AO Flashback: Novak and Stan’s Amazing Match Point from 2013

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AO Flashback: Novak and Stan’s Amazing Match Point from 2013

Because this unique perspective on an epic Australian Open moment made our spines tingle, we’re posting this as our first AO Flasback video. We’ll be bringing you one special Melbourne moment to savor on each day of this year’s Australian Open. Today’s is going to be difficult to stop, but we’ll try.

This match pretty much marked the arrival of the STANIMAL, though we didn’t know it then. Stan Wawrinka stormed out to an early lead then fought back later in the match to take the fourth set and nearly win in five, but Djokovic, as he has done so many times in Melbourne, proved too strong.

He finished this wild affair with one of the most excellent big match match points that we’ve ever seen. And when they were done, mutual respect and sportsmanship were on display as the two engaged in a heartfelt embrace at the net (perfect end to a perfect night of tennis).

The Serb’s 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10 victory over the Swiss kept Djokovic alive in the hunt for what would prove to be his fourth Australian Open title. “My body feels great,” said Djokovic on court afterwards, after reaching the quarterfinals the hard way. “It’s only five hours.”

The Serb would go on to take the title, defeating Roger Federer in the semis and Andy Murray in the final.

Still curious? Read our full recap of this match here.

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