2015: Top 5 Matches

Published 07/28/2015, 6:04 AM EDT

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The tennis year is more than half done. The clay and grass seasons are over, and the hard court one is about to kick off. 3 Grand Slams are done, and a picture has emerged, as we start for the last Slam of the Year. Novak Djokovic has been steamrollering everyone, Roger Federer, in his twilight, glows brighter than most stars in their prime, and Andy Murray starts each Slam as a Britisher, and ends it as a Scot. So, let us look at 5 of the finest matches we have witnessed at the Grand Slams this year, in the Men’s Half.

John Isner vs Marin Cilic (Wimbledon R32)

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John Isner has become something of a marathon match man, here at Wimbledon. Yes, that longest match ever guy. This year, he came up against 2014 US Open Champion, Marin Cilic, in the third round. And what we got was an instant classic. A tug of war between two big serving giants, this one was interrupted by rain too. Marin Cilic prevailed 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10 in this epic battle lasting 4 hours, 31 minutes. In an ironic twist of fate, Isner, a US citizen was defeated by the reigning US Open champion, on the fourth of July. And, Cilic’s match winning point was a double fault from Isner. Just digest that.

Roger Federer vs Andy Murray (Wimbledon SF)

A list of this year’s best matches cannot be compiled without this blast from the past by Roger Federer. Unlike other matches on the list, this one lasted only 3 sets. And the result was never in doubt. But, what propels this match to my list of the best 5 matches of the year, is the occasion (Wimbledon SF), the players involved, and Roger Federer turning back the clock in stunning fashion to destroy the ‘Scottish’ hope, 7-5, 7-5, 6-4. It wasn’t that Murray was having a bad day, not at all, just that the Swiss maestro was having one of his best. Later on, he himself admitted that this was some of the best tennis he has ever played. 

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal (French Open QF)

Now, the French Open this year saw better matches. There were bigger upsets too, none more than Stan Wawrinka routing Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in stunning fashion in the QF and Final respectively to take home the title. Neither was this one, in any way, the longest. Nor was it the most thrilling, as Benjamin Becker and Fernando Verdasco were involved in a visceral slugfest, which Becker eventually won, 10-8 in the last set. But, no match resonated with us for as long as this one. Infact, dare I say, no result has resonated with us, for a long time now. But, this was Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal prowls these territories like an Invincible. And has been doing so, for the past 10 years, where he won an astounding 9 titles here. Admittedly, he has hardly been in form this year, with injuries having plagued him. But, this was supposed to be the match where everything starts getting back to normal. Defeat Djokovic, then the others, win the French Open and restore some of that lost pride. But, things hardly ever go according to plan, right? Novak Djokovic procceded to dismantle the Spainard in that typical clockwork fashion of his, 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. Every point lost seemed like a dagger through the heart of the legacy Rafa had built here with unerring accuracy. The legend of the man was withering away. Rafael Nadal was defeated at Roland Garros, only for the second time in 72 matches. The last time this happened, it was obvious that this was a blip. Now, the promise of a return to winnig ways here rings hollow with each passing day.

Nick Kyrgios vs Andreas Seppi (R16)

Talk about coming crashing to the ground. Perhaps the season’s most extraordinarily thrilling contest was fought between home favourite Kyrgios, and the Italian journeyman Andreas Seppi. Seppi was OD’ing on confidence, having beaten 4 time champion Roger Federer in the previous round. And this one looked like it was heading the same way, with Seppi comfortably taking the first 2 sets, 7-5, 6-4. Kyrgios wasn’t helping his case either, with his temper and tantrums, things which are making him the new bad boy on the circuit. But, egged on by the vociferous home support, Kyrgios finally started showing his undeniable talent. He took the third 6-3, and in a thrilling fourth , saved a match point at 5-6, to take it to a tiebreak, where he clinched it 7-5. The stage was set for an epic decider, and the gentlemen obliged, breaking each other multiple times, as the audience gasped, as fortunes kept swinging, till Kyrgios finally decided to put an end to the mayhem, winning the set, 8-6, and thus advancing into the QFs.

Jarko Nieminen vs Lleyton Hewitt (Wimbledon R128)

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Never say die attitude, steadfastness, an almost obstinate desire to not lose. Warrior. What is the first name that comes to mind on hearing these words? Obviously, Lleyton Hewitt. The man who inspired an entire generation of rugged baseline players, with big serves, and an almost inexhaustible reserve of energy to rely on, finally said goodbye to his beloved sport. It was tearful. Almost. But, not quite. Hewitt was conquered 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 0-6, 9-11. The Australian legend’s last set personified his entire career, the way he has played the game. In that all action, relentless, no blood no glory sort of way. In the end, his legs gave away. And so did he, as he finally floundered in an epic last set: thus, putting an end to a glorious career. Top champions like Federer, Djokovic and Murray paid glowing tributes to this ultimate fighter and opponent, reminding us of the legacy the man leaves behind. Adios Rusty, you’ll be missed.

 

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Written by:

Shubham Chaturvedi

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