Introduction
Tennis is a sport that thrives on tension, stamina, grace, and grit. The best matches are not just athletic contests but emotional rollercoasters—moments where legends are made and history is written. This article explores the 35 greatest matches in tennis history, spanning eras, surfaces, rivalries, and unforgettable drama. From marathon battles to epic comebacks, these matches have left a lasting legacy on the sport.
1. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer – 2008 Wimbledon Final
Image 2: Nadal collapsed on grass, trophy in hand
Often cited as the greatest match of all time, this 4-hour, 48-minute battle was a clash of titans. Federer’s five-year reign at Wimbledon ended as Nadal conquered Centre Court in near darkness, winning 6–4, 6–4, 6–7, 6–7, 9–7.
2. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – 2019 Wimbledon Final
The first ever Wimbledon final decided by a fifth-set tiebreak at 12–12. Djokovic saved two championship points and edged out Federer in four hours and 57 minutes, the longest final in Wimbledon history.
3. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut – 2010 Wimbledon First Round
Image 3: Scoreboard reading 70–68 in the fifth
The longest match in tennis history (11 hours, 5 minutes) spanned three days and ended with Isner winning 70–68 in the fifth set.
4. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams – 2003 Australian Open Final
Serena completed the "Serena Slam" with a gritty win over her sister in straight sets, asserting her dominance over a golden era of women’s tennis.
5. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe – 1980 Wimbledon Final
Image 4: McEnroe's defiant stare; Borg’s calm demeanor
The fourth-set tiebreak (18–16) is one of the most iconic sequences in tennis history. Borg ultimately won 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7, 8–6 in a gripping five-set classic.
6. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles – 1992 French Open Final
Two legends in their prime. Graf's aggressive baseline play clashed with Seles’ dual-handed fury in a seesaw match that ended 6–2, 3–6, 10–8 in favor of Seles.
7. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic – 2012 US Open Final
Murray finally broke through with his first Grand Slam title after a five-set war that lasted nearly five hours—cementing him as the fourth member of the Big Four.
8. Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert – 1985 French Open Final
Image 5: Clay-stained rivals at the net
Their legendary rivalry hit another high in Paris. Navratilova prevailed 6–3, 6–7, 7–5 in one of their tightest and most technical matches.
9. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi – 2001 US Open Quarterfinal
No breaks of serve, just pure power and precision. Sampras edged Agassi in a four-tiebreak masterpiece under the lights.
10. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal – 2012 Australian Open Final
The longest Grand Slam final in history at 5 hours, 53 minutes. Both players were physically exhausted and emotionally drained—Djokovic finally triumphed 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7, 7–5.
11–35: More Iconic Tennis Battles
11. Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick – 2009 Wimbledon Final
Roddick played arguably the match of his life, but Federer edged him in the longest fifth set in final history: 16–14.
12. Simona Halep vs. Sloane Stephens – 2018 French Open Final
A mental and emotional breakthrough for Halep, who finally captured her first Slam.
13. Naomi Osaka vs. Serena Williams – 2018 US Open Final
Controversial and emotional, but a powerful coronation moment for Osaka.
14. Rafael Nadal vs. Daniil Medvedev – 2022 Australian Open Final
Nadal stormed back from two sets down to claim Slam #21 in one of the greatest comebacks in men's tennis.
15. Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz – 2023 Wimbledon Final
Old guard meets new blood in a five-set thriller that symbolized the changing of the guard.
16. Tracy Austin vs. Martina Navratilova – 1981 US Open Final
A forgotten gem, with baseline rallies and shot variety that were ahead of their time.
17. Andy Roddick vs. Younes El Aynaoui – 2003 Australian Open QF
Roddick survived 21–19 in the fifth in a battle of aces and endurance.
18. Goran Ivanišević vs. Patrick Rafter – 2001 Wimbledon Final
A wildcard wins Wimbledon in fairy-tale fashion—one of the sport’s best underdog stories.
19. Justine Henin vs. Jennifer Capriati – 2003 US Open SF
Henin overcame cramps and hostile fans in a comeback for the ages.
20. Federer vs. Nadal – 2017 Australian Open Final
An unexpected revival of their rivalry, with Federer winning in five to claim Slam #18.
21. Monica Seles vs. Jennifer Capriati – 1991 US Open SF
Two teenagers, brutal baseline rallies, and early signs of future greatness.
22. Leylah Fernandez vs. Aryna Sabalenka – 2021 US Open SF
Youth, flair, and fearlessness on display in one of the best WTA matches in recent memory.
23. Serena Williams vs. Kim Clijsters – 2009 US Open SF
Controversy overshadowed a brilliant performance by Clijsters in her comeback Slam.
24. Stan Wawrinka vs. Novak Djokovic – 2015 French Open Final
Stan the Man outslugged Novak with one of the best backhand displays in Slam history.
25. Roger Federer vs. Juan Martín del Potro – 2009 US Open Final
Delpo upset the legend in a five-set masterclass of forehand winners.
26. Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco – 2009 Australian Open SF
Five hours of brutal, beautiful tennis—many say Verdasco played better and still lost.
27. Naomi Osaka vs. Petra Kvitova – 2019 Australian Open Final
Momentum swings, high-pressure moments, and Osaka’s rise as a big-match performer.
28. Martina Hingis vs. Serena Williams – 1999 US Open Final
Passing of the torch moment as Serena earned her first Slam title.
29. Agassi vs. Blake – 2005 US Open 4th Round
A night match thriller where Agassi came from two sets down to win in a roaring Ashe Stadium.
30. Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams – 2012 US Open Final
Peak tennis from both players. Serena edged it with clutch play in the final set.
31. Novak Djokovic vs. Dominic Thiem – 2020 Australian Open Final
A tactical, see-sawing match with Djokovic prevailing for Slam #17.
32. Roger Federer vs. Tommy Haas – 2009 French Open 4th Round
Federer escaped defeat in what became a career-defining moment on his way to completing the career Grand Slam.
33. Kim Clijsters vs. Caroline Wozniacki – 2009 US Open Final
Clijsters’ fairy tale comeback complete—she won the title as a mom and unseeded player.
34. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic – 2013 French Open SF
A four-hour, five-set clay court war that Nadal barely survived.
35. Ashleigh Barty vs. Danielle Collins – 2022 Australian Open Final
A graceful homecoming as Barty ended a 44-year drought for Australian women at their home Slam.
Conclusion
These matches didn't just entertain—they helped define what tennis is. The brilliance, agony, and joy contained within each of these contests remind us why the sport remains one of the world’s greatest athletic spectacles. From titans clashing in historic finals to lesser-known showdowns that reached mythic status, this list captures tennis at its absolute peak.
