So it is over. Two weeks of intriguing tennis where the world’s best fought hard for the season’s first Grand Slam.
While the match-fixing report cast a shadow over the start of the Australian Open, the tournament gained momentum as it progressed.
Rediff.com encapsulates the best moments from the Rod Laver Arena.
IMAGE: Novak Djokovic sits on the court with his record-equaling sixth Australian Open Trophy. The Serbian defeated Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) in the final. Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters.
IMAGE: Andy Murray holds his runner's-up plate after losing his fifth Australian Open final. Photograph: Reuters.
IMAGE: Angelique Kerber lifts Australian Open trophy after defeating world No.1 Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the women's final. Photograph: Reuters.
IMAGE: Kerber celebrates her maiden Grand Slam win by taking a dive in the Yarra River, Melbourne. Photograph: Reuters.
IMAGE: Serena Williams reacts after being hit by a ball during her defeat in the final against Angelique Kerber. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters.
IMAGE: Ball boys and members of the staff dry the court after a rain delay at the tournament on January 22, 2016. Photograph: Jason Reed/ Reurters.
IMAGE: Women’s doubles champions Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis lift their third Grand Slam title together. They beat Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka, 7-6 (1), 6-3 in the final. Photograph: Jason Reed/ Reurters.
IMAGE: France's Gael Monfils dives for a shot during his fourth round match against Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov. Monfils had won the match 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Reuters.
IMAGE: Milos Raonic consoles Stan Wawrinka after winning their fourth round match 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3. Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Reuters.
IMAGE: Rafael Nadal reacts after his first round defeat against Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco won 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 3-6 7-6 (4-7) 6-2. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters.
