Who Has Won The Most Number Of Australian Open Titles?

The Australian Open 2020 will kick off in 20 days from Melbourne. This tournament has had a storied history. Being the first grand slam of the year, it allows players to gain momentum for the rest of the year. A good performance can set the tone for the rest of the year while a bad performance can have devastating consequences.

Australian Open Creates Future Stars

Over the years, the Australian Open has created many stars. Some of them have gone on to register their names in history books as bonafide legends. There are some who have made entire careers out of good performances in Australia.

Let’s take a look at those players who stand atop the mountain when it comes to Australian Open victories.

Men’s Singles (Novak Djokovic) 

Djokovic after winning 2016 Australian OpenIt was the year 2005. A 17 year old gutsy Serbian faced off against the eventual champion Marat Safin in the Australian Open. He was defeated by the Russian legend.

Safin made a bold prediction saying that the youngster will become a great player. His words turned into truth as that young boy became Novak Djokovic.

Today, Djokovic holds the record for the most Australian Open victories. He has lifted the trophy in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.

In four of these finals, Djokovic annihilated his arch-rival Andy Murray. His first victory came in 2008 at just 20 years old as he beat French veteran Jo Wilfred Tsonga in the finals.

Djokovic’s match against Rafael Nadal in the 2012 finals was the longest grand slam finals in the open era lasting for a record 5 hours 53 minutes.

In 2019, Novak Djokovic created history against the same opponent. As he lifted the trophy, he registered his name in the history books by overtaking Roger Federer to win 7 Australian Open titles.

Women’s Singles (Serena Williams) 

The Associated Press recently crowned Serena Williams as the female athlete of the decade. The American star is every bit deserving of each accolade that she gets.

Her records at the Australian Open are also a testimony to her legendary status. Serena holds the record for the most Australian Open title victories with 7 triumphs.

Serena won her first Australian Open title at a young age of 22 in the year 2003. She lifted the trophy again in 2005. However, her claim to fame came in 2007, when she won the tournament as an unseeded player. Serena became the third lowest-ranked player in history to win a grand slam.

Her victory in 2017 tied her to Margaret Court in the all-time winner list. (Court did not play in the open era, so not included in this list).

Serena will look to win the Australian Open 2020 to reach another milestone by winning her 24th grand slam.

Men’s Doubles (Bryan Brothers) 

The Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike Bryan, are certainly one of the most legendary pairs in the history of the sport. While their feats speak for themselves, they have been a little under-appreciated whenever a list of all-time tennis greats is being prepared.

Together, the brothers hold 16 grand slam titles.

Talking about the Australian Open, they’ve won the top prize a record six times. (2006,2007,2009,2010,2011,2013). Three of these victories were consecutive, which signals the dominance that the two have had on the sport.

Reports say that the Bryan brothers seek to retire from tennis in 2020.

Women’s Doubles (Martina Navratilova)

Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest singles players of all time. The American amassed 18 grand slam titles in her storied career.

However, her doubles record is as mesmerizing. The Australian Open is a testimony to this. Navratilova has captured the top crown in doubles 8 times at the Australian Open! Seven of these eight titles were won with her long-time partner Pam Shriver.

She won the 1980 title with Betsy Nagelsen.

Mixed Doubles (Men – Jim Pugh, Leander Paes, Daniel Nestor.  Women-Jana Novotna, Larisa Savchenko Neiland, Martina Hingis) 

The mixed doubles category is one that looks at a lot of ties among the winners. Jim Pugh, Leander Paes and Daniel Nestor are tied in men with 3 title victories each.

Pugh won the title in 1988 and 1989 with Jana Novotna. While in 1989, he won it with Natasha Zvereva.

Indian doubles legend Leander Paes grabbed the top prize thrice- in 2003 with Martina Navratilova and in 2010 and 2015 with Martina Hingis.

While the Canadian star Daniel Nestor won the title in 2007, 2011 and 2014 with Elena Likhovtseva, Katrina Srebotnik and Kristina Mladenovic respectively.

When Does Australian Open 2020 Start?

The Australian Open 2020 will begin on 20th January and will continue till 2nd February.