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The build-up to Wimbledon is over and we can now look ahead to the most prestigious tournament in all of tennis.
These two weeks at SW19 always provide special moments that live long in the memory, as we look at some of the most dramatic moments in recent times, ranging from disqualifications to shock exits.
Over the years, we have seen the birth of new champions as well as heartbreak and drama. The longest match of all time between Nicolas Mahut and John Isner lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes and spanned over three days.
We have also seen many shock defeats, including Roger Federer's defeat to Sergiy Stakhovsky and Novak Djokovic's loss to Sam Querrey, showing that reputations count for nothing. Five years ago, British fans saw Andy Murray end the wait for a British gentlemen's singles champion, after several years of heartbreak and near-misses.
Wimbledon has seen youngsters make a name for themselves, including Maria Sharapova and Boris Becker, who both won Wimbledon aged 17. One of Roger Federer's most defining moments came at SW19 when he defeated the reigning champion, Pete Sampras in 2001. Federer, who was 19 at the time, eventually lost to Tim Henman in the quarterfinals. The Swiss maestro has gone on to shape much of Wimbledon's history and was involved in arguably the greatest match of all time. Serena Williams and Venus Williams have had their say in the women's game, with the Williams' sisters amassing twelve Wimbledon singles titles between them.
#4 The fourth set tie-break in the 2008 Wimbledon final
Where do we even start with this match? The final had drama from start to finish, in a gripping contest that lasted four hours and forty-eight minutes, as both players put everything on the line. The hype and excitement building up to the finale made the occasion even more profound and momentous.
Federer was going for a sixth successive Wimbledon title and the chance to surpass Roy Emerson’s record of twelve major titles. Nadal was aiming to be the first man to win both the French Open and Wimbledon title in the same year since Bjorn Borg in 1980. The two rain delays during the match also added to the drama and gave Federer the chance to regroup when two sets down.
Whilst we do not have time to go through every point, there were, however, two points that encapsulated the drama and buzz of this match. At 7-7 in the fourth set tie-break, Rafael Nadal produced a remarkable passing shot from way behind the baseline, giving him championship point. Most players would have accepted their fate and resigned themselves to defeat in that situation.
Federer, however, is unlike any other and pulled off an exceptional backhand down-the-line to save a championship point. The reaction of the two players’ boxes summarised how we all felt after those two points.
Nadal’s dad looked up to the heavens in disbelief, as Federer’s wife rose from her seat with her arms aloft in both celebration and relief. Her man then went on to take the fourth set and took this final to a decider.
The drama continued in the fifth set, as neither player gave an inch. The Swiss maestro saved three championship points in total, but Nadal was not to be denied, as he won the final set 9-7 to clinch his first Wimbledon title. The match finished at 21:15 BST; more than seven hours after the first ball had been struck.
#2 The last game of the 2013 Wimbledon final
The final game of the 2013 Wimbledon is considered one of the most dramatic games in tennis history.
Andy Murray took the first the two sets 6-4, 7-5 against Novak Djokovic and looked on course to end Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles champion.
After three nearly hours, the Scot had three championship points as the crowd eagerly anticipated Murray’s moment of victory. The former world number one, however, failed to take any of them as Djokovic continued to fight valiantly.
This game had everything imaginable as Djokovic saved championship points through a combination of skill and luck.
The Serb saved the second championship point in dramatic fashion, as he struck a winning return of a slow second serve. Djokovic then fended off two more match points, which left Murray two points away from the title, with the home crowd left speechless.
Djokovic’s spirit and determination earnt him break points, but the Scotsman too showed determination, as he fought off all the breakpoints.
Eventually, after fourteen minutes of quite unbelievable drama, Djokovic gave in and hit a backhand into the net to give Murray his first Wimbledon title.
In his post-match interview, the Scot talked about how he did not even remember the last game and according to Tim Henman, “Andy was basically in a state of shock”, which is a testament to the resolve and perseverance shown by Murray.
Final game starts from 17:06
#2 Lukas Rosol’s victory over Rafael Nadal in the second round of Wimbledon 2012
This second round match seemed just like any other, as Rafael Nadal went into the match as the overwhelming favourite against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol.
The Spaniard looked to make amends for the defeat in the 2011 Wimbledon final, where he lost in four sets to Djokovic.
Rosol, however, had other ideas and made life incredibly difficult for the two-time Wimbledon champion, as he overwhelmed Nadal with his big serves and powerful groundstrokes.
Despite going a set down, the Czech continued to go for the lines, even in the most crucial situations. This bravery and risk-taking eventually earnt the world number one hundred two sets to one lead.
Nadal fought back in typical Nadal fashion and went on to take the fourth set. Many expected Rosol to crumble after this, with the Mallorcan the much more experienced player in these sorts of situations.
The unseeded Czech carried on persisting and eventually found the all-important break, leaving Nadal on the brink of a shock exit.
Many over the years, have panicked and faltered when given the chance to defeat the world’s best. Rosol, however, showed remarkable composure and fearlessness and clinched the final set 6-4, including three aces in the final game.
Many thought this victory would be a one-off and that Nadal would return to competing for the Wimbledon title. Since his defeat to Rosol six years ago, the Spaniard has failed to progress past the fourth round, with defeats to Nick Krygios, Dustin Brown and Steve Darcis along the way.
#1 Tim Henman and Jeremy Bates’ disqualification at Wimbledon 1995
23 years have passed since Tim Henman made Wimbledon history, as he and Jeremy Bates became the first pair ever to be disqualified from a match at the All England Club. The British pair had two sets to one lead over Jeff Tarago, of the United States and Herik Holm, of Sweden. Henman’s disqualification came in the fourth set tie-break when he accidentally hit a ball towards a ball girl.
His frustration came after he left a shot which he should have volleyed. Henman desperately tried to plead his innocence and said to the chair umpire,
“There is hard and very hard and I hit the ball hard, it was not as if I bulleted it at her”. His best efforts were not enough, as the British duo became the first and only pair ever to receive a disqualification in a Wimbledon match; a record Henman carried for the rest of his career.
The former world number four endured further heartbreak at SW19, as he reached the semi-finals on four separate occasions.
Two of those defeats came to Pete Sampras; a man regarded as one of tennis’ greatest ever players. However, the most heartbreaking loss came against Goran Ivanisevic in 2001. It looked as though Henman was heading for the Wimbledon final, as the Brit led the Croat by two sets to one.
Henman won the third set 6-0 and had all the momentum, but a rain delay in the fourth set put a halt to Henman’s charge and allowed Ivanisevic to regroup.
Although the disqualification came six years before the defeat to Ivanisevic, having to deal with such an unwanted record must have been difficult.
Did we miss out on any memorable moment from our list? Sound off in the comments section below!
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