Which of the five biggest upsets at the Australian Open in the past decade left the deepest impression on you?

Players typically anticipate the Australian Open eagerly, as it marks the beginning of the new season following a brief rest, and the early timing means their mental burden is lighter. Still, even top champions can face poor form or be upset by opponents in peak condition.

Therefore, let’s take a look back at the five most unexpected upsets at the Australian Open in recent years.

5. Tsitsipas defeats Federer (2019)

At the 2018 Canadian Open, Tsitsipas defeated four top-ten players in a row before falling to Nadal in the final, showing great potential. But on the Grand Slam stage, he had yet to prove himself, exiting in the first round of the 2018 Australian Open. So when he faced two-time defending champion Federer in the 2019 fourth round, he was clearly the underdog. Although Federer won the first set, the young player made him work very hard.

Tsitsipas’s resilience in the first set showed he wouldn’t give up easily. In fact, he not only avoided elimination but turned the match around, ending the Swiss star’s title defense. He won the match 6-7(11) 7-6 7-6(3) 7-5 7-6(5) in a stunning upset, announcing his arrival on the big stage. He eventually lost in the semifinals to Nadal.

4. Verdasco defeats Nadal (2016)

In the 2009 Australian Open semifinals, Verdasco battled Nadal for five hours but narrowly lost. Seven years later, they met again in Melbourne. By 2016, Verdasco was past his peak, and Nadal was in a slump but still ranked in the top ten. When Verdasco took the first set, it raised eyebrows, and although Nadal took the next two sets, it seemed he was regaining control.

But when pushed to the brink, Verdasco clenched the fourth set tiebreak and dominated Nadal in the final set, completing a huge upset. He won 7-6(6) 4-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2, becoming only the second player to beat Nadal in the first round of a Grand Slam.

3. Istomin defeats Djokovic (2017)

Over the years, Djokovic had almost made the Australian Open his “home court.” He had just won his sixth title in 2016 and was aiming for a second three-peat in 2017. Istomin had been on tour for ten years but had only one win over a top-ten player. Facing Djokovic in the second round, everyone expected the Serbian to win easily.

However, Istomin achieved the greatest victory of his career, fighting back from behind to win 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4. This was Djokovic’s earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon 2008. Istomin eventually fell in the fourth round to Dimitrov.

2. Chung Hyeon defeats Djokovic (2018)

After losing at the 2017 Australian Open, Djokovic had a difficult season, withdrawing early from Wimbledon due to injury and dropping out of the top ten. In 2018, he came to Melbourne aiming for a seventh title and reached the fourth round, an improvement over the previous year. Standing in his way was Korean newcomer Chung Hyeon.

Chung had already drawn attention by beating fourth seed Zverev in the third round. Most predicted Djokovic would win but be challenged. However, the 21-year-old stunned everyone by winning in straight sets 7-6(4) 7-5 7-6(3), advancing to the semifinals.

1. Ivanovic defeats Serena Williams (2014)

In 2013, Serena was at her peak, winning 11 titles out of 13 finals with a 78-4 record. Early in 2014, she won Brisbane and came to the Australian Open with a 22-match winning streak, extending it to 25 matches by the fourth round, where she faced Ivanovic. They had played four times before, with Serena winning all in straight sets. Ivanovic had only once reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2009.

After Serena took the first set, no one expected what happened next. Ivanovic played near-perfect tennis, completely controlling the match to complete a stunning comeback with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory. This was her only career win over Serena. They met five more times afterward, with Serena winning all, three of which went to three sets.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Huohua)