Safin recovered to win 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4, his second Grand Slam title after his triumph at the US Open in 2000.

Hewitt’s compelling run to the final marked the first time Australia had an AO singles finalist since Pat Cash in 1988, and translated to enormous domestic interest.

The Safin-Hewitt final draw remains one of the most-watched broadcasts in Australian TV ratings history – the audience peaked at nearly six million – and was the most-watched sporting broadcast in Australia until the Matildas’ run to the semifinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

McNamee also recalled Day 8 of Australian Open 2005, when Hewitt beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round before Alicia Molik stunned Venus Williams to give Australia two singles quarterfinalists at the tournament.

Those matches were broadcast from Rod Laver Arena to a live site at the Sydney Opera House, which attracted a crowd of 75,000.

“There was never a tournament like ’05,” McNamee said.

AO FLASHBACK: “Invincible” Molik beats Venus to reach 2005 quarterfinals

“The top four men made the semis, four shows [broadcast sessions] were in the top-10 of the year in ratings in Australia.

“It was an amazing year. We had so much to celebrate that year and it was just unbelievable.

“It’s just gone from strength-to-strength since [my final year as tournament director] 2006. It’s an incredible tournament. The facility is the best in the world. Great year this year with Jannik Sinner breaking through.”

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