On January 7, 2024, Australian Open 2024 began with many skilled tennis players entering the tournament to win the title. It is one of the four major championships, along with the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. While the tournament has taken place annually since 1905, this year had some exceptionally extraordinary highlights.
It was the first time that an Australian Open men’s final did not feature one of the “big three” since 2005.
This year, Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev in the men’s final, winning his first major title. It was the first time in 19 years that the final match played in Rod Laver Arena did not showcase at least one of the three biggest names in tennis of this generation - Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Although tennis’ iconic players may be getting replaced, the new generation’s stars are already delivering jaw-dropping tennis. Watch the highlights reel of the 2024 men’s final.
It was the end of Djokovic’s 33-match, 2195 day winning streak in Australia.
In the semifinal match, Sinner swiftly defeated Djokovic in four sets, earning his spot in the final and ending Djokovic’s mind-boggling streak. Though Djokovic said that this was “one of the worst Grand Slam matches” he’s ever played, that doesn’t discount Sinner’s strong hold of serve and confident shots against the world number one. Does this loss represent the end of 36-year-old Djokovic’s reign as the by and large best tennis player of this era? Only time will tell.
Medvedev became the first person to ever lose two major finals from two sets up.
To those unfamiliar with tennis, a men’s final is won by winning best of five sets. At the 2022 Australian Open, Medvedev lost in a five-set match against Nadal that lasted over five hours; although he won the first two sets, Medvedev fell short to Nadal in the next three. A similarly unfortunate story happened once again this year against Sinner. Dubbed the “marathon man.” Medvedev lost steam after his 24 hours and 17 minutes spent on court during the tournament (almost six hours more playing time than Sinner).
Over one million fans came to watch the Australian Open for the first time.
1.1 million people saw a match during the three weeks of the 2024 Australian Open, about the same number of people who live in all of Montana. According to a Gitnux Marketdata Report on tennis popularity, tennis has become increasingly popular among young people in recent years. The remarkable crowds made for exciting, cheer-filled matches. Numerous celebrities attended the event as well, including actress Ana de Armas and singer Louis Tomlinson.
The oldest Grand Slam champion was crowned.
43-year-old Rohan Bopanna won the men’s doubles final with his partner Matthew Ebden. Playing professionally since 2003, Bopanna’s doubles win also earned him the No. 1 ranking for men’s doubles in the world. The average retirement age for professional tennis players is 27 years old, making Bopanna statistically and unusually old. With current advancements in athletes’ health, diets, and exercise, tennis players have been retiring later than ever before. It may not be long before another 40+ player wins a championship.
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