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The game of tennis has witnessed some truly epic battles over the years. But which makes the cut in the list of 10 greatest tennis matches of all time? Here is my attempt to rank the all-time classics:Note: The list only considers men's tennis.
#10 2006 Rome Masters final
With their rivalry just entering its peak phase, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer waged battle for five gruelling sets in the Rome Masters final, before Nadal finally prevailed 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5). The Spaniard saved three match points on the way to his victory, which took 5 hours and 5 minutes.
#9 2009 Wimbledon final
Chasing history in the form of a 15th Marjo title, Roger Federer inflicted yet another heartbreaking loss on Andy Roddick in the 2009 Wimbledon final with a 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 victory.
Roddick's serve wasn't broken until the final game of the match, and he held four set points in the second set for a two sets to love lead, but ultimately, it was the Swiss who played the big points better to ultimately triumph.
#8 2003 Australian Open quarterfinal
Andy Roddick overcame fatigue and his opponent's brilliant shot-making before prevailing 4-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4, 21-19 against Morocco's Younes El Aynaoui in the 2003 Australian Open quarterfinal. The match featured the longest fifth set ever at the Australian Open in the Open Era, and was one of the definitive matches of the careers of both men.
#7 1984 French Open final
John McEnroe was in the middle of a sensational season, but Ivan Lendl put one of the few blemishes on the American's year by defeating him at Roland Garros. Despite going down two sets to love, Lendl came roaring back to clinch the match 3-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 in a match of stunningly contrasting styles.
#6 2005 Australian Open semifinal
Roger Federer was at his very peak in 2005, but he couldn't get past Marat Safin at the Australian Open. Safin saved a match point before winning 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(6), 9-7 in a match that featured two of the most gifted tennis players ever playing their best tennis at the same time. Needless to say, it made for a thrilling shot-making spectacle.
#5 2001 Wimbledon final
This match marked a fairytale-come-true for big-serving Goran Ivanisevic, who had reached three Wimbledon finals earlier, only to be denied each time. The fourth time, he came into the tournament through a wildcard and with a ranking of No. 125, but he somehow managed to win, defeating Patrick Rafter in the final 6-3. 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 9-7.
In the process the Croat became both the lowest ranked player and the first wildcard entry in the history of tennis to win a Major.
#4 2001 US Open quarterfinal
Arch rivals Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi met for the 32nd time in the 2001 US Open quarterfinals, and neither man was prepared to give an inch. Sampras eventually won 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 7-6(2), 7-6(5), with there being not a single break of serve throughout the match. It was hardcourt tennis at its most intense.
#3 1980 Wimbledon final
One of the finest displays of grasscourt tennis ever seen, the 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe was an instant classic. Borg prevailed 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7(16), 8-6, but McEnroe had made his intentions perfectly clear, using this effort as a springboard to snatch the title from the Swede the next year.
The fourth set tiebreak of this match is widely regarded as the highest quality patch of tennis ever seen.
#2 2012 Australian Open final
In the longest final in Grand Slam history, Novak Djokovic overcame Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 to emerge as the champion for the third Major in a row. The two battled on for 5 hours and 53 minutes, and could barely stand at the end of the marathon.
#1 2008 Wimbledon final
In this epic battle, Rafael Nadal dethroned Roger Federer from his position as 'King of Grass' by prevailing in a pulsating 4 hour 48 minute encounter. Nadal won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7 to win his first Major outside clay, and set in motion his march towards usurping the World No. 1 ranking from Federer.
