Most Epic Rivalry: Iconic Moments in Tennis History
Across the history of tennis, the lifeblood of the sport has been a wide range of riveting rivalries which have captured the imagination of the public, and inspired fans from every corner of the globe.
What do you think is the most epic rivalry in tennis history?
AND THE NOMINEES ARE...
Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova
Historians classify this as not only the greatest rivalry in the history of tennis, but the best in sports. From 1973-88 they contested 80 matches, countless classics and 14 major finals. Evert was masterful from the backcourt while Navratilova attacked unrelentingly. Fans rejoiced at the singular style and grace they witnessed from two outstanding champions.
Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic
These towering figures have been majestic against each other. In 2004, Federer and Nadal contested the first of forty scintillating duels. At last count, Djokovic and Nadal had collided on 58 occasions, meeting in nine finals combined at all four majors. The Serbian and Swiss had clashed fifty times from 2006-2021. These enduring rivalries have been game changers.
Stefanie Graf vs. Monica Seles
No women’s rivalry of the 1990’s measured up to this one. They transformed the game with title round meetings at all four of the majors, making the sport soar to a new level. Seles hit the ball bigger off both sides than any woman had before. Graf’s spectacularly explosive forehand and foot speed were incomparable. Their duels sparkled.
Jimmy Connors vs. John McEnroe vs. Björn Borg
This iconic trio produced countless blockbusters. The Borg-McEnroe 1978-81 series ended at 7-7, featuring four major finals. McEnroe’s highly charged skirmishes with Connors were highlighted by two Wimbledon finals and a pair of pulsating US Open semifinals. Borg confronting Connors was a connoisseur’s goldmine including 1976 US Open and 1977 Wimbledon final round gems.
Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi
From 1989-2002, these two American stalwarts celebrated a spirited rivalry including five final round contests in major tournaments. Sampras’s serenity on the court was complimented by Agassi’s emotive personality. The supreme serve-and-volley artist Sampras took 20 of 34 showdowns over the brilliant baseline practitioner Agassi as fans flocked to see their riveting encounters.
Billie Jean King vs. Margaret Court
Seasoned fans watching King and Court in the sixties and seventies relished their battles. They came forward relentlessly and played the percentages unswervingly. King was more creative but Court was sturdier and supremely disciplined. Court’s extraordinary expansiveness at the net led King to call her “The Arm”. Their skirmishes—most prominently an epic 1970 Wimbledon final—defined an era.
Rod Laver vs. Ken Rosewall
Rosewall and Laver lit up countless arenas with their pro tennis contests in the sixties. They played stupendous matches early in the Open Era, most notably back to back French Open finals in 1968-69, and a 1972 five set epic at the WCT Dallas Finals. Rosewall’s classical precision and Laver’s shotmaking wizardry were unsurpassed.
Venus Williams vs. Serena Williams
Despite their understandable discomfort playing against each other initially, the sisters Williams adjusted admirably, turning their big hitting rivalry into one of the most important in the history of women’s tennis. Of their 31 career meetings contested between 1998-2020, nine were major finals. Their unrivaled speed, power, and athleticism have captivated fans everywhere.
