Greatest Comebacks in Tennis Grand Slam Finals

Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2008

For many, this final is arguably the greatest tennis match of all time. Wimbledon centre court in 2008 was the arena, Nadal and Federer the warriors and history the prize. Rafa Nadal would come from two sets behind to win a marathon four-hour match 4-6, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 7-9. 

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal, 2012 Australian Open

Another marathon battle, taking almost six-hours down under, Novak Djokovic was down a break in the final set against the giant that is Rafa Nadal. Using everything in his being to find a way through, Djokovic emerged victorious, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5.

Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 2017 Australian Open

Another one of the great clashes between Nadal and Federer was renewed in Australia. Roger Federer had been away from the game for the better part of six months due to a knee injury, but came back to eventually face his arch-rival in the final. 

Federer would go on to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 – a win that would see him claim his 18th Grand Slam title. 

Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer, 2019 Wimbledon

Who could forget this encounter? In the final of Wimbledon, Djokovic was asked to save two championship points which resulted in the first-ever Wimbledon final to go to a tiebreak at 12-12. The Serbian superstar would go on to claim the win in dramatic fashion.

Goran Ivanisevic vs Patrick Rafter, 2001 Wimbledon

Goran Ivanisevic entered Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard and had a ranking of 125 in the world. There wasn’t one person in the world who gave him a chance at winning the coveted title. 

He was pitted against US Open Champion, Patrick Rafter, who became everyone’s favourite to clinch victory. In a turn of events which changed history, Ivanisevic won a thrilling five-setter 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 to claim his first Grand Slam title.