10 Final Matches That Defined Tennis History

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Tennis has produced some of sports history’s most thrilling and unforgettable finals. The raw intensity of these matches transformed the simple two-player game into epic clashes that left fans on the edge time and time again. Get ready to relive 10 of the most captivating championship showdowns that tennis history has ever witnessed!

Wimbledon Final, 1980: Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe

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This legendary clash between ice-cool Bjorn Borg and the fiery John McEnroe in the 1980 Wimbledon final remains one of the most talked-about matches in the tournament’s history. A five-set battle of contrasting styles, it perfectly captured the changing of the guard in men’s tennis. The match indeed went to five sets, with Borg ultimately winning 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7(16), 8-6.

Source: Hypercritic

French Open Final, 1985: Chris Evert vs Martina Navratilova

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At the 1985 French Open final, the audience witnessed another chapter in the legendary rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Evert had previously struggled against Navratilova’s aggressive style. However, she showcased a more aggressive approach, taking control early by winning the first set 6-3. With the score at 5-5, Navratilova finally gained the upper hand, but in a dramatic turn, Evert won the game.

Source: William Hill

1999 US Open Final, 1999: Serena Williams vs. Martina Hingis

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During this turning point in women’s tennis, we saw a teenage Serena Williams, with her raw power and athleticism, taking down the reigning world No. 1 Martina Hingis. This win marked the beginning of Serena Williams’ rise to dominance in women’s tennis. She went on to win a record-tying 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

Source: US Open Tennis

Wimbledon Final, 2001: Goran Ivanisevic vs. Patrick Rafter

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Few expected Goran Ivanisevic to ever grace the Wimbledon courts in 2001, let alone reach the final. Ranked a lowly 125th, he entered the tournament not through qualification but as a wild card. Defying the odds, Ivanisevic battled through the draw, culminating in a five-set victory over Patrick Rafter in the final.

Source: The Grandstand

Wimbledon Final, 2005: Venus Williams vs. Lindsay Davenport

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Venus Williams defied expectations at the French Open by defeating the powerful Lindsay Davenport. Even though Davenport took control early by winning the first set and serving for the match in the second, Williams made a comeback through remarkable resilience. Because of this, Vanessa Williams saved a match point and forced a tie-break. She emerged victorious after a grueling two hours and 46 minutes and took the cap after the final set at 9-7.

Source: William Hill

Australian Open Final, 2005: Marat Safin vs. Lleyton Hewitt

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In the 2005 Australian Open final, Marat Safin faced Lleyton Hewitt and won the match with a score of 1–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4. This victory marked Safin’s first Australian Open title and second major title overall, following his win at the 2000 US Open. The match was significant as it was Hewitt’s first appearance in a final since 2001, making him the first Australian to reach the final since Pat Cash in 1988.

Source: Wikipedia

Wimbledon Final, 2008: Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer

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One match that deserves a place on this list is the epic 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The score was astonishing despite their contrasting styles—Nadal’s relentless topspin versus Federer’s graceful artistry—and dominant hands. It was an even 151 points apiece for both players! Finally, under fading light at nearly 9:15 p.m., Nadal emerged victorious.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Wimbledon Final, 2009: Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick

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Regardless of his reputation for near-invincibility, Roger Federer faced a determined Andy Roddick in the 2009 Wimbledon final. A record-breaking 16-14 final set cemented its place in tennis, showcasing Federer’s mental fortitude and exquisite shot-making. Federer returned after dropping the first two sets, eventually winning the marathon final set in near darkness.

Source: The Grandstand

US Open Final, 2014: Marin Čilić vs. Kei Nishikori

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Big-hitter Marin Cilic faced off against the rising star Kei Nishikori, the first Asian man in a Grand Slam final. It was a refreshing change to come to the US Open as a new era dawned. Both displayed incredible gameplay and aggressive baseline battle, with Cilic claiming his first Grand Slam title in a thrilling four-set battle.

Source: BBC

Wimbledon Final, 2017: Garbine Muguruza vs. Venus Williams

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When we talk about inspiring comebacks, the 2008 Wimbledon final between Garbine Muguruza and Venus Williams can’t be given a miss. A former prodigy facing doubts battled the experienced and powerful Williams. Muguruza’s aggressive baseline game overwhelmed Williams, marking a return to form for the Spaniard and proving that players can recapture their peak performance even after setbacks.

Source: Bleacher Report

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