Big Four: Top 10 GS Matches

The last decade has been described as the greatest ever to exist in our sport, with generational players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic battling for tennis’ greatest accolades. Andy Murray had been knocking on the door and created a significant place for himself in the history books- well, at least prior to his hip injury. The BIG FOUR have undoubtedly taken tennis to unprecedented heights and in the process have given plenty of memorable matches at the Grand Slams.

Together they have given us some unreal tennis moments and matches of such high quality, that doesn’t go down as normal routine stuff. And in Grand Slams, these champions bring their best on the court and the world can only bow down to their epicness! We tried to pick the best and most important 10 of their tussles.

Sit back and get ready to walk down the memory lanes of these classics. If you have watched them all, great. If not, then do yourself a favor and revisit them once you’re done scrolling.

#10.  Djokovic vs Federer

Roger Federer’s clay court capabilities have for long been underestimated, thanks to some brutal treatment handed to him by a Spaniard. But in this 2011 SF, Federer displayed why his clay court game deserves more respect. It took Federer just 4 sets- on his weakest surface- to put an end to Novak Djokovic’s unbeaten run of 43 matches. A supreme display of attacking clay court tennis against an opponent who sent the Swiss packing in 3 sets in Melbourne, took some people by surprise. Federer claimed it to be his best match of that particular year and not many would argue with that.

“He was taking control of the match but I managed to come back, definitely not easy against Roger. I tried to moderate myself. I think I played well. He played really well in important moments. I congratulate him. We were part of a very good match but it feels bad losing.” said Novak

It was the best match of the fortnight and arguably Federer’s greatest display of intelligent all-court tennis in Paris.

Winner: Federer 7-6(5) 6-3 3-6 7-6(5)

#9. Federer vs Nadal

For the second year in a row, these two clashed for the ultimate trophy in tennis. And having lost yet again to Nadal in the French Open final, Federer looked to settle the issue, on his turf, grass. It was another classic encounter of this great rivalry.

Federer led for the majority part of the match, dominating with offensive play, only to be matched by some incredible shot-making by Nadal. And when Rafa literally thrashed the champion in the fourth set, it looked as if the Spaniard would go on to win.

But Federer came back brilliantly to take the fifth set and also claim his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, equaling the record of Björn Borg. This was also the last time Federer beat Nadal in a Grand Slam match.

Winner: Federer 7-6(7) 4-6 7-6(3) 2-6 6-2

#8. Federer vs Nadal

The first final on the hard court between these two rivals – and another 5 sets thriller. Nadal still had to prove his mettle on the hard courts, while Federer was already one of the greatest hard court players ever. It was another trademark style of play from Nadal, hitting the forehand topspin to trouble Federer.

Federer looked uneasy as Nadal started dominating the proceedings and with some fine backhand play, took 2 sets to 1 lead. But that’s when Federer started being Federer, running away with his service games and putting pressure on the weak Rafa serve. He dominated the fourth set and took this final into a decider as the clock approached the four-hour mark.

It was Nadal who held on to his nerves, and a long Federer forehand gave Rafa his first Aus Open title. The match though is also remembered for Federer’s flow of emotion during the presentation ceremony. “It’s killing me.” , said a sobbing Federer, who pretty much looked inconsolable.

It also gave us one of the most iconic pictures of this rivalry! Such is the respect these two guys have for each other.

Critics said that Federer was done, many trolled him for breaking down, but soon he proved them wrong after clinching his first Roland Garros and a record-breaking 15th major at Wimbledon.

Winner: Nadal 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2

#7. Djokovic vs Federer

It was a repeat of last year’s semifinal, where Djokovic saved match points, to rally back and win it in five. This time he was down 2 sets to love, and it required a superhuman effort to come back from that position and win it, yet another heartbreak for Federer.

Djokovic looked all done after the first two sets, but then changed gears to come back in the next two. Federer somehow managed to get his level back, and had a chance to serve it out at 5-3 in the fifth. He had 2 match points on his serve – one was canceled out by a phenomenal return of serve, that Federer couldn’t even reach to and the second was a sheer blunder, as Roger missed a routine forehand and saw the ball kissing the netcord, and out of the sidelines.

Just like he saw match points slip away last year, he saw them slipping past this year too. Federer could never really recover after that. After getting the break back to make it 4-5, Novak won three straight games to seal the most remarkable comeback of his career, while for Federer, it was one of the biggest chokes. But the tennis enthusiasts got what they wanted. 3 hrs 51 minutes of breathtaking tennis, that had some top-notch rallies- many of them more than 20 shots!

“This was definitely the biggest win of this year and one of the biggest wins of my career,” Djokovic said after the match. “Roger was in control, I switched gears and managed to come back.”

This match also ensured that for the first time since 2002, Roger would end the year without a single Slam. Novak went on to beat Nadal in the final, to claim his first US Open and his third Slam of that year.

Winner : Djokovic 6-7(7) 4-6 6-3 6-2 7-5

#6. Djokovic vs Murray

Andy Murray was in the final again, it wasn’t unfamiliar territory for him, but what he failed to do till now was to ultimately win the title. And all of that was about to change.

After battling for almost 87 minutes, squandering a break and five sets points, Murray took the first set in a nail-biting tie-break. He then led 4-0, but a lapse in concentration saw Djokovic’s return in the set. Still, the Scot managed to squeeze the set. The match had already turned a classic, having long physical rallies and testing the mental limits of these two. It even included a 52 shot rally.

Then Djokovic proved why he’s the toughest man mentally on the tour, the defending champion came back to take the match to a decider and it looked as if Murray’s dream will have to wait. But the Scot was up to the task, he recollected himself exceptionally well and muscled his way past the Djokovic defense, to earn his first Grand Slam title.

A five-set thriller that also equaled the record of longest USO final of 4 hrs and 54 minutes!

Wunner: Murray 7-6(10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2

#5. Djokovic vs Murray

Novak led by a set and a break, before a fighting Murray came back, to capture the second set. Djokovic had some breathing issues, due to an allergy. He looked a bit uncomfortable on the court, but he managed to stay in the rallies, saved break points but couldn’t hold on to the Scot, who wrapped up the third set in the tie break.

It was a high-quality affair, not the neatest of course, as both players had more unforced errors rather than winners.

Djokovic demolished Murray in the fourth and then took – what looked like a decisive lead- a 5-2 lead. Murray stormed his way back, breaking Novak to love and made it 5-5. But Djokovic kept his cool, held onto his serve and broke again to win. He crumbled on the floor after clinching this phenomenal win.

“Andy deserves the credit to come back from 2-5 down. He was fighting. I was fighting,” Djokovic said. “Not many words that can describe the feeling of the match.”

“It was a physical match … it was one of the best matches I played. Emotionally and mentally it was equally hard.”

It wasn’t a perfect match by any means, a lot of errors kept creeping in from both sides. But what made it so special was the toe-to-toe battle in all the points and how each of them battled issues of forms and fitness to deliver this epic.

It was also a significant turnaround for Murray, who now was getting a lot closer to winning these big matches. This match gave him the belief that he can really go the distance against the big guys. He was disappointed but definitely took pride in his performance.

Winner: Djokovic 6-3 3-6 6-7(4) 6-1 7-5

#4. Djokovic vs Nadal

Apart from its insane quality of tennis on display, this match tops this list because of how it turned Novak Djokovic’s 2018-potentially career- around and it probably included the most important play(shot) of the year, when Djokovic hit a crosscourt passing winner to save a break point at 7-7 in the final set. Oh, not to forget how it was a virtual final of the most coveted tournament of the game- Wimbledon.

“I’m really, really pleased. I was very emotional after the match, as well, because it’s been a long 15 months for me, trying to overcome different obstacles,” Djokovic said. “To be where I am at the moment is quite satisfying.”

Narratives aside- and leaving out the roof controversy as well- the two heavyweights of men’s tennis produced jaw-dropping shot-making throughout the 5 hours and 15 minutes of this Herculean saga at the Grand Slam. Both ended up with identical winners and unforced errors numbers.

“Normally I am very critical with myself,” Nadal said. “I hit great shots. I played aggressive. I missed balls, not too many, but I missed some ones. When you play with that intensity, with that level of risk, that level of passion, sometimes you go over. [I have] nothing to complain [about]. I think I played a great match. I have not much more inside me. I gave it my best, and that’s it.”

Winner: Djokovic 6-4 3-6 7-6(9) 3-6 10-8 

#3. Djokovic vs Nadal

Djokovic came into this match after ending Rafa’s run at Monte Carlo and with hopes of turning things around after last year’s defeat in the final to Nadal.

Nadal had made an incredible comeback since his injury in 2012, winning 6 of the 8 tournaments he went in.

It turned out to be an extraordinary clash- Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, and John McEnroe, all claimed this was the greatest clay court match to ever take place in tennis history.

After three sets of grueling tennis Novak broke Rafa in the fourth, twice, but still had to play a tiebreaker. He eventually managed to take the set and then led 4-2 in the final set, only to watch Rafa storm back on his crushed bricks and take it all away. 9-7 in the final set after 4 hours and 37 minutes of sheer physical tennis.

But such matches are decided by the mental aspects of these great champions- and they don’t differ by much. Novak missed a winner at the net, that turned out to be crucial. At 4–3 in the final set, Djokovic gave away a point when he ran into the net after hitting what would have been a winning overhead. He did put the ball away, but ended up touching the net and thus lost the point.

A pretty controversial or let’s say unlucky event. And that probably would’ve played on his mind. Such are the fine margins, that decide these huge matches.

Nadal then went on to claim a record eighth French Open crown!

Winner: Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7(3) 9-7

#2. Djokovic vs Nadal

You waited for this one, we can bet! The longest Grand slam final ever definitely deserves a place here. Drama, excitement, nerve-rattling rallies, and phenomenal tennis- that pretty much sums it up as these two tennis giants were locked in this 5 hours and 53 minutes long epic.

After sealing a close first set, Nadal gave away the advantage in the next two set and the defending champion Djokovic looked in control. A thrilling tiebreak followed in the fourth set, and with some exceptional passing shots.

Nadal came back from the deepest of the abyss and went down on his knees after taking away the fourth – it meant so much to him. He then went a break up in the decider, but the tension was such, that Nadal couldn’t consolidate the break – missing one of the easiest shots in the match! Nadal was running like an engine, a commentator said that this guy has petrol pumping in his legs.

The players were so mentally and physically exhausted, that in some rallies they only tried to clear the net, hitting the balls straight at each other’s racquet- as if waiting to see who would blink first. It was Djokovic who finally broke again to clinch the greatest win of his life.

During the trophy ceremony, both Nadal and Djokovic required chairs, as they were both so tired that they couldn’t stand. Nadal said it was one of his toughest defeat ever. McEnroe claimed it to be the greatest match, but it falls short to claim the top spot- probably due to some monotonous rallies.

Winner: Djokovic 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5

#1. Federer vs Nadal

Well, this match not just tops our countdown, but is also widely regarded as the greatest match ever. It’s a significant match in the tennis history due to the impact it had on the tennis world and the debate that followed this blockbuster.

A lot has already been written and said about this match- in real depths. It was another highly anticipated fixture and Rafa entered the court to finally get his hands on the trophy, after failing to do so on two previous occasions.

The Spaniard had all the answers to the arsenal of Federer and to everyone’s surprise, took two sets to love lead. Federer bounced back to clinch the third in a tie break. And after holding on to serves in the fourth, what followed was a remarkable phase in this match- the fourth set tiebreak. Federer came back from two Championship Points down to win the breaker – thanks to one of the most glorious backhands down the line passing winner ( You really need to watch the video!). Federer still regards it as the points he cherishes the most.

The fifth set was no less drama, as lights started to fade out at Centre Court, a Federer forehand in the net handed Rafa his first Wimbledon title and ended this titanic battle- lasting 4 hours and 48 minutes.

One of the finest quality of tennis you shall ever witness. Two contrasting styles made it even more special. It was well past 9 in London when the Centre Court was lit only by the flashlights of cameras. It also ended Federer’s five-year winning streak on grass and this moment is also regarded as the beginning of the decline in Federer’s domination.

The master was outdone by his biggest rival at his favorite arena. But Federer made sure that even in his defeat, it would go down as one of his stellar performances. A match that deserves to be on the top of any list, that will be talked about for ages to come! We can only feel privileged to have witnessed something alien.

Winner: Nadal 6-4 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(8) 9-7

So that sums up this countdown. Hope you enjoyed it!