Top 5 Unforgettable Tennis Matches of All Time

Boxing had Ali vs. Frazier in 1974. Soccer had Italy vs. West Germany in 1970. American Football had Super Bowl 51. If we were to list every sporting contest that saw the greatest game ever, we’d be here all day. The beauty of watching sports is the unpredictability. Sometimes you’ll see a boring game, but other times, you’ll witness an edge-of-your-seat showdown that could go down in history as one of the greatest sporting moments. Tennis is a sport that has not only created some incredible players but also some amazing matches. While everyone has their own opinion on the best tennis match, some are universally recognized as among the greatest.

Here’s a look at the five unforgettable tennis matches of all time

5. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi – US Open Quarter Final, 2001

In the 1990s, Sampras and Agassi were the top players in tennis, known for their rivalry and different playing styles. Agassi was aggressive and explosive, while Sampras was calm and calculated. Despite both being past their prime, their 2001 US Open Quarter Final match was unforgettable. All four sets went to tie-breaks, with Sampras’ impressive serve helping him win three out of four without a single break. Sampras eventually triumphed, and both men received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd.

4. Suzanne Lenglen vs. Helen Wills – Cannes, France, 1926

Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills were the most dominant female tennis players of their era, but they only played each other once. This match at the Cannes, France, Carlton Club Final had an incredible atmosphere, with fans sitting in trees and on rooftops to watch. Wills took an early 3-1 lead, but Lenglen, after a glass of cognac, staged a comeback. Despite some controversy with the crowd, Lenglen won 6-3, 8-6.

3. Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick – Wimbledon Final, 2009

In the 2000s, Roger Federer seemed unbeatable, making people root for the underdog, Andy Roddick. Their 2009 Wimbledon Final match was competitive until the final set, where Roddick lost his serve just once. Despite setting the record for the most games won in a Wimbledon final at age 39, Roddick couldn’t overcome Federer, who again proved to be a thorn in Roddick’s side. This match had a “Rocky” feel to it, with fans hoping for an underdog victory, but it didn’t end happily ever after.

2. Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe – Wimbledon Final, 1980

No list of the greatest tennis matches is complete without Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe in the 1980 Wimbledon Final. This match is widely considered the greatest tennis rivalry of all time. Borg was cool and calm, while McEnroe was loud and hot-headed, making for compelling viewing. The fourth-set tie-breaker, often considered the most dramatic in tennis, saw McEnroe fend off numerous match points and Borg survive several set points. Borg eventually won the fifth set 8-6, securing his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. McEnroe would beat Borg in the finals a year later.

1. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal – Wimbledon Final, 2008

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both featured heavily on this list due to their incredible talent. Their 2008 Wimbledon Final is widely considered the greatest professional tennis match ever. Federer had won the last five Wimbledon titles, defeating Nadal in 2006 and 2007. At the time, the two players had won 14 of the last 16 Grand Slam titles. Nadal, known as the ‘King of Clay,’ wanted revenge, while Federer, the ‘King of Grass,’ aimed to build his legacy. Despite being the favorite, Federer lost to Nadal after an intense match that lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes, interrupted twice by rain. Under a dark London sky, Federer finished with 89 winners but still lost.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s Secrets to Maintaining Peak Performance