Wimbledon is arguably the biggest event in the tennis calendar. That reputation has been developed over a long period of time, during which there have been some truly memorable moments.
Those betting online as these epic games have gone on have been left pulling out their hair, unable to predict the outcome. And some games have been truly remarkable, defying the odds and baffling bookmakers and fans alike.
With 2023’s Wimbledon tournament now upon us, it’s a perfect time to reflect on some of the most memorable matches in its history.
Let’s kick things off with one of the best matches of all time, featuring two legends of the sport.
Rafael Nadal v Roger Federer (2008 final)
At this point in tennis history, Roger Federer had won the previous five Wimbledon titles in a row, a truly remarkable feat. Federer was at the top of his game and consistently graced the court with his effortless and clinical style.
Rafa Nadal was hot on his heels, however, and in 2008’s Wimbledon tournament, he was out for revenge against Federer after the Swiss beat him in the final in a five-set thriller the year before.
It was clear from the off that both players were hell-bent on winning. The match lasted a staggering four hours and 48 minutes, making it the longest final in Wimbledon history.
More than once, the match was stopped due to rain, and a gusting wind threatened both players’ games. But it was Nadal, the fan-favorite from Spain, who ended up clinching it, winning 3-2 on sets, with the final set finishing 9-7. Tennis legend John McEnroe declared it the best match he’d ever seen.
Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe (1980 final)
Speaking of John McEnroe, the American also has a strong claim for one of the best Wimbledon finals of all time.
Another epic five-set game, this one is remembered for the tiebreaker that took place to decide the fourth set.
Leading up to this point, McEnroe had come out swinging, taking the first set 6-1. But Bjorn Borg fought back well, taking the next two. Borg also tried to get into a few match point positions in that set, but McEnroe resisted gamely and the set went to a tiebreaker.
The final score in that tiebreak ended on an incredible 18-16 and lasted almost as long as the first set. Both players defied numerous match and set points, but it was McEnroe who eventually won it, to level the match 2-2.
Borg ended up battling to an 8-6 victory in that final set, marking this as one of the most memorable matches in Wimbledon history.
John Isner v Nicolas Mahut (2010 first round)
Anyone who tuned in to the 2010 Wimbledon competition would be hard-pressed to forget this match. It’s not quite the quality of the tennis that was on display that fans recall, but the duration of the tie.
With the final set in Wimbledon matches unable to be decided via tiebreaker, players have to keep playing until someone wins by two clear games. In the case of John Isner and Nicholas Mahut, neither player wanted to give it up.
The match ended up lasting a total of 11 hours and five minutes. Play had to be suspended at the end of day one due to a lack of light. At this point, the score was tied 59-59. The pair resumed the following day, with neither giving up, until at last, Isner edged it 70-68. It remains a truly unforgettable match in Wimbledon folklore.
Goran Ivanisevic v Tim Henman (2001 semifinals)
Before Andy Murray, British tennis fans pinned their hopes on a man named Tim Henman. He managed to get to the semifinals of Wimbledon four times but never reached a final.
Arguably, the one occasion on which many thought he could have won the title was in 2001. To get to the final, he had to beat wildcard entry Goran Ivanisevic.
Things looked rosy for the Brit when he took a 2-1 lead in sets and then a 2-1 lead in the fourth set. However, they ran out of daylight, so play was suspended and resumed the following day. That seemed to break Henman’s rhythm and Ivanisevic pulled back.
The final set was played out on a third day and Henman crumbled under the weight of expectation. The outsider Ivanisevic prevailed and made history as the first unseeded player to win the coveted Wimbledon title.
