The Most Iconic Tennis Matches of the Open Era

20 November 2025

Tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a drama played out on a court. Over the years, we’ve seen jaw-dropping comebacks, epic rivalries, and nail-biting moments that have had fans on the edge of their seats. And since the launch of the Open Era in 1968, when professionals were finally allowed to compete in Grand Slam tournaments, tennis has gifted us some of the most iconic showdowns in sports history.

If you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who loves watching emotionally charged battles, this list of the most iconic tennis matches of the Open Era will take you on a memory-filled ride. So, grab your racket (or your popcorn) and let's dive into the matches that made history.

What Makes a Tennis Match “Iconic”?

Before we start swinging backhand winners and ripping forehands down the line, let’s clarify one thing—what exactly makes a tennis match iconic? It's not just about the number of aces or the final score. It's about intensity, context, rivalry, and legacy.

We're talking about matches that made people cry, yell at their TVs, or even change the trajectory of a player's career. Whether it's a stunning comeback, a five-set thriller, or a clash between tennis titans—these matches are unforgettable for a reason.

1. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe – 1980 Wimbledon Final

Let’s kick it off with a match that feels like a Hollywood script.

Date: July 5, 1980
Result: Borg def. McEnroe 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7 (16–18), 8–6

This match wasn’t just a clash of skill, but of personalities. Borg, the ice-cold Swede, versus McEnroe, the fiery American with the temper as famous as his backhand. The fourth-set tiebreak alone is considered one of the finest in tennis history—it went on for a staggering 22 minutes!

McEnroe saved five championship points but eventually lost in a heartbreaking fifth set. This match defined ‘epic’ long before it became a buzzword on social media.

2. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer – 2008 Wimbledon Final

Date: July 6, 2008
Result: Nadal def. Federer 6–4, 6–4, 6–7 (5–7), 6–7 (8–10), 9–7

This wasn’t just a match; it was a symphony of tennis beauty. Considered by many (including yours truly) as the greatest match ever played, the 2008 Wimbledon final saw Nadal dethrone the five-time defending champ Federer in a match that lasted nearly five hours—and it ended in near darkness.

Everything was perfect: the shot-making, the tension, the rain delays, and the sportsmanship. Federer’s silky elegance clashed with Nadal’s relentless grind, and it was pure magic.

3. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – 2019 Wimbledon Final

Date: July 14, 2019
Result: Djokovic def. Federer 7–6 (7–5), 1–6, 7–6 (7–4), 4–6, 13–12 (7–3)

Need proof that tennis evolves? This match had the first-ever fifth-set tiebreaker in a Wimbledon final—and it was a doozy.

Federer had two championship points on his serve. Let that sink in. Two. At 37, he looked ready to defy Father Time. But Djokovic, the human wall, clawed his way back and stole the match. This was a brutal, psychological battle that no one saw coming. It was a masterclass in resilience and mental toughness.

4. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams – 2003 Australian Open Final

Date: January 25, 2003
Result: Serena def. Venus 7–6 (7–4), 3–6, 6–4

Sisters on opposite sides of the net, with a Grand Slam title at stake? Yes, please.

This was Serena’s fourth consecutive Slam win, completing the so-called “Serena Slam.” Venus wasn’t just her opponent—she was her toughest test. The match highlighted not only their talent but how much they raised the bar for women’s tennis.

The mental game was off the charts. You could tell they didn’t just want to win; they wanted to beat each other at their best.

5. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic – 2012 US Open Final

Date: September 10, 2012
Result: Murray def. Djokovic 7–6 (12–10), 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2

Talk about grit. Murray was chasing history, looking to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936. On the other side was Djokovic, the brick wall of tennis with no off switch.

The match lasted nearly five hours and saw momentum swing like a pendulum. When Murray finally sealed the win, the entire UK probably heard the cheer. It was the breakthrough he—and British tennis—desperately needed.

6. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles – 1992 French Open Final

Date: June 6, 1992
Result: Seles def. Graf 6–2, 3–6, 10–8

Two legends. One clay court. This match is etched in history for how evenly matched these two were.

Seles was the younger, more aggressive player; Graf, the seasoned icon with that legendary forehand. Their clash in Paris was emotionally charged and physically draining. The final set was a test of nerves and willpower. No tiebreaks on clay meant both players had to fight to the bitter end, and Seles came out on top.

7. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi – 2001 US Open Quarterfinal

Date: September 6, 2001
Result: Sampras def. Agassi 6–7 (7–9), 7–6 (7–2), 7–6 (7–2), 7–6 (7–5)

Want to watch a match with zero breaks of serve but still be glued to the screen? This was it.

These two American legends served up a classic at the tail-end of their legendary careers. It was all about power, precision, and ice-cold nerves. Every set went to a tiebreak. That’s how tight it was. Fans didn’t sit—they leaned forward for three hours straight.

8. Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert – 1985 French Open Final

Date: June 8, 1985
Result: Evert def. Navratilova 6–3, 6–7 (4–7), 7–5

This match wasn’t just about tennis—it was about legacy.

You had two of the greatest to ever play the game, squaring off in yet another chapter of their iconic rivalry. Evert broke Navratilova’s streak of Grand Slam wins in a match filled with precision, passion, and pure will.

It was also a reminder that great rivalries can elevate both athletes to a whole new level.

9. Stan Wawrinka vs. Novak Djokovic – 2015 French Open Final

Date: June 7, 2015
Result: Wawrinka def. Djokovic 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4

Was this the biggest upset of the decade? Quite possible.

Djokovic was on a rampage that year. He was the heavy favorite, just one win away from completing a career Grand Slam. But Wawrinka? He had other plans.

Armed with one of the most lethal one-handed backhands in the game, the Swiss underdog played lights-out tennis and shocked everyone. It was a reminder that in tennis, nothing’s written in stone—especially on the red dirt of Roland Garros.

10. Naomi Osaka vs. Serena Williams – 2018 US Open Final

Date: September 8, 2018
Result: Osaka def. Serena 6–2, 6–4

This match was memorable for both the tennis and the controversy.

On one hand, you had Serena, on the hunt for her 24th Grand Slam. On the other, 20-year-old Osaka, seemingly unfazed by the occasion. But the match will most be remembered for the emotional rollercoaster sparked by a heated clash between Serena and the umpire.

Amid boos from the crowd and tears from both players, Osaka walked away with her first Slam. It was a powerful, complex moment in tennis—a changing of the guard, but also a reminder of just how human these athletes are.

Why These Matches Still Matter

You might be wondering, “Why go back in time like this?”

Because these matches are more than old highlights—they’re chapters in a living, breathing story. Whether it’s Federer’s grace, Nadal’s fight, Serena’s power, or Djokovic’s grit, each match showcases what makes tennis such an incredible sport.

They remind us that greatness doesn’t just show up—it’s hard-earned, fought for, and tested under the brightest lights and most intense pressure.

Final Thoughts

Tennis has given us drama, heartbreak, joy, and glory—all wrapped up in a fuzzy yellow ball. The Open Era has served as a golden stage where legends are made. And let’s be real—if you didn’t get goosebumps reading about these iconic showdowns, are you even a tennis fan?

So, whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned veteran who remembers where you were for that 2008 Wimbledon final, one thing is clear: tennis is timeless. And these matches? They’re the stuff of legend.