For those who love the sport this year’s Oz Open or “AO” as the commercial station liked to promote it – must rank as one of the best ever – some hailing it THE best.

The standard of tennis on show was top notch and at times unbelievable.

Anyone who witnessed the epic five-set men’s singles final between two champions in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal would have to agree that it was a fitting finale and culmination to two weeks of great tennis with drama and entertainment throughout.

The tournament lost its No.1 seeds and defending champions early with Novak Djokovic losing in five sets to little known Uzbek Denis Istomin and Germany’s Angelique Kerber crashing out to American Coco Vandeweghe.

Then there was the second round exit of Australian Nick Kyrgios who confirmed his bad boy image yet again with another disinterested and petulant display on and off court following his loss to Italian Andreas Seppi.

That performance further alienated Australian fans who might have still been trying to like Kyrgios for his undeniable talent, with many booing him off court after the loss.

It showed how far that young man has to go to emulate the feats and character of true champions of the game such as Federer and Nadal – two class acts whose exemplary records speak for themselves.

Add to the mix the surprising exit of world No.1 Sir Andy Murray to German journeyman Mischa Zverev and the Williams sisters Venus and Serena meeting in an all-American women’s final.

That match-up turned back the clock and reminded us of the two young sisters from the wrong side of LA whose determination and skill took to them to the top of the game they have dominated for so long with 30 grand slam titles between them - Serena still clearly the best in the world with 23.

Five-set marathon matches aplenty with quality tennis on show between Nadal and Alex Zverev, Rafa and Grigor Dimitrov, Federer and Stan Wawrinka and finally Fed and Rafa in the final.

And not a tantrum or petulant pout to be seen.

The 35-year-old Federer claiming his fifth Australian Open title and his 18^th grand slam trophy – his first in five years when many had dismissed his chances after a six-month injury lay-off. 

Rafa himself returning from injury to meet his greatest foe in a fantasy final that turned out to be one of the best of all time.

In a war of attrition, Federer finally prevailed – Nadal calling it the toughest match of his career but the best he had ever played.

Federer’s stirring words in his victory acceptance speech showing his respect and admiration for his long-time rival and friend and proving that while you play hard and give your all on court, you can be a sporting gentleman off it.

“I don’t think either of us expected that we were going to be in the finals of the Australian Open when we saw each other at your academy five months ago,” Federer said to Nadal.

“I’m happy for you – I would have been happy to lose tonight to be honest. The comeback was perfect as it was.

“Tennis is a tough sport and there are no draws but if there were I would have been happy to have one tonight and share it with Rafa.”

Many suggested it was the greatest Australian Open final ever.

But for mine, the 2012 men’s final between Djokovic and Nadal where Djokovic triumphed 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5, in a marathon battle that lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes – the longest Australian Open final in history – still ranks as the greatest tennis match I have seen.

Two champions at their peak, barely able to stand afterwards from physical exhaustion with officials bringing out chairs to allow them to sit down through the official presentations – so gruelling had the match been.

But certainly the 2017 Australian Open was one for the ages.

The only notable absentee was Bruce McAvaney (did anyone else notice?) – so long the voice of the Oz Open coverage, missing along with former anchorwoman Johanna Griggs – the pair replaced by Mel McLaughlin and a bevy of male commentators including Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Hamish McLachlan, Basil Zempilas and guest Jim Courier.

No mention of Bruce’s absence apart from his mate Courier wishing him well during the men’s singles final.

Not sure whether it was his decision or Channel 7’s for him to take a break?

Woodbridge, Hewitt and Courier brought interesting insights to the commentary as former champions but not so sure about McLachlan and Zempilas.

Maybe the one thing missing from the tournament that seemed to have everything was the dulcet tone of McAvaney telling us how “special “ it all was.