Over the last 15 years, 3 extraordinary gentlemen have dominated the game of tennis at a level which has never been seen before in any sport. The trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have combined to win a whopping total of 56 Grand Slam titles, to establish themselves as arguably the 3 greatest tennis players of all time. The ‘Big 3’ as they are fondly called, have fought many wars of attrition within themselves on the grandest of stages, leaving all the viewers gasping for breath. Let’s look at 5 such matches which have served as an epitome of skill, drama, thrill, emotion and pure gladiatorial spirit in tennis.
5. Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer- US Open 2011 Semifinal
While 2015 was statistically Djokovic’s best year, it was 2011 that made heads turn. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Djokovic’s level of play that year changed the course of tennis history. And it was the semifinal vs Roger Federer at the US Open that perfectly defines his character. Down 2 sets, and later 2 match points, he fought back like only he can. Completing a miraculous comeback, he would go on to lift the trophy beating his other great rival Rafael Nadal in the final. The forehand winner down the line when he was a match point down on Federer’s serve, has become stuff of legends.
4. Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic- French Open 2013 Semifinal
Beating Nadal on the red clay of Paris is unquestionably the greatest challenge in tennis. His record there is almost extraterrestrial, having won 12 titles with a win-loss record of 93-2. If anyone has come close to defeating him there when he was injury-free, it was Djokovic in 2013. An absolute war of attrition between two of the greatest fighters, the match lasted 4 hours and 37 minutes ending with a 9-7 win for Nadal in a manic 5th set. This was the one Djokovic badly wanted, but blew it after being a break up in the 5th set. Nadal reiterated his standing as the absolute ‘King of Clay’, a peak that will never be scaled.
3. Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal- Australian Open 2017 Final
This was a match made in heaven. The two legends aged well over 30, rolled back the years in an absolute epic battle. After injuries interrupted their progress massively in 2016, no one thought they could ever make a Grand Slam final again. But here they were. Putting on a show in a 5 set thriller full of drama and emotion, Federer edged Nadal to win his 18th Grand Slam title. Nadal was a break up in the 5th set, but Federer cast his trademark magic spell to comeback and lift the crown. As Federer rightly pointed out after winning this stroke-for-stroke battle, ‘If tennis had draws, I would happily share the trophy with Nadal’.
2. Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal- Australian Open 2012 Final
Watching Djokovic and Nadal play out epic battles is like watching two gladiators baying for blood. If Nadal has the heart of a lion, Djokovic has the mind of a champion. If Nadal is the brute force, Djokovic is the master of holistic technique. If Nadal is the best counter-puncher, Djokovic is the unbreakable wall of defence. The 2012 Australian Open final symbolized everything this perfect match-up of styles stands for. A 5 hours and 53 minutes battle, the longest Grand Slam final ever, after which the two almost collapsed in the presentation ceremony. Djokovic beat Nadal in this see-sawing battle, winning 7-5 in the 5th set. But honestly none deserved to lose this one.
1. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer- Wimbledon 2008 Final
This match-up of contrasts reached its peak in 2008. Nadal was the undisputed greatest clay courter, but no one thought he would ever win on grass. He had lost to Federer in the last two Wimbledon finals, but reaching there itself was considered an achievement considering his style of play. Federer on the other hand, played at Wimbledon as if it were his home. 5 titles in a row, he was going for a record 6th. What ensued was a spectacle. An unreal level of play between two of the greatest, that had some of the most sick shot-making ever seen. A match that lasted 4 hours 48 minutes, was spread across 7 hours with several rain interruptions in between. The ending was something out of a Hollywood blockbuster. The match ended at 9 pm local time, in absolute darkness, with Nadal winning the 5th set 9-7. Thereby laying his hands on the trophy he was desperate to win, and ending Federer’s stranglehold. This one had everything that sport stands for. Extraordinary skill, thrill, drama, emotion, an exciting storyline and an intriguing backdrop.
The thrill of calming one’s nerves in the direst of situations is a major constituent of euphoria in the conquest of paradise in sport- because sportspersons are rarely anhedonic by nature. The very fact that they yearned to take up the sport professionally, spawns from their inherent lust for the thrill and the atmosphere of the arena. And no other sport embodies this fact better than this trio of champions in tennis.