Greatest Tennis Rivalries

This has to be it. The greatest rivalry I've seen in my life up till now. - Kiteretsunu

This has to be it, at least from the open era - MatrixGuy

Not sure if I would consider this a competitive rivalry. Chris was definitely the superior player and usually dominated their matches.

The contrasting styles, similar ages both vying to be number 1 made for an exciting rivalry. It did not quite live up to expectations mainly due to Chris Evert who generally dominated their matches and was clearly the better player.

This is an under-hyped rivalry. Margaret was the number 1 in the early 1970’s and dominating women’s tennis. Chris, age 15, all of 98 pounds and 5ft 2” tall played the World number 1 in 1970 and beat her in straight sets. A shocker. Chris won their next 2 matches also in straight sets. They played 13 matches in all, with Chris ending with a 9-4 advantage.

Their styles were contrasting - Margaret was a big server with a good net game; powerful and fit. Chris was a baseliner with good return of serves and a 2-handed backhand. It was fascinating watching Chris handle the Margaret serve and the duel between the net rusher and the baseliner.

Not much of a rivalry in my view. Evert had Margaret’s number from the start. Evert was simply a bad match up for Margaret.