Tennis is a sport with a long history. It has grown to become one of the most popular sports globally. Some of the tennis players have gone on to become international icons inspiring generations from all walks of life.
The arena of tennis has seen some remarkable rivalries in the field of sports. The dynamic sport has caught the attention of scores of sports enthusiasts.
Let us look back at the greatest tennis matches of all time.
Roger Federer Vs Rafal Nadal (2008 Wimbledon Final)
The final of the 2008 Wimbledon Open between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is often hailed as the greatest tennis match of all time. The match was the pinnacle of the greatest rivalry in tennis.
While Federer was vying for a record sixth consecutive Wimbledon title, Nadal was looking to beat the defending champion on grass. Playing at the height of their careers, both Federer and Nadal exhibited extraordinary determination, skill and endurance.
After the match was leveled at 2-2, the fifth set provided a thrilling contest in which Nadal emerged victorious. The match which lasted till post-9pm near-darkness was one of the longest final matches at that time and the best of the greatest tennis matches.
Pete Sampras Vs Andre Agassi (2001 US Open Quarterfinals)
The 1990s were the era of two Americans, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. They offered one of the greatest rivalries in the history of tennis. Both were as opposite as fire and ice in their approach. While Agassi was aggressive and attacking, Sampras was calm and composed.
The quarter-finals of the 2001 US Open saw the two Americans locking horns in a match that was to be remembered for ages. Though both the players were past their prime, none of them showed any sign of conceding. All 4 sets went to tie-breaks. Sampras eventually prevailed over Agassi for his big serve. There were no breaks of serve over the course of the entire match making it one of the greatest tennis matches.
Bjorn Borg Vs John McEnroe (1980 Wimbledon Final)
The 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe serves as one of the greatest tennis matches in the history of the sport. While the Swede Borg was chasing his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, his American rival McEnroe was seeking his first London glory.
McEnroe won the first set and Borg bagged the next two. The Swede had two championship points in the third set. The match went to the fourth-set tiebreaker in which McEnroe won 18-16, but Borg reigned supreme in the fifth set for his fifth consecutive Wimbledon championship.
Novak Djokovic Vs Rafael Nadal (2012 Australian Open Final)
The 2012 Australian Open Final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is the longest Grand Slam final so far and one of the greatest tennis matches. Lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes, the match tested the endurance level of both the athletes. The match with incredible rallies also provided entertainment to fans that would be etched on their memories. Djokovic eventually emerged champion in this grueling five-set match, which displayed enormous will power, resilience, and determination from both players.
Also Read: 5 Greatest Rivalries In Tennis History
John Isner Vs Nicolas Mahut (2010 Wimbledon First Round)
The first-round draw of 2010 Wimbledon between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut went into the record books as the longest tennis match of all time. Lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days, Isner and Mahut scripted history and played one of the greatest tennis matches. Isner eventually won the match with a final score of 70-68 in the fifth set.
