Tennis
Greatest Comebacks in Tennis Grand Slam Finals
As the famous adage goes, once tennis has got you, it’s got you. It is more than simply a game of skill and powerful movement. It is a test of character and mental toughness – especially in the singles arena. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest comebacks in tennis Grand Slam finals.
Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic//Getty Images
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2008
For many, this final is arguably the greatest tennis match of all time. Wimbledon centre court in 2008 was the arena, Nadal and Federer the warriors and history the prize. Rafa Nadal would come from two sets behind to win a marathon four-hour match 4-6, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 7-9.
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal, 2012 Australian Open
Another marathon battle, taking almost six-hours down under, Novak Djokovic was down a break in the final set against the giant that is Rafa Nadal. Using everything in his being to find a way through, Djokovic emerged victorious, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5.
Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 2017 Australian Open
Another one of the great clashes between Nadal and Federer was renewed in Australia. Roger Federer had been away from the game for the better part of six months due to a knee injury, but came back to eventually face his arch-rival in the final.
Federer would go on to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 – a win that would see him claim his 18th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer, 2019 Wimbledon
Who could forget this encounter? In the final of Wimbledon, Djokovic was asked to save two championship points which resulted in the first-ever Wimbledon final to go to a tiebreak at 12-12. The Serbian superstar would go on to claim the win in dramatic fashion.
Goran Ivanisevic vs Patrick Rafter, 2001 Wimbledon
Goran Ivanisevic entered Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard and had a ranking of 125 in the world. There wasn’t one person in the world who gave him a chance at winning the coveted title.
He was pitted against US Open Champion, Patrick Rafter, who became everyone’s favourite to clinch victory. In a turn of events which changed history, Ivanisevic won a thrilling five-setter 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 to claim his first Grand Slam title.
Goran Ivanisevic vs Patrick Rafter
| Matchup | Result |
| Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2008 | Nadal: 4-6, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 7-9. |
| Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal, 2012 Australian Open | Djokovic: 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. |
| Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 2017 Australian Open | Federer: 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 |
| Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer, 2019 Wimbledon | Djokovic: 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 |
| Goran Ivanisevic vs Patrick Rafter, 2001 Wimbledon | Ivanisevic: 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 |
Conclusion
The drama, excitement and intrigue around tennis is captured in these games which defy all rational thought and captivate the attention of tennis fans around the world. This is truly a sport where underdogs become champions and then into legends!
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.