Certain Grand Slams can mark memorable turning points – at AO2008 it was first-time Melbourne finalists Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who heralded that change.
The two young men, then just 20 and 22, lit up the tennis world as they respectively defeated the top two men in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the semifinals to achieve important career firsts. When Djokovic took four electrifying sets to overcome the unseeded Tsonga in the final, an exciting transformation seemed complete.
Eleven years on, Djokovic and Tsonga revive their popular rivalry in round two at Melbourne Park. And while their meeting on Thursday carries an undeniable familiarity, it shows how the game is ever-dynamic, too.
MORE: Matches to watch - Tom Tebbutt's Day 4 crystal ball
World No.1 Djokovic is now a 14-time Grand Slam champion, competing at this Australian Open with the possibility of becoming the first man in history to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup seven times.
And while Tsonga has never quite emulated the major heights he achieved here in 2008, his 2010 semifinal appearance and three other quarterfinals show how Melbourne can bring out his best.
MORE: Australian Open 2019 men’s draw
That their 23rd career meeting should occur so early at this Australian Open highlights a difficult period for the world No.177 Frenchman, who required a wildcard entry after a knee injury sidelined him for seven months in 2018.
But Djokovic is no stranger to obstacles either, the history-making Serb only recently reviving his major-winning ways after an elbow injury derailed his career in the past two years.
Here in 2017, the six-time champion fell in the second round to 117th-ranked Denis Istomin; in last year’s fourth round, he lost to Hyeon Chung in straight sets.
“It feels like a lot has happened for both of us. He also struggled with injuries lately. It's good to see him playing well. It's good to see him back,” said Djokovic ahead of his first match against Tsonga since 2016.
“I'm going to approach it as any other match, to be honest,” added Djokovic, who holds a 16-6 winning record over Tsonga, but lost to him in Melbourne in the 2010 quarterfinals.
“Really optimistic, but also respectful, trying to do whatever I can to win it.”
That blend of respect and determination also features in another headline-grabbing second round, as Serena Williams faces Eugenie Bouchard on Day 4.
MORE: Australian Open 2019 women’s draw
With a record 23 Grand Slams among 72 singles titles in total, Williams is the most accomplished woman in Open era tennis. But Bouchard, runner-up at 2014 Wimbledon, can match the superstar with her sassy intent.
“I'm super excited,” said Bouchard, the current world No.79 but former a world No.5.
“This is why we play the big tournaments, to play the best.”
Williams, too, relishes the challenge that the Canadian presents.
“It will be a great match. She plays really well,” said Serena, a winner over Bouchard in the two career matches they’ve played.
MORE: Serena – the history books beckon
“She does everything well, and I really like that she doesn't quit. You know, people write her off, and she doesn't let that bother her.
“She continues to fight and do what she needs to do.”
The wily Williams is right to be wary. For all the history that’s to be made at this Australian Open, every new year brings the potential for change.