Seven of the greatest rivalries in men’s tennis history
Tennis has produced some of the most memorable rivalries in the history of sports. From the days of Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe to the modern era of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, in this article, we will take a closer look at seven of the greatest rivalries in tennis history
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic during the French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2022
© AI / Reuters / Panoramic
This is arguably the greatest rivalry in the history of tennis. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have faced each other 59 times in their careers, with Djokovic holding a slight edge with 30 wins to Nadal’s 29. The two players have met in some of the biggest matches in tennis, including 13 Grand Slam matchups. Their matches are always intense and high-quality, with both players pushing each other to their limits.
Their most recent match was at the 2022 French Open, where Nadal defeated Djokovic in four sets in the quarter-finals. With both players still active and at the top of their game, this rivalry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have faced each other 51 times, with Djokovic holding a 28-23 edge. Their matches were always highly anticipated, with both players known for their incredible shot-making ability and tactical intelligence. Djokovic and Federer faced each other in some of the biggest matches in tennis, including nine Grand Slam matchups.
Their last match was at the 2020 Australian Open, where Djokovic defeated Federer in straight sets in the semifinals. With both players still active and highly competitive, this rivalry is sure to produce more classic matches in the future.
Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced each other 40 times, with Nadal holding a dominant edge with 24 wins to Federer’s 16. This rivalry was unique in that it pitted Federer’s elegant and graceful style of play against Nadal’s aggressive and physical game. The two players faced each other in some of the most iconic matches in tennis history, including nine Grand Slam finals.
Their last ever match was at the 2019 Wimbledon semi-finals, where Federer defeated Nadal in four sets. While Nadal has the edge in their head-to-head record, Federer’s ability to produce magic on the court means that this rivalry is always one to watch.
Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have faced each other 36 times, with Djokovic holding a commanding edge with 25 wins to Murray’s 11. This rivalry has produced some incredible matches, with both players known for their incredible athleticism and mental toughness. Djokovic and Murray have faced each other in several Grand Slam finals, including three in a row between 2013 and 2015.
Their most recent match was at the 2022 Madrid Masters, where Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals after Murray withdrew due to injury. While Murray has struggled with injuries in recent years, this rivalry is still one of the most memorable in tennis history.
BJORN BORG V JOHN MCENROE
Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe had one of the most exciting and intense rivalries in the history of men’s tennis. Borg, the ice-cool baseliner, against McEnroe, the serve and volleyer, played each other just 14 times but many of their meetings were all-time classics.
Their five-set battle in the 1980 Wimbledon final is consistently voted as one of the best matches of all-time, with the iconic fourth-set tiebreaker, containing 34 points shown on TV on a regular basis even now.
McEnroe won the tiebreak but not the match as Borg sealed his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. McEnroe got his revenge the following year, beating Borg in four sets for the first of his three Wimbledon titles.
Ivan Lendl vs. John McEnroe
Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe had a fierce rivalry during the 1980s. They faced each other 36 times with Lendl winning 21 of those matches. Lendl was known for his baseline power game and McEnroe for his serve and volley style. Their contrasting styles made for some exciting and intense matches.
Their most famous encounter was the 1984 French Open final, which saw McEnroe win the first two sets before Lendl fought back to win the match. Their rivalry helped to popularize tennis in the United States, and their matches were often watched by millions of people.
Jimmy Connors vs. John McEnroe
Another great rivalry from the 1980s was between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. They played each other 35 times, with McEnroe winning 20 of those matches. Connors was known for his aggressive style of play, while McEnroe was known for his finesse and touch.
Their rivalry peaked in the early 1980s when they played some of the most memorable matches in tennis history. One of their most famous matches was the 1984 Wimbledon final, which McEnroe won in three sets, dropping just four games.
Their rivalry was marked by their contrasting personalities, with Connors being known for his intensity and McEnroe for his temper. Despite their differences, they shared a mutual respect for each other’s game and pushed each other to new heights.
Boris Becker vs. Stefan Edberg
Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg were two of the best tennis players of the 1980s and 1990s. They played each other 35 times, with Becker winning 25 of those matches. Becker was known for his powerful serve and attacking game, while Edberg was known for his graceful movement and precise volleys.
Their rivalry began in the mid-1980s and continued into the early 1990s, with many of their matches being played on grass courts. They met in three consecutive Wimbledon finals, with Becker winning two of them. Their matches were often characterised by long rallies and thrilling tiebreaks.
Their rivalry helped to define an era of tennis and showcased two of the most talented and exciting players of their generation.
Tennis has seen some of the greatest rivalries in the history of sports. From the classic Borg vs. McEnroe matches to the current Djokovic vs. Nadal rivalry, these matches have captured the imagination of tennis fans all over the world. Each of these rivalries has its unique character, with some marked by contrasting styles of play and others by differences in personality. The Betway offer for new customers is an excellent opportunity for tennis fans to bet on their favourite players and experience the thrill of these epic matches.
