Professional tennis has a rich history loaded with remarkable moments, fierce competitions, and legendary fights on the court. From exciting comebacks to marathon matches, these experiences have enraptured crowds all over the planet and left a lasting legacy in the chronicles of tennis history.
These matches represent the pinnacle of tennis excellence, showcasing the skill, athleticism, and sheer determination of the sport’s greatest champions. These epic encounters have left a lasting mark on tennis history. Here, we take a journey through time to revisit the 10 most epic matches in tennis history.
10. Maria Sharapova vs. Justine Henin – 2005 US Open Semifinals
Sharapova and Henin clashed in a grueling three-set encounter that lasted over three hours. Sharapova emerged victorious to reach her first US Open final. The match featured intense rallies, momentum shifts, and a showcase of the mental fortitude of both players.
9. Jimmy Connors vs. John McEnroe – 1982 Wimbledon Final
These two legendary American tennis players engaged in a dramatic five-set battle for the Wimbledon title. McEnroe ultimately prevailed in a thrilling fifth-set tiebreaker. The match showcased the fiery competitiveness and contrasting styles of two of tennis’ greatest champions.
8. Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King – 1973 Battle of the Sexes
In one of the most iconic matches in tennis history, Riggs and King faced off in a historic exhibition match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes.” King emerged victorious in straight sets. This match challenged gender stereotypes and paved the way for greater equality in tennis.
7. Andre Agassi vs. Pete Sampras – 2001 US Open Quarterfinals
In their final Grand Slam encounter, Agassi and Sampras delivered a memorable clash of styles and personalities on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Sampras emerged victorious in four sets, showcasing his trademark serve-and-volley game against Agassi’s relentless baseline prowess.
6. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles – 1993 Australian Open Final
In their most memorable Grand Slam meeting since Seles’ return from a stabbing incident, Graf and Seles engaged in a strained three-set duel for the Australian Open title. Steffi Graf arose victorious, however the match denoted an impactful crossroads in tennis history as Seles resumed her dominance on the court.
5. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal – 2012 Australian Open Final
Djokovic and Nadal battled tooth and nail in a legendary five-set battle that lasted almost six hours. This made it the longest Grand Slam final in history. Ultimately, Djokovic won in a tiring match of attrition, outlasting Nadal to claim his third Australian Open title.
4. Serena Williams vs Venus Williams – 2003 Australian Open Final
The Williams sisters went head to head in their first Grand Slam final encounter since 2001, with Serena beating Venus in three sets to capture her fourth back-to-back Grand Slam title. The match displayed the power, athleticism, and sisterly rivalry that have defined their careers. In addition to Serena’s singles win at the 2003 Australian Open, she and her sister won the doubles title at the tournament.
3. Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert – 1985 French Open Final
In their fourteenth Grand Slam and last match between the two, Navratilova and Evert conveyed one more incredible standoff on the clay courts of Roland Garros. This was an epic rivalry in women’s tennis. The two had several great matches throughout their careers but none of them were as great as this one. Navratilova claimed triumph in three sets, further hardening her competition with Evert as one of the greatest in tennis history.
2. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer – 2008 Wimbledon Final
Named the “Greatest Match Ever Played,” Nadal and Federer exhibited their remarkable talents in a five-set marathon that lasted almost five hours. Nadal arose victorious, ending Federer’s five-year rule at Wimbledon and establishing his status as a grass-court star.
1. *Bjorn Borg vs John McEnroe – 1980 Wimbledon Final
Lastly, regarded as one of the greatest matches ever played, this five-set exemplary match saw Borg and McEnroe battle for almost four hours on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon. McEnroe saved an incredible five match points in the fourth set tiebreaker before eventually falling to Borg, who got his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. This was the best matchup between the two tennis legends. They were tied in their career head to head at 7-7. Additionally, Bjorn Borg was the first man in the Open Era to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles. In addition to his straight Wimbledon titles, Borg won six French Open titles.
Recap Of These Epic Tennis Matches
Throughout this list, we have seen the intense competitiveness shown by these iconic players. Their greatness on the court will never be forgotten. Of these top 10 tennis matches of all time, three happened at Wimbledon, three were at the Australian Open, and two occurred at the US Open. Our non-major match was the Battle Of The Sexes between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King. While this match didn’t happen at a major tournament, it was equally impactful and showed that women were extremely talented tennis players and could beat male tennis players if given the chance.