First-time Australian Open titles for Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina. Full report plus all the ATP beef that's first to post BELOW.
I can only describe this year's Australian Open as Dickensian, in that it certainly was the best of times and the worst of times. What a thrill to see Novak Djokovic conquer his youthful nemesis in the semifinals -- but then major heartbreak to see him come up short yet again in his quest for a record 25th major title. I had fully accepted that this feat would never come to pass, so to have it seem like (at least) a possibility again only to turn out this way was indeed a blow.
With that being said, I was also over the moon -- albeit in a funereal way -- that Carlos Alcaraz solidified his lead on Jannik Sinner in the modern race for greatness, complete the so-called Career Slam at just 22, extending his major tally to seven.
Meanwhile, I found myself strongly rooting for Elena Rybakina -- and she did not disappoint, battling to a three-set win over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of their epic 2023 final.
Not sure if we'll ever know the full story about her relationship with her coach, but it's so nice to see her playing to her potential and looking happy (for her).
Great Britain's Neal Skupski and American Christian Harrison claimed the men's doubles title in their first Grand Slam together. Skupski, 36, and Harrison, 31, defeated Australian wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.
I couldn't help but wonder how Joe Salisbury, Skupski's regular partner who took the beginning of the year off to recharge, was feeling about the turn of events, but noticed his upbeat response on social media. Neal rises to No. 1 in the rankings today!
Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunić in the women's doubles final, 7–6, 6–4. It was their first major title as a team, and the third major title overall for Zhang and sixth for Mertens. The Belgian also rises to No. 1 in the rankings today!
Australians Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the mixed doubles final, defeating the French pair of Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard, who is so cute I posted another photo of him below.
Fun to see 2001-02 Aussie Open champ Jennifer Capriati hand out the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup
Five Aussie Open titles between these three ladies
A winning combo: Mike Monaco and Christopher Eubanks
I love that they get the men to pose in this position(!)
Brotherly love and love: With Ryan Harrison and Ken Skupski
Ryan's ass deserved its own award
Three AO champions
Order was briefly restored!
Zizou Bergs hides his sweater puppies
Marcos Giron assumes the position
Henrique Rocha has legs, knows how to use 'em
Adam Jones gets the GOAT three-pack:
With Novak Djokovic
With Rafael Nadal
Roger & he
And a potential fourth?
Striking a pose
And yes, he swings both ways
Elise Mertens with her big prize -- along with the trophy she received for winning the women's doubles title with Zhang Shuai.
Yowza
5 hours and 27 minutes
Relief
Robert Cardenas needs a long rub
Dunzo is enjoying life after tennis
The brothers Lock
Big Ben
Andrea Pellegrino lies back and enjoys it
Giant sighting in Nole's box
Ooh la la: Manuel Guinard, with Kristina Mladenovic
Sabalenka owed Svitolina an apology for the match, too!
I could listen to Luca Sanchez on mute forever
Lorenzo Musetti hurts so good
Peek-a-belly with Ryan Seggerman
Thicc 'n' juicy Orlando Luz
Luke Hammond marks the spot
Great to see so many of the retired players competing in the invitational event, especially Angie Kerber who won her first major here 10 years ago!
Tommy Haas shared this memorable flashback!
Speaking of which ... when Boris Becker showed up looking like my Big Josh doll come to life
By the numbers
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