Best Comeback Within a Match: Iconic Moments in Tennis History
All of the leading players have defined their greatness in a multitude of ways, but a common thread running through their careers is the capacity to fight from far behind and win matches of consequence. Here are eight astonishing comebacks by top competitors, starting with the late 1960’s, ending in 2022.
What do you think is the best comeback within a match in tennis history?
And the Nominees Are...
Nadal def. Medvedev, 2022 Australian Open Final
The last time the redoubtable Nadal had rallied to win after dropping the first two sets was at Wimbledon in 2007, but the 35-year-old somehow engineered the greatest comeback win of his career in Melbourne after trailing 2-3, 0-40 in the third set, securing his second five set, final round win at a major over Medvedev, claiming a men’s record 21st major.
Capriata def. Hingis, 2002 Australian Open Final
Capriati was then No. 1 in the world while Hingis was the No. 3 seed. These two great competitors battled ferociously on an oppressive afternoon, pushing themselves to the hilt. Hingis led by a set and 4-0 and later had five match points and yet a resilient Capriati secured her second straight Australian Open final round win over Hingis.
Fernandez def. Sabatini, 1993 Roland-Garros Quarterfinal
A free flowing Sabatini rolled through the opening set and surged to match point at 5-1 in the second set. The Argentinian had four more match points, but the steely resolve of the American enabled her to make one of the most spirited comebacks ever witnessed in the upper reaches of women’s tennis to win in three hours and thirty four exhilarating minutes.
Orantes def. Vilas, 1975 US Open Semifinal
In this enthralling all-lefty semifinal at Forest Hills, the stylish Spaniard rescued himself after trailing 0-5 in the fourth set against the Argentinian, astoundingly erasing five match points in the next two games, eventually winning in five sets at 10:40 P.M. He startled Jimmy Connors the following afternoon, sealing his lone major title in straight sets.
Rubin def. Novotna, 1995 Roland-Garros Third Round
The 19-year-old Rubin— ranked No. 53 in the world but on her way to No. 6 the following year— was among the toughest competitors in tennis, yet the fifth seeded Novotna seemed certain to advance when Rubin served at 0-5, 0-40 in the final set. The American saved nine match points altogether, prevailing with extraordinary determination.
Connors def. Pernfors, 1987 Wimbledon Fourth Round
In the twilight of his sterling career, Connors was in a precarious corner against an inspired Swede who had been a Roland Garros finalist the previous year. Pernfors captured 16 of the first 19 games to close in on a rout. But, spurred on by an appreciative audience, the 34-year-old American rekindled his game and celebrated his greatest Wimbledon revival.
Sampras def. Courier, 1995 Australian Open Quarterfinal
This riveting contest between the defending champion and the 1992-93 victor provided a window into the soul of Sampras. His severely ill coach Tim Gullikson had just flown home. In the fifth set, a fan shouted, “Win it for your coach.” Serving aces through tears, Sampras, cheered on unabashedly by sympathetic fans, completed his most memorable comeback.
Gonzales def. Pasarell, 1969 Wimbledon First Round
The evocative Gonzales was 41 when he confronted the 25-year-old Pasarell in the most famous first round match ever played on the fabled Centre Court over two days. Gonzales saved seven match points in the fifth set, holding on twice from 0-40, galvanizing his fans in his last hurrah on those hallowed grounds, coming through in five hours and twelve minutes.
