Top 5 matches of the 2014 Australian Open

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland is hugged by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning their quarterfinal match during the 2014 Australian Open

1. Stanislas Wawrinka’s triumph over Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal

Stanislas Wawrinka dethroned the defending champion in what was, undoubtedly, the best match of the tournament, to advance to the semi-finals.

The Swiss had faced an upsetting loss to Novak in five tough sets in the fourth-round last year, and came close to beating him once again at the USO. Wawrinka has Samuel Beckett’s inspiring words engraved upon his forearm, which read, “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Only this time, the Swiss was not destined to fail. He rose to the occasion, and brushed quelled the challenge from the Serbian, producing the most beautiful backhand winners that kept Djokovic at bay.

Wawrinka came up with strong first serves and powerful aces, and Djokovic failed to find his footing in the match which ended his hopes of a fourth consecutive title. The match marked the emergence of the “Stanimal”, and Melbourne witnessed a new champion in the making.