Tuesday 3 January 2017 18:20, UK
There have been plenty of classic matches contested at the Australian Open over the years.
Here, in no particular order, are some Andy Schooler remembers from his time following the sport.
7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2, final, 2009
This was a truly special match, one which could well go down in history as the moment when the balance of power swung between these two modern greats. It came just six months after the pair's Wimbledon classic, a contest described at the time by many as the sport's greatest ever. For four sets in Melbourne, the duo arguably surpassed what had gone before on the other side of the globe, the true bounce of the hard-court surface allowing for some even better rallies. In particular, some of the angles Nadal found having been pulled out of court will live long in the memory of those who watched. Sadly the fifth set could not provide the drama which had been seen in the gathering gloom at Wimbledon, but there's no doubt this still deserves classic status.
6-7 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-3, quarter-final, 1995
When people say tennis matches are emotional, it's usually an exaggeration. Not in this case. It's best known for Sampras breaking down in tears in the early stages of the fifth set. Deep into a classic battle, having battled back from two sets down and also a break down in the fourth, a fan told Sampras to "do it for your coach". It was a reference to Tim Gullikson, who had collapsed in the run-up to the tournament and been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The tears duly flowed from the great champion, with his friend Courier even offering to stop the match, saying across the net: "We can do this tomorrow, you know."
However, Sampras battled on to claim a remarkable victory. The tears elevate this to a legendary match, but the tennis offered up by the American duo was also outstanding. Courier started superbly and despite Sampras serving well, his opponent took the first two sets. But Sampras was able to show all his fighting qualities to hit back, pulling away in the closing stages, the match ending, after all the drama, at 1.09am.
4-6 7-6 6-2, final, 2002
Much has been made about what will happen if World Cup footballers play in temperatures above 40C in Qatar in 2022. For some idea, simply watch a DVD of this match, one played in peak temperature of 46C in Melbourne. The brutal conditions certainly played their part, but also ensured this match will be remembered for years to come. Perhaps the tennis was not of the highest quality – how could it be in that heat? – but few matches will provide such a story arc, such drama.
Having played some impressive stuff in the early stages, Hingis looked poised for victory when she led by a set and 4-0 but by then the heat was beginning to take its toll. Defending champion Capriati, sensing her opportunity, took full advantage and launched her fightback. Still, Hingis had more chances in the second-set tie-break only to blow four championship points as Capriati forced a decider.
After that breaker the American only had to stay on her feet to win the contest as Hingis was barely able to move around the court and was often found sitting down in the shade between points. To me, Hingis' post-match quotes provide clarity as to how tough this one was and they are particularly surprising given her reputation as a fighter. "I just couldn't move anymore. I had goosebumps all over my body. Near the end I just wanted it over. I didn't care anymore."
6-3 3-6 6-7 6-1 7-5, semi-final, 2012
This was a match which saw Murray's Grand Slam dreams dashed but arguably gave him the confidence to push on to the success he would enjoy later in the season. The British star led by two sets to one and also had three break points at 5-5 in the decider before losing a cracking contest by the narrowest of margins after almost five hours on court.
Djokovic went on to describe his performance as one of the best of his career, but it is Murray's comment which, with hindsight, tells a significant story. "I think that gap [to Djokovic, Federer and Nadal], I feel tonight I closed it," he said. "My job over the next two or three months is to surpass [Djokovic] and the guys in front of me." It might have taken a little longer but Murray did that job, beating Djokovic en route to both Olympic gold and US Open glory.
4-6 6-3 7-5, semi-final, 2003
Five-time champion Williams holds a prominent position at the Australian Open's top table. However, when she arrived in Melbourne over a decade ago she had yet to lift the trophy. Yet the pressure was on - win this time and she would complete what was being dubbed the 'Serena Slam' as she already held the three other Grand Slam titles. When she fell 5-1 down in the final set of this contest, that slice of history looked to have eluded the American.
But as we now know, only the foolish write off Serena. Saving two match points at 5-3, Williams produced one of the tournament's greatest fightbacks to keep the dream alive. Clijsters did not win another game, losing six on the spin in total. "I've always been a fighter," said Williams afterwards. "I don't know where it comes from. It's innate." She went on to win the final and write her name in the history books. These days, Serena's fighting spirit is world renowned. That reputation was built in this match.
