Tennis has delivered some truly legendary battles — marathon showdowns, dramatic comebacks, and moments where both skill and mental toughness were pushed to the absolute limit.
Here’s a ranked list of the Top 10 Greatest Tennis Matches ever played. These are the clashes that defined eras, created rivalries, and left fans speechless.
10. Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev – Australian Open Final (2022)
Down two sets and facing a red-hot Medvedev, Nadal clawed back in a five-set thriller to win his 21st Grand Slam. A masterclass in endurance and belief.
9. Steffi Graf vs Monica Seles – French Open Final (1992)
Two icons at their peak. The match swung back and forth before Graf finally prevailed. This was power tennis at its finest — intense, aggressive, and iconic.
8. Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer – Wimbledon Final (2019)
The longest final in Wimbledon history, lasting nearly 5 hours. Djokovic saved two championship points and won in a historic final-set tiebreak. A mental and physical war.
7. Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert – French Open Final (1985)
This rivalry delivered yet another classic. The contrast in styles — power vs precision — made every rally compelling. Navratilova edged it in a tight three-set battle.
6. Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic – US Open Final (2012)
Murray finally broke through in a brutal five-set grind. Long rallies, massive momentum shifts, and emotion poured into every point. A career-defining win for Murray.
5. Serena Williams vs Venus Williams – Australian Open Final (2017)
Two sisters, two champions, meeting once again in a Grand Slam final. Serena won her 23rd major in a match that combined emotion, elegance, and legacy.
4. John McEnroe vs Björn Borg – Wimbledon Final (1980)
This match had everything — a tiebreak for the ages, polar opposite personalities, and a razor-thin finish. Borg’s win in five sets solidified this as an all-time classic.
3. Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – Australian Open Final (2012)
Nearly six hours of elite baseline tennis. Both players refused to give an inch in what remains the longest Grand Slam final ever. Djokovic eventually triumphed, physically and emotionally spent.
2. Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal – Wimbledon Final (2008)
Widely considered the greatest match in tennis history. Nadal dethroned the five-time defending champion in a five-set epic that ended in near darkness. Quality, drama, and legacy — all in one match.
1. Isner vs Mahut – Wimbledon First Round (2010)
It wasn’t a final. It wasn’t a rivalry. But it was historic. The match lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over 3 days, finishing 70-68 in the final set. A once-in-a-lifetime battle of pure endurance.
Honorable Mentions:
Which match is your #1 and why?
Did we miss a classic you think deserves to be on this list?
Drop your picks and memories below — let’s talk tennis history!
Read More: Top 10 Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time
Here’s a ranked list of the Top 10 Greatest Tennis Matches ever played. These are the clashes that defined eras, created rivalries, and left fans speechless.
10. Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev – Australian Open Final (2022)
Down two sets and facing a red-hot Medvedev, Nadal clawed back in a five-set thriller to win his 21st Grand Slam. A masterclass in endurance and belief.
9. Steffi Graf vs Monica Seles – French Open Final (1992)
Two icons at their peak. The match swung back and forth before Graf finally prevailed. This was power tennis at its finest — intense, aggressive, and iconic.
8. Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer – Wimbledon Final (2019)
The longest final in Wimbledon history, lasting nearly 5 hours. Djokovic saved two championship points and won in a historic final-set tiebreak. A mental and physical war.
7. Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert – French Open Final (1985)
This rivalry delivered yet another classic. The contrast in styles — power vs precision — made every rally compelling. Navratilova edged it in a tight three-set battle.
6. Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic – US Open Final (2012)
Murray finally broke through in a brutal five-set grind. Long rallies, massive momentum shifts, and emotion poured into every point. A career-defining win for Murray.
5. Serena Williams vs Venus Williams – Australian Open Final (2017)
Two sisters, two champions, meeting once again in a Grand Slam final. Serena won her 23rd major in a match that combined emotion, elegance, and legacy.
4. John McEnroe vs Björn Borg – Wimbledon Final (1980)
This match had everything — a tiebreak for the ages, polar opposite personalities, and a razor-thin finish. Borg’s win in five sets solidified this as an all-time classic.
3. Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – Australian Open Final (2012)
Nearly six hours of elite baseline tennis. Both players refused to give an inch in what remains the longest Grand Slam final ever. Djokovic eventually triumphed, physically and emotionally spent.
2. Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal – Wimbledon Final (2008)
Widely considered the greatest match in tennis history. Nadal dethroned the five-time defending champion in a five-set epic that ended in near darkness. Quality, drama, and legacy — all in one match.
1. Isner vs Mahut – Wimbledon First Round (2010)
It wasn’t a final. It wasn’t a rivalry. But it was historic. The match lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over 3 days, finishing 70-68 in the final set. A once-in-a-lifetime battle of pure endurance.
Honorable Mentions:- Pete Sampras vs Andre Agassi – US Open Final (2001)
- Ash Barty vs Karolina Pliskova – Wimbledon Final (2021)
- Monica Seles vs Jennifer Capriati – US Open (1991)
- Federer vs Roddick – Wimbledon Final (2009)
Which match is your #1 and why?
Did we miss a classic you think deserves to be on this list?
Drop your picks and memories below — let’s talk tennis history!
Read More: Top 10 Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time
