The Australian Open has always been known as the toughest Grand Slam. Extreme heat, long rallies, and physical hard courts often push players beyond their limits. Over the years, Melbourne Park has witnessed matches that tested not just skill, but also endurance, courage, and mental strength.
At the Australian Open 2026, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev added a new chapter to this history. Their five-hour semifinal became the longest semifinal ever played at the tournament and the third-longest match overall.
Below is the updated list of the Top 5 longest men’s singles matches in Australian Open history, ranked by duration, with context and explanation.
Longest Australian Open Matches List
| Rank | Match | Year & Round | Duration | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal | 2012 Final | 5h 53m | 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 |
| 2 | Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis | 2023 R2 | 5h 45m | 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev | 2026 SF | 5h 27m | 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 |
| 4 | Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev | 2022 Final | 5h 24m | 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 |
| 5 | Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka | 2013 R4 | 5h 02m | 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10 |
| 6 | Ivo Karlovic vs Horacio Zeballos | 2017 R1 | 5h 15m | 6-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 22-20 |
| 7 | Rafael Nadal vs Fernando Verdasco | 2009 SF | 5h 14m | 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 |
| 8 | Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner | 2026 SF | 4h 10m | 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 9 | Francesca Schiavone vs Svetlana Kuznetsova | 2011 R4 (Women) | 4h 44m | 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 |
| 10 | Chanda Rubin vs Arantxa Sánchez Vicario | 1996 QF (Women) | 3h 33m | Longest women’s match at the time |
1) Djokovic vs Nadal – 2012 Final (5h 53m)
This remains the longest Australian Open match and the longest Grand Slam final ever. The match finished close to 1:40 a.m., with both players completely exhausted.
Both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal struggled physically in the fifth set. Nadal was seen leaning on the net during changeovers, while Djokovic collapsed after the final point. The match became a symbol of elite-level endurance and remains the benchmark for tennis stamina.
2) Murray vs Kokkinakis – 2023 Second Round (5h 45m)
Andy Murray produced one of the most demanding performances of his career against home favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis. Despite injury concerns, Murray controlled key moments and closed the match late at night.
This match showed Murray’s mental toughness and remains the longest four-set match in Australian Open history.
3) Alcaraz vs Zverev – 2026 Semifinal (5h 27m)
The longest semifinal ever played at the Australian Open, this match defined the 2026 tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz led by two sets before suffering cramps. Alexander Zverev fought back and even served for the match in the fifth set. Alcaraz then produced an incredible comeback, winning four straight games to reach his first Australian Open final.
This match also made Alcaraz the youngest player to reach all four Grand Slam finals.
Also see: Carlos Alcaraz Reaches His First Australian Open Final After Epic 5-Hour Win
4) Nadal vs Medvedev – 2022 Final (5h 24m)
Rafael Nadal completed one of the greatest comebacks in Grand Slam history, recovering from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev.
The victory earned Nadal his 21st Grand Slam title, breaking records at the time. The match highlighted Nadal’s unmatched fighting spirit and physical resilience.
5) Djokovic vs Wawrinka – 2013 Fourth Round (5h 02m)
A night match full of powerful rallies and momentum shifts. Stan Wawrinka dominated early, but Novak Djokovic slowly took control.
The final set stretched to 12–10, showcasing the intensity and quality of both players. This match is often remembered as the beginning of Wawrinka’s rise as a Grand Slam champion.
6) Karlovic vs Zeballos – 2017 First Round (5h 15m)
This match is remembered for its extraordinary fifth set, which stretched to 22–20 under the old format with no final-set tie-break.
Ivo Karlovic’s serve dominated long stretches, while Horacio Zeballos refused to give in. The fifth set alone featured 42 games, making it one of the most physically draining encounters ever seen in Melbourne.
Also see: Carlos Alcaraz Beats Cramping Crisis to Win the Longest Australian Open Semifinal in History
7) Nadal vs Verdasco – 2009 Semifinal (5h 14m)
An all-Spanish classic that showcased relentless baseline rallies and emotional swings.
Rafael Nadal eventually edged Fernando Verdasco in five brutal sets. The match pushed both players to their limits and is often cited as one of the highest-quality semifinals in Australian Open history.
8) Djokovic vs Sinner – 2026 Semifinal (4h 10m)
At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic delivered another masterclass, ending a five-match losing streak against Jannik Sinner.
The match was filled with break points, momentum changes, and late-set drama. Djokovic’s experience proved decisive as he reached yet another Australian Open final, once again redefining longevity at the elite level.
9) Schiavone vs Kuznetsova – 2011 Fourth Round (4h 44m)
The longest women’s match in Australian Open history.
Francesca Schiavone and Svetlana Kuznetsova battled through a marathon final set that ended 16–14. The match stood as a landmark for endurance in women’s tennis at Melbourne Park.
10) Rubin vs Sánchez Vicario – 1996 Quarterfinal (3h 33m)
For many years, this match was considered the longest women’s match at the Australian Open.
Although later matches surpassed it in duration, it remains a historic example of grit and resilience in the pre-modern era of tennis.
Also see: Australian Open 2026 Prize Money Breakdown
From Djokovic vs Nadal in 2012 to Alcaraz vs Zverev in 2026, the Australian Open continues to produce matches that define tennis history. These encounters are not just about winning — they are about survival, belief, and heart.
