1 for a record total of 428 weeks across 13 different years by the ATP, Djokovic has won a total of 99 singles titles over the course of his career — recently clinching an Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games — to cement himself as one of the tennis greats. Since his first Australian Open title win in 2008, Djokovic has gone on to emerge champion 10 more times, displaying refined skills, incredible grit, and an ability to perform under pressure. It’s no surprise that Djokovic is gunning for his 25th Grand Slam title on the bright blue hard court of Melbourne in January to edge out legend Magaret Court and become the most successful player ever at the majors.
Steffi Graf
Image credit: Australian Open
Steffi Graf, a name synonymous with excellence in women’s tennis, remains one of the sport’s most influential players of all time. The German legend claimed the Australian Open four times, with a particularly remarkable victory in 1988 where she completed her historic Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same year. Over the course of her career, Graf claimed 22 Grand Slam singles titles and held the World No. 1 ranking for an astounding 377 weeks, making her one of the sport’s greatest champions.
Serena Williams
Image credit: Vanity Fair
Widely regarded as the greatest female athletes of all time, Serena Williams’ history in tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 7 Australian Open titles under her belt, Williams’ 2017 Australian Open victory — which came while she was pregnant — still stands as one of the most inspiring moments in tennis history. Ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks, including a joint-record 186 consecutive weeks, she has also won 23 Grand Slam women's singles titles — the most in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time — and stands as the only player to accomplish a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
Roger Federer
Image credit: @australianopen
Roger Federer’s legacy at the Australian Open is just as captivating as his playing style, characterised by his sharp serves, fluid movements, and impeccable technique. Over the course of his illustrious career, Federer won the tournament 6 times, with his 2017 victory marking one of the most inspiring comebacks in tennis history after a six-month injury hiatus. Beyond his Australian Open triumphs, Federer has amassed 20 Grand Slam singles titles, and his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has defined a generation of tennis.
Keen to catch the sporting action? This month, Westfield centres around Australia are hosting live sites for the summer of tennis, streaming matches direct from Melbourne with Channel 9.
Catch all the action and enjoy tennis-themed events, giveaways and more at select Westfield centres. Find out more about participating centres here.
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