Top 10 Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time

I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since this unforgettable match took place. The memories of this match still feel so recent and raw. Roger Federer at this point had won 5 Wimbledons on the trot. Rafael Nadal, two Wimbledon finals in a row but no reward. Federer was simply too good on grass.

8-year-old me was expecting another one-sided affair. Everyone around me was rooting for the overwhelming favourite, Federer. I for some reason decided to root for the underdog, Nadal. Perhaps to see a new winner of the highly prestigious Wimbledon crown.

Halfway into the match, I thought that Nadal finally broke his duck. Federer, to everyone's surprise, found himself two sets to love down. Nadal was playing the best grass court tennis of his life.

But once again, Federer found some of that grass court magic he carries with himself and mounted a charge. Two thrilling tiebreakers, two sets to Federer, game on.

The sky started to darken as the final set began. ...more

This match was the best I have ever seen as far as ground stroke and quality of tennis. I remember my daughter complaining about my watching this match all day! This match showed me that Rafael Nadal will be one of the greatest ever. Also, it showed me Roger Federer has a heart of champion like no other. This was supposedly the end of Federer. He made 6 straight finals on Grand Slams and won 4 of them. All four of the grand slams in 6. Incredible.

Federer has been my favorite player ever since I got into the sport of tennis and his performance was just spectacular. I realize he lost, but that's because Nadal was also playing some of the best tennis he's ever played. That match started a long run of consecutive wins and amazing play for Nadal. This match showed the best out of both players. They deserve the title for the best match ever.

The drama was intense and the match was close. Everything could've unfolded differently. Maybe one or two points went differently and Federer would've won the most amazing comeback breaking Borg'e record of 6 straight Wimbledon titles. Also winning the next year would grant him 7 straight Wimbledon titles. So it's a big turning point in Rafa and Feds' careers. Rafa dethroned him, but if Fed won, he'd defend his record.

This spectacular match is the longest and most thrilling grand slam final ever. The sure brialliance of Djokovic and the will and determination for Nadal defined every rally. The match was also the longest grand slam final at a colossal 5 hours 53 minutes of break taking tennis. This is the greatest tennis match of all time and many of the sports greats agree too, Borg and Agassi just to name a few.

Federer Vs Nadal 2008 Wimbledon finals was simply super human, but this Australian Open 2012 match was no doubt the greatest ever. No other match in tennis history beats the class, fitness and the intensity of this.
This is truly a clash of the titans and for that matter one of the greatest events in the world of Sports.

This match could be the greatest match ever played by (what many tennis experts claim) the greatest tennis rivalry. Roger and Rafa produced some nice matches, but this match was insane. Both players in their prime, pushing their bodies and minds to the limit.

You can win Wimbledon with JUST a big serve because it is harder to get to the ball. With hardcourts, not so easy. This is the greatest match. Novak is the greatest player because every time he steps on a court he has to battle Nadal AND the crowd. That is why it is twice as tough for Novak.

This may be the greatest match between these two of their careers. It may even be the greatest match of all time. The sheer mental fortitude from Djokovic to win the break back after losing his serve in the 15th game of the 5th set was astounding. Federer's calculated shots were absolutely beautiful. The back and forth play was incredible. Mark my words, this match will go down as one of the best in history. Both players were amazing and I think all those who were watching were disappointed to see it come to an end. Federer and Djokovic will be regarded as 2 of the greatest players in history forever, and this match showcased their brilliance in the greatest of ways.

This match deserves to be up in this list. Roger Federer at the age of 37 years pushing Djokovic to one of the most dramatic and emotional 5 set matches to ever be played is something that will probably never happen in Tennis ever again. This match gave the fans everything they wanted to see, altough the end might have left a sour taste in some peoples mouth. I think that if Roger Federer had the chance to change one thing in his career it would be that he had won this game. If he had won this game I think the GOAT debate would have been settled down for quite some time, because winning Wimbledon at the age of 37 against one of your greatest rivals is astonishing.It is definitely the best match these two have ever played against each other and it is a joy to watch.

What a match. I would say it is the greatest match ever. Roger was 37 and Novak was 32 which was unbelievable. Novak won with 3 tiebreaks which was unbelievable. He saved 2 championship points from Roger's serve which was unbelievable. The match went into the first tiebreak in set 5 in Wimbledon history which was unbelievable. No way to neglect this match on the list. The 4 hour and 57 minutes' match could be an Oscar winning movie. Greatest admiration to both players. There was no runner-up in this match.

On the edge of your seat drama the entire match. Still hard to believe Nole won. True testament to his grit and fortitude. Heartbreaking for Feds who played probably his last great match at Wimbledon. True classic.

I felt Novak almost did when he was servicing in the 5th set at 4-2. Novak had all the chances to go up to 5-2. That must have given him a psychological upper hand. The point which he smashed, Rafa had no chances, but unfortunately Novak hit the net. That was the time I felt Novak went down psychologically. Rafa's back shot behind his legs was amazing. there was no answer for Djokovic. of course this match showed that Novak has always a chance to win Roland Garros at some point of time with his hard work and dedicatoin

This match deserves its best ever ranking in every respect. It is the finest clay court match I've ever had the privilege to watch.

It is also a perfect counterpoint to the epic 2012 Australian Open final. After the AO match, Nadal said it was disheartening to have played the best tennis of his career and still lose. His revenge was this victory.

To me it was the resurrection of the king of clay. Nadal on clay is the highest form of domination and supremacy this sport ever saw. The highest tennis level ever recorded to me.
And this match was the highest point of epicness I see on Rafa in his element.
There was anything: domination, comebacks, drama, controversy, incredible points, very tense atmosphere. I just loved it!

A total heart breaker for Novak but all credit to Rafa. The master on clay.

For most tennis fans, this was the dream final. The two biggest rivals in the history of the sport playing in yet another Grand Slam final after everyone had written them off. The match itself was far better than anyone had expected. It was a scintillating display of exciting baseline rallies, pin-point net play and masterful serving. It was also brimming with drama, especially in the fifth set, where there were plenty of break-point opportunities, close games and momentum shifts. You couldn't pick a winner until that final Hawk-Eye challenge that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Perhaps not the most elegant way to end it, but certainly a fitting conclusion to what was one of the most suspenseful matches in Grand Slam history. Most people will tell you that their final at Wimby '08 was the greatest match of all time. However, the hype, the story, the drama and the overall quality makes this match my pick.

I remember very well seeing the 2008 Wimbledon final, all this talk about Nadal not being able to win on grass just yet, but for some reason I saw that he could do it, and he did. It was a scintillating match but, as a Federer fanboy, I was so disappointed I could not bear to rewatch it, though I appreciate its greatness. I was losing faith that there would ever be a battle to match it. Then after many years and tears Roger would finally prevail; The Australian Open 2017. With the Disneylike fairytale boy dream storyline, glorious beautiful tennis, using the scorching backhand as an improved skill or superpower, it was the most epic superhero sports spectacle ever seen!

In terms of exalted level of play and tennis historic (GOAT-esque) stakes, this is, for me, right up there with their epic 2008 Wimbledon Final. I am a huge Federer fan and so, of course, was thrilled to see him get the best of his great rival/nemesis in a 5 set match for the first time in a decade. Roger's complete "go for it" determination and unprecedentedly (Wawrinka-esque) powerful flat one-handed backhand changed the usual dynamics of the match-up and allowed him to prevail in the decisive fifth set where he had, typically, faltered. (Props to his new coach I.L. for getting him to stay fearlessly aggressive and to abandon the backhand slice! ) A truly epic and totally unexpected encounter between the (near) consensus two greatest players of all time -- and one that exceeded all possible expectations. Toss up between this and the 2008 Wimbledon classic -- but, as a Fed Fan, if I had to choose between them, I'll go with this. Bravo to both legends on this latest reminder of their ...more

What makes this match so special is that Federer had just taken 6 months off, had dropped to no. 17 in the world and wasn't expected to make it past the third round. He ended up beating his biggest rival in the Grand Final after being down a break and suffering from a leg injury in the fifth set. He had finally claimed the 18th major that had eluded him for so long. What Federer accomplished in those two weeks at the Aussie Open is Hollywood-worthy.

Andy would have won this if he had served first. When a player has to play catch up regarding serve in a final set, he or she tends to be at a disadvantage. My heart went out to Andy but he was magnanimous in defeat.

50 aces for Roger and he needed every single one of them! A shame for Andy...this was his finest moment.
No one would have defeated Federer on that day, he was on a mission after he lost that epic final the year before.

The only time Roddick was broken was when he was serving to stay in the match at 14-15. Even Federer Fans know their hearts were down for Andy Roddick as a Wimbledon champion.

As a Roddick fan, both my favorite and least-favorite match. He deserved to win it as much as Roger did. His effort was superhuman against his lifelong bogeyman.

Some of the cleanest ball striking I've ever seen. Roger can't break Novak for 3 sets, then, down 5-2 in the fourth, gets consecutive breaks to save the match. True grit. Roger playing so well at 33 against a 27 year old opponent of Novak's caliber simply cements his legacy as the best ever.

The fact that Roger was still able to put up that kind of fight at that age just goes to show his true greatness. Credit to Novak because he raised his game to match and even surpass Nadal and Federer at this point in their careers.

Even Djokovic admitted this was the best quality match he has played. AO 2012 doesn't compare to the aggression and shotmaking of this match.

A true clash of titans

To me still the ultimate clash of styles and temperament, without mentioning the 18-16 tiebreak - the greatest 22 minutes of tennis ever. This to me was the last great gasp of the wooden racket era, with deft shots, volleys and passes aplenty. Also loved that both families-friends sat in the same box, so we were able from a cinematic perspective see their reactions at the same time.

This remains without a doubt the greatest match ever. Federer-Nadal 2008 may be second, but there is no way it surpasses Borg-McEnroe. I suspect few of the voters have actually watched the Borg-McEnroe match - other than perhaps the movie.

It was the day of our engaged and I supported Bjorn Borg and my future husband John McEnroe. It was just unbelievable tennis. Would not go out to celebrate until the end of the match. Because of this match I always still watch tennis

I agree with previous post, but I believe you can compare these matches in terms of drama they created. If we use that as the criteria, I think the greatest match based on drama is Borg Vs McEnroe 1980 Wimbledon.

I felt like I was watching a fight amongst gladiators in this match, that to give up would be to hand over your life. The gutsiest of performances in any sport that I have ever witnessed.

Longest match ever. Both served over 100 aces. They've shown the grit of tennis players. Tennis is beautiful in this way.

Important match but boring baseline play where neither could EVER break

Perhaps an overlooked classic. McEnroe was at the height of his powers in June 1984 albeit playing on a surface he was not wild about. These 2 guys, who basically loathed one another, had a see sawing career rivalry which at this juncture had McEnroe in the ascendancy. McEnroe played flawless tennis for 2 sets. The weather was warm and McEnroe was in command. Somehow in the middle of the 3rd set, with McEnroe cruising towards an emphatic straight sets victory, Lendl began to claw his way back into the match. His superior fitness in the energy sapping conditions started to come into play. A momentum player at best McEnroe fell apart in the final set despite going down only 5-7 in the clinch. The crowd got behind Lendl (as merely an underdog since he was never a natural crowd favourite) and McEnroe began to disintegrate. This was a heartbreaking loss for McEnroe as he knew that he would never again have such a gilt edged opportunity to win at Roland Garros. He never reached another ...more

For the amazing tension and sheer quality of the first set this has to be in the top 10 matches ever. Awesome match

The match is special because this is Murray's first grand slam title!

Only Grand Slam match I recall going 4 straight sets with neither player ever breaking serve. Combine that with two contrasting styles of play (serve & volley vs power baseline, one handed backhand vs two handed backhand, etc), and contrasting personalities and you end up with an incredibly entertaining match of "who's gonna flinch first".

Very memorable match..I was there! This one gets my vote!

Underrated match for sure. Safin defeated Roger Federer in his prime, which might be the biggest accomplishment you can do in tennis.

In my top 3. Safin played out of his skin and the brilliance of the tennis was sustained throughout. Good to see the match on this list

Marat Safin's masterpiece, this match was the best he ever played againts a top form Federer, ending a 27 match win. One of the most memorable wins in tennis history

Cannot be 13th as it was one of the best non-final matches I've ever seen!

One of the best matches between two players if different styles and personalities. A repeat of 1980 but the winner being different. Superior serving of McEnroe enabled him to snatch victory.

You mean 1980 final

It was a five-set thriller that had everything, high drama, adrenaline, passion, a ball magically flying around the net only to land milimetrically on court (Nadal's), incredible spin (Verdasco's) making the ball spring sideways upon touching the court only to be met with even more incredible spin in return, a multi-point rally finished with a clock-precision dropshot (Verdasco's), a ball being hit in a semi-squatting position sending the opponent in bullet-speed from one extreme corner to the other extreme, hitting back a precision backhand slice (Nadal's), and then winning the point. In short, that match overshadows the Fed-Nadal final and will be forever engraved in my memory.

Wouldn't find a more higher quality match ever including all the epic Federer-Nadal-Djokovic battles. No, this was 2 guys letting go and displaying the full free flowing nature of their games. The recurring theme to one-up the other, the back and forth drama between rallies, the emotions shown after every point - this match had it all.

Greatest left handed match ever! 5h15 of pure tennis, with both incredible effects and power. Nadal hit tremendous shots (e.g. banana's shot at 6-7 5-4 40A),Verdasco made an incredible 4th set tie break.

What a jerk to leave a comment like that. Your Chrissie would find your comments a disgrace. Martina is a brave and true legend and everyone knows that at her best, Martina was just a little bit better than Evert and even Chris Evert would agree with that assumption. It was a great match and the "slow" clay always gave Evert an advantage over Navratilova.

Chrissy's last real victory against her almost male counter part. Grace and elegance and beauty and sexyness_ Evert was all those things.

I find it odd that this match would be listed 17th.

Best match ever.

Just can't contain my emotions. Finally it's over. 4th chance to grab the Wimbledon championship and he's done it at the age of 30, just with ranking 125 and a precious wildcard. Very nervous when the match went into set 5 and heart was pounding fast when Goran converted the break point. Hands got sweaty when Goran faced the championship point for 4 times and the dream finally came true! One of the most touching moments in life.

Maybe not the best match, but definitely my most memorable. I cried when Goran won.

Was going for Rafter but Goran was amazing! He broke Australian hearts!

The story. It is all about the story...

What an outstanding match. I remember it so vividly. Then the war came and ravaged my land...

I remember this one

The most memorable tennismatch I've seen in 35 years.

On one side drama, quality and tension were unreal. On the other side it kickstarted the career of the loser of this epic battle. A mentally devastating defeat, with a career breaking potential, surprisingly built the base of one of the most beautiful stories tennis history has written.

I thought the match was amazing the first time I watched it, and since then I've lost count of how many times I've rewatched the highlights. This is the match that made me a Wawrinka fan.

This has some of the pure best shot matching out between the two out of all their clashes. I think this one gets forgotten because of the drama of 2008 Wimbledon. That and the 5th set saw Fed fade away.

It's kind of ridiculous that this is below #5. Some of the best Nadal winners came from this game, including his famous "banana shot." in my opinion, AO finals are the best, and this one was just as insane.

This match was overshadowed by the drama happened in 2008, otherwise I would rate this match right on top with Wimbledon 2008 final if not better.

The shot-making which can happen only when the following criteria are established: Fast court, Nadal and Federer in their prime.

Almost 6 hours of what tennis truly is about: fighting.

Five sets of absolute quality. No one lost this match, but Rafa won. Amazing!

Incredible quality from both players.

Beautifully played epic.

Storied start to Rogers career, breaking Petes 38 match Wimby streak on Petes favorite court. Roger was 19 at the time. Roger wins the first game by serving 4 aces. Classic Wimbledon. Lots of bang-bang serve and volley dealt by two of the greatest, in hindsight, while the torch was being passed from one to the other.

The end of an era, Fed is truly the master, he out serve-and-volleys Sampras and then goes on to play the most successful baseline game in history.