Tennis marathons have always been like a magnet attracting fans all over the world, but only a few tournaments would be a perfect demonstration of endurance, like the Australian Open. Melting five-set fights under the sun of Melbourne to fights testing every inch of physical and mental stamina, these are the longest matches ever played at the Australian Slam.
Nadal’s Warrior Fight – Nadal vs Medvedev (2022)
In a similar ultra-marathon, Rafael Nadal faced off with Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 Australian Open final. Eventually, Nadal triumphed in an epic five-set duel 2-6, 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, but he had to endure 5 hours and 24 minutes on court. This match is not only remembered for its duration but also for the dramatic swings, the physical exertion, and the strong wills of both players.
Karlovic’s Record Night – Karlovic vs Zeballos (2017)
Ivo Karlovic’s gigantic match with Horacio Zeballos in 2017 lasted more than five hours and finished with a 22-20 score in the final set, which was unbelievable. The match showcased Karlovic’s determination and also his record-breaking number of 75 aces at the Australian Open. The duration of the match was 5 hours and 15 minutes, which is one of the longest matches in the tournament’s history.
Heat and Grit – Davidovich Fokina vs Auger-Aliassime (2025)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Felix Auger-Aliassime engaged in a marathon duel in the 2025 Australian Open that lasted nearly 5 hours and 51 minutes. The players kept their spirits up despite the heat and fatigue and finally, Fokina took the crown in five sets. Although this match did not occupy the first spot on the all-time list, it was still one of the lengthiest matches ever at Melbourne Park and represented the exhausting modern hard-court tennis style.
Late Night Thriller – Murray vs Kokkinakis (2023)
In the second round of the AO 2023, Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis from Australia put on a fabulous and incomprehensible fight that went on till the early morning hours. Their fight lasted for 5 hours and 45 minutes, where Murray came back from two sets down to win 4-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5. This match is listed among the second-longest in Aussie Open history and has shown an amazing determination from both players.
The Endless Classic – Djokovic vs Nadal (2012)
When Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal entered the Rod Laver Arena for their spectacular men’s final, nobody could predict they would together make history. This match remains as the longest in the Australian Open’s history and the longest of all grand slam finals ever. The epic confrontation lasted for 5 hours and 53 minutes, and the victory was decided just before midnight. The match was such an intricate work of unbalanced momentum that Djokovic at last claimed the victory 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 in what some might call the best grand slam matches of all time.
Also Read: Top 4 Players Who Reached No.1 Without a Grand Slam
These matches are not only long; they are legends that have been woven into the very fabric of tennis. Each one is a manifestation of the player’s endurance, tactic, and spirit, and thus a big “No” to giving up. Whether you like a king of sports with pure muscular display, thrilling moments, or great legends facing each other, then these marathon battles at the Australian Open are classics and stand out among other battles during the sport’s rich history.
