Smartframe: Australian Open’s Best Moments
2023’s sporting calendar kicked off with tennis’ first Grand Slam of the year. Whether it was Murray’s grit and will to win, wildcard Aussies claiming the title, or Novak’s return down under, this year’s tournament was full of great moments.
A week on from its conclusion, and with the help of Sport Industry Group partners, SmartFrame, we have taken a look back at the Australian Open 2023’s highlights.
An Andy Murray classic
Following his unlikely opening round victory over Matteo Berrentini, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray faced home-crowd favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Kokkinakis led with a margin of 5-2 in the third set and was two points away from victory as he served for the match at 5-4. But, the 34-year-old Scotsman, whose career has been written off more than once in recent years, fought back in classic Murray style. It ended 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5 in Murray’s favour.
The match ran long into the night, taking five hours and 45 minutes, the longest of Murray’s career.
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Emma Raducanu vs. Coco Gauff
Emma Raducanu facing Coco Gauff was heralded as the beginning of a new rivalry at the top of women’s tennis, despite the British number one sitting 70 places below 18-year-old American Gauff in the rankings.
Former US Open champion Raducanu grew into the match and was the better player late in the second set but was unable to take two set points and fell to a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) defeat meaning that the younger tennis prodigy won the battle on this occasion.
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Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata wildcard victory
Aussie pair Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata ensured an Australian Open trophy remained in home hands, storming to a shock straight-sets win in the men’s doubles final.
With singles champion Ash Barty retiring and Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis unable to defend their 2022 doubles crown due to a Kyrgios injury, Kubler and Hijikata flew the flag down under, beating Monaco’s Hugo Nys and Poland’s Jan Zielinski 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
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Arnya Sablalenka first Grand Slam title
Belarusian fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka, who competed under a neutral flag, won her first Grand Slam singles title by fighting back to beat Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
In an absorbing contest, 24-year-old Sabalenka, who played a high-risk game and hit 51 winners, triumphed 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Djokovic’s return to Australia
After being denied entry into Australia due to his coronavirus vaccination status last year, Djokovic returned to win the Australian Open for record-extending 10th time.
Djokovic’s historic win was confirmed by a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory over first-time Grand Slam finalists Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 35-year-old’s triumph brought him level with Nadal’s all-time record of men’s singles Grand Slam successes.
SmartFrame congratulates Novak Djokovic on winning the Australian Open.
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