Tennis is a sport that has not only created some incredible players, but it has also created some amazing moments and some even more amazing matches. Things you imagine seeing only in movies or reading in comics. It really take you on a journey of fairy tale which sees athletes conquer their life long dreams in a moment. To achieve those dreams, athletes are taken on a journey similar to life itself filled with dedication, hard work, heartbreak, success, failure.
While everybody has their own unique opinion of what they consider the best tennis match of all time, we can generally all agree on the fact that some matches in the past must be considered amongst the best, which is why we’ve compiled this list.
Here’s a look at the 10 best tennis matches of all time.
10. Monica Seles vs. Steffi Graf, 1992 French Open Finals
Every French Open features matches that are memorable for one reason or another. There are upsets. Comebacks. Dramatic moments. Historic accomplishments. The AP is republishing stories about a handful of such matches while the postponed Grand Slam tournament was supposed to be played. One match memorable for the drama and competition between two all-time greats was the 1992 final at Roland Garros between Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. Less than a year later, Seles was stabbed by a spectator at a match in Germany. The following story was sent June 6, 1992.
Monica Seles and Steffi Graf dueled for two hours and 43 minutes Saturday, matching each other shot for shot, fighting for the lead game after game.
Finally, after an epic third set lasting 18 games and 91 minutes, Seles emerged with a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 victory for her third straight French Open title.
Even in defeat, Graf agreed it was a memorable match.
“If you play 10-8 in the final set, it definitely is special,” she said. “Those are very special matches, even if you lose.”
Seles became the first woman to capture three consecutive French Opens since Germany’s Hilde Sterling accomplished the feat from 1935 to 1937.
9. John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, 1980
The two played each other just 14 times but created one of the greatest and still-talked-about rivalries in the history of tennis.
Forty years ago, as the setting sun cast shadows across Louis Armstrong Stadium, more than 18,000 spectators saw a bizarre ending to a too-short era that involved two of the game’s all-time best. First, they watched in awe as McEnroe, a native New Yorker, won his third consecutive United States Open by beating Borg 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 in 2 hours 40 minutes. But what happened next caused bewilderment, followed by concern, at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens.
Despite being a close match, Borg lost to McEnroe and abruptly left the stadium without participating in the post-match ceremony or news conference. McEnroe expressed his disappointment at Borg’s sudden departure and the void it left in the sport. It is revealed that Borg had received two death threats during the tournament, but the reasons behind them remain unknown. Tennis in the United States was booming during that time, and the Borg-McEnroe matchup captivated audiences. After his retirement from professional tennis, Borg made a few attempts to return but never played in another major tournament. He later found success as a fashion entrepreneur and captained Team Europe in the Laver Cup.
8. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal – Australian Open Final, 2017
The Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry during tennis’s golden age produced some epic matches, but the 2017 Australian Open final brought a different kind of classic. After nearly a decade, Federer emerged as the victor in a thrilling five-set championship against Nadal.
Categorizing this latest “Fedal” showdown proves challenging, yet it undeniably stands as the most unique and dramatic chapter in their rivalry. Its distinction lies in occurring well past their prime years, separated by significant time, conditions, and larger-than-life narratives that have unfolded over their careers.
The 2017 tennis season started with a bang, presenting an instant classic that carries even greater significance due to its unexpected nature. It marked Federer’s return to the court since Wimbledon in July, and the first time Nadal had been healthy to showcase his best tennis since mid-May.
Both players, in their thirties and dismissed by many, defied expectations by revitalizing their championship-level performance. It was a journey back in time, infused with a fresh twist that further demonstrates the timeless nature of this remarkable rivalry.
7. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic – French Open Semi-Final, 2013
The head-to-head rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros has seen them face each other seven times, with notable encounters in the 2012 and 2014 championship matches. However, the most extraordinary meeting between the two took place in the semi-finals during the intervening year.
Nadal’s return to Paris after recovering from a seven-month left knee injury was nothing short of spectacular. The seven-time champion had a phenomenal comeback, reaching the finals in all eight tournaments he played, winning six titles and boasting an impressive 36 victories out of 38 matches.
As the fourth-ranked player in the FedEx ATP Rankings, Nadal had to overcome the formidable challenge of World No. 1 Djokovic to secure a place in the championship match. Djokovic, who had recently halted Nadal’s eight-year winning streak at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters with a straight-sets victory in the final, entered the contest with great confidence. The six-time Grand Slam champion aimed to move one step closer to completing the Career Grand Slam, joining Nadal as the eighth man to achieve this feat.
Across four hours and 37 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal and Djokovic contested one of the greatest matches in their ATP Head2Head rivalry.
6. Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick (2009 Wimbledon Final)
The 2009 Wimbledon finals between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer is considered a classic and a thrilling match in tennis history. Roddick took a one-set lead by breaking Federer’s serve, while the second set went into a tight tiebreak that Federer eventually won. Despite Roddick’s strong performance, Federer gained momentum and won the third set in another tiebreak.
Roddick continued to serve exceptionally well, breaking Federer in the fourth set and winning it 6-3. As the final set began, both players maintained their strong serving. The match became incredibly tight, with the score reaching 6-6, 10-10, and eventually 14-14. At this point, neither player deserved to lose, and it highlighted the desire for tennis to have ties or draws.
However, in the 77th game, Roddick, who had been serving excellently, was finally broken by Federer. This crucial moment cost Roddick the title, and Federer emerged as the winner with a 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 victory after 4 hours and 16 minutes.
The final was exhilarating and became the longest Men’s Grand Slam Final in history with 77 games played. It was a perfect match, but the cruel nature of sports meant that one person had to lose. Nonetheless, Federer’s ability to fight back from a 2-6 deficit in the second set tiebreak showcased his exceptional talent and cemented his status as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
5. Ivanisevic Vs. Rafter, The People’s Final
Champions come in all shapes and sizes. There are many stories of the athlete that was too small, too slow, not talented enough, and many other things, who defied the odds and won on the highest levels.
But, it’s not often that you get an athlete that was completely written off, get one more chance, and take advantage of it.
Coming into the 2001 Wimbledon Championships, Goran Ivanisevic, a tall left-handed Croatian, had made it to three finals.
Yet, no matter how well he had played all tournament, Ivanisevic always seemed to falter in the finals. In 1992, he lost to Andre Agasi. In ’94 he lost to Pete Sampras. And finally, in ’98 he lost to Sampras again.
But, just three years after his finals match against Sampras, Ivanisevic’s dream of winning a Wimbledon title was dwindling as the shoulder he relied on to hit booming serves began to fail him.
4. Novak Djokovic V Rafael Nadal – 2012 Australian Open Final
The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal stands as the longest Grand Slam Final in tennis history and is hailed as the best ever in the tournament’s history. Djokovic, having already won three Grand Slam titles in 2011, defeated Andy Murray in the semifinals, while Nadal showcased exceptional tennis throughout the event.
Nadal secured the first set with a score of 7-5 after an intense 80-minute battle where both players fought for every point. Djokovic, however, made a comeback and won the next two sets, 6-4 and 6-2. Despite the seemingly one-sided scoreline, the match remained highly competitive and either player had a chance to prevail.
In the fourth set, Djokovic was leading 4-3 and had a 40-0 advantage on Nadal’s serve in the eighth game. Yet, true to his character, Nadal fought back with determination, unleashing two forehand winners that not only won him the game but also secured the set. Nadal’s performance in the fourth-set tiebreak demonstrated his incredible fighting spirit and heart.
Nadal took an early break in the fifth set, leading 4-2. However, Djokovic displayed his resilience by breaking back. Eventually, in the 11th game, Djokovic once again managed to break Nadal’s serve and hold his own, ultimately lifting the trophy he cherished the most.
The match lasted a grueling 5 hours and 53 minutes, with every point being played brilliantly by both players.
3. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – Wimbledon Final, 2019
This match deserves to be up in this list. At the age of 37, Roger Federer engaged in an intense battle against Djokovic, resulting in one of the most captivating and emotionally charged five-set matches ever witnessed in tennis. It’s highly unlikely that such an extraordinary encounter will ever occur again in the sport. This match fulfilled every expectation of the fans, although the outcome might have left a bitter aftertaste for some. Personally, I believe that if Roger Federer could change one thing in his career, it would be to emerge victorious in this game. A victory in this match would have unquestionably settled the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate for a considerable period. To win Wimbledon at the age of 37, especially against one of your fiercest rivals, is truly remarkable. Undoubtedly, it stands as the pinnacle of their head-to-head encounters and provides immense delight to spectators.
Novak Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title in a thrilling match against Roger Federer. Djokovic defeated Federer 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3) in a match that lasted nearly five hours. Federer had two championship points in the fifth set but was unable to convert them. This was the third time Djokovic saved match points against Federer in a major championship. Djokovic now has 16 Grand Slam titles, with only Rafael Nadal and Federer having more. Federer was aiming to become the second player to defeat both Nadal and Djokovic at the same major tournament. Djokovic’s win came in a tie-break, with a volley error by Federer sealing the victory. With this win, Djokovic joins Bjorn Borg and Laurence Doherty as five-time Wimbledon champions.
2.Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer – 2011 Australia Open semifinal
In three hours, No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia repeated his 2008 feat when he dispatched No. 2 seed Roger Federer in straight sets, 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-4.
The 2011 Australian Open final stands out as a remarkable match in the open era, marking a significant turning point in Djokovic’s career. After defeating Federer in the semifinals of the 2010 US Open, Djokovic entered the Australian Open with the determination to showcase his absolute best performance. When trailing 2-5 in the second set, the Serbian player summoned his exceptional tennis skills, delivering a series of remarkable plays that would define his career. Remarkably, he triumphed in the following five games, clinching the set. At the start of the match, Djokovic held only one Grand Slam title, but his outstanding victory with a score of 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 propelled him to the final, ultimately leading to his victory in the tournament. This success marked the beginning of an exceptional year for Djokovic, as he concluded the season with three Grand Slam triumphs, narrowly missing out on the French Open.
1. Roger Federer V Rafael Nadal – 2008 Wimbledon Final
There’s a reason why Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both featured so heavily on this list of amazing tennis matches, and the reason is simply due to the fact that they were both such amazing players.
Their numerous encounters have produced countless memorable moments, but one stands out: the epic Wimbledon Final of 2008, celebrated as the pinnacle of professional tennis matches.
At that time, Federer was the reigning champion of Wimbledon, having bagged the prestigious title five times in a row, including victories over Nadal in 2006 and 2007. Between them, Federer and Nadal had clinched 14 out of the last 16 Grand Slam Titles, adding an intense anticipation to their 2008 Wimbledon encounter.
Known for his dominance on clay, Nadal, the ‘King of Clay,’ sought revenge on the grass court. Federer, conversely, dubbed the ‘King of Grass,’ was eager to augment his impressive legacy.
Federer entered the match as the favorite, but Nadal quickly gained momentum and established an early lead. By the fourth set, Nadal was ahead 5-2, even holding Championship points. However, Federer demonstrated his mettle by rallying to secure the fourth set.
The fifth set proved to be even more nerve-wracking. Each player was on the cusp of victory, resulting in an intense, drawn-out battle. Nadal displayed remarkable resilience, miraculously fending off 12 of the 13 break points he faced.
In true Wimbledon fashion, the match was interrupted twice by rain, extending the drama to nearly five hours. Amid a gloomy London sky, spectators were riveted to the gripping duel. Federer ended the match with an impressive tally of 89 winners, yet it was not enough.
In a thrilling culmination, Nadal overcame his formidable rival to claim the Wimbledon crown, marking an unforgettable moment in the annals of tennis.
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