The Australian Open has been a historic stage for many tennis legends, but only a select few have managed to successfully defend their titles at a young age. From Mats Wilander to Jannik Sinner, these rising stars have proven that age is no barrier when it comes to mastering the courts of Melbourne. Here’s a look at the youngest men’s singles players to defend the title, each making a mark in tennis history with their grit and talent.
Youngest Men’s Singles Players to Defend Australian Open Title
1. Mats Wilander (20 Years) – 1983 & 1984
Mats Wilander became the youngest man to defend the Australian Open title at just 20 years old. After winning his first title in 1983, he successfully retained the trophy in 1984, defeating South African Kevin Curren in a four-set match. The Swede’s victory over Curren (6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-2) cemented his place in tennis history. Wilander, known for his strategic play, won a total of seven Grand Slam titles during his career, including three Australian Open victories.
2. Stefan Edberg (21 Years) – 1985 & 1987
Another Swede, Stefan Edberg, followed Wilander’s path by defending his Australian Open title. Edberg first won the championship in 1985 by defeating Wilander himself, and then successfully defended his crown in 1987. The 1986 tournament was skipped due to scheduling adjustments, but Edberg, 21 at the time, made a triumphant return in 1987. His victory over Australian Pat Cash (6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3) was significant as it marked the last time the tournament was played on grass before transitioning to hard courts.
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3. Jim Courier (23 Years) – 1992 & 1993
Jim Courier became the youngest American to defend the Australian Open title at 23. In 1993, Courier won back-to-back titles with a decisive victory over Stefan Edberg (6-2, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5). The year prior, he had claimed his first Australian Open title, defeating Edberg again in a four-set match (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2). Courier’s relentless determination and athleticism led him to four Grand Slam titles during his career, two of which were earned in Melbourne.
4. Jannik Sinner (23 Years) – 2024 & 2025
The most recent addition to this elite group is Jannik Sinner, who at 23 defended his Australian Open title in 2025. Sinner’s rise to tennis fame was swift, and he proved his mettle by winning back-to-back titles. His 2025 victory over Alexander Zverev (6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3) solidified his position as one of the sport’s top young talents. Sinner’s first title in 2024 came after an impressive five-set comeback against Daniil Medvedev, making him a name to watch for future Grand Slam tournaments.
5. Novak Djokovic (25 Years) – 2011 & 2012
Known as one of the greatest players in tennis history, Novak Djokovic was 25 years old when he defended his Australian Open title in 2012. Djokovic’s remarkable consistency at the tournament has earned him a record 10 titles. His first pair of wins came in 2011 and 2012, with victories over Andy Murray (6-4, 6-2, 6-3) and Rafael Nadal (5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5), respectively. Djokovic’s dominance at the Australian Open continues, and he remains a player with an unrivaled track record in Melbourne.
