When the Australian Open fell on Christmas: Five festive edition in history

The Australian Open wasn’t always held in January, and there were up to five occasions when the tournament coincided with Christmas. The first Grand Slam of the year took place during the festive season between 1974 and 1981.

For several years, the tournament started in the last week of the year, which didn’t always mean it overlapped with Christmas. However, there were five different editions where matches were indeed played on December 25 at Kooyong Stadium, Melbourne, the former venue of the Australian Open, used from 1972 to 1987, before it moved to Melbourne Park, the current location.

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1975

December 21, 1974 – January 1, 1975

It was the first time in the Open Era that the Australian Open was being played on Christmas Day. Local star John Newcombe defeated defending champion Jimmy Connors in the final, claiming his 7th Grand Slam title, which would be the last of his career. On the women’s side, local player Goolagong had no trouble defeating teenager Navratilova, who was playing in her first major final.

Men’s champion: John Newcombe defeated Jimmy Connors (7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5)

Women’s champion: Evonne Goolagong defeated Martina Navratilova (6-3, 6-2)

1977 (December)

December 19, 1977 – December 31, 1977

Due to a calendar adjustment, two editions of the tournament were held in 1977: one in January and one in December. The second edition took place during the holiday season, with Goolagong claiming her fourth Aussie Open title, while Vitas Gerulaitis won his first and only major title.

Men’s champion: Vitas Gerulaitis defeated John Lloyd (6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 3-6, 6-2)

Women’s champion: Evonne Goolagong defeated Helen Gourlay (6-3, 6-0)

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1978

December 25, 1978 – January 3, 1979

The title went to local Chris O'Neil on the women's side, meaning Australians had won 10 titles in the last 11 editions at that point. However, after O'Neil's achievement, the locals had to wait over 40 years to see another Australian female champion, which was accomplished by Ashleigh Barty at the 2022 Australian Open. On the men's side, Guillermo Vilas claimed his third Grand Slam title by defeating Australian John Marks.

Men’s champion: Guillermo Vilas defeated John Marks (6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4)

Women’s champion: Chris O’Neil defeated Betsy Nagelsen (6-3, 7-6)

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1979

December 24, 1979 – January 2, 1980

In 1979, for the second time in the tournament's history, an all-American women's final was played, this time between Barbara Jordan, who won in straight sets against Sharon Walsh, becoming the first American to win the Australian title in the Open Era. On the men's side, Vilas solidified his legacy by defending the tournament title and adding his 4th Grand Slam title.

Men’s champion: Guillermo Vilas defeated John Sadri (7-6, 6-3, 6-2)

Women’s champion: Barbara Jordan defeated Sharon Walsh (6-3, 6-3)

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1981

December 24, 1981 – January 3, 1982

The last time there was action on Christmas Day was in 1981 when the tournament started on December 24. Only the men's singles tournament was played on this date, as the women had competed earlier in the month, with the title going to Navratilova. In the men's event, Kriek won without difficulty against Steve Denton to claim his first title in Melbourne.

Men’s champion: Johan Kriek defeated Steve Denton (6-2, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4)

Women’s champion: Martina Navratilova defeated Chris Evert (6-7, 6-4, 7-5)