Melbourne moments deserving of top billing

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, ended on Jan 26, when defending champion Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev for the men's title.

- AFP

MELBOURNE - The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, ended on Jan 26, when defending champion Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev for the men's title.

AFP looks back on five memorable storylines from the past two weeks in Melbourne.

DJOKOVIC COURTS CONTROVERSY Novak Djokovic refused to do post-match on-court interviews after a leading Australian television presenter called him a "has-been" and said: "Kick him out."

The 24-time Grand Slam champion labelled the comments "insulting and offensive" to him and Serbian fans.

The row soon blew over when broadcaster Tony Jones apologised, saying it had been "banter".

Djokovic's bid for a record-extending 11th Melbourne title ended in an anti-climax when he retired injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.