Welcome to our definitive list of the top 10 tennis matches of the decade! The past decade has witnessed some of the most thrilling and memorable matches in the history of tennis, showcasing the incredible skill, athleticism, and determination of the world’s top players. From epic Grand Slam finals to intense rivalries on the ATP and WTA tours, these matches have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the sport. In this list, we celebrate the most unforgettable moments and competitive battles that have defined tennis in the 2010s. Join us as we relive the excitement, drama, and sheer brilliance of the best tennis matches of the decade.
1. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic – 2012 Australian Open Final
The 2012 Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Lasting a grueling 5 hours and 53 minutes, the match showcased the incredible physical and mental resilience of both players. In a back-and-forth battle of attrition, Djokovic ultimately emerged victorious, defeating Nadal in an epic five-set thriller to claim his third Australian Open title.
2. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal – 2017 Australian Open Final
The 2017 Australian Open final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal marked a historic moment in tennis history. In a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport’s greatest rivals, Federer and Nadal delivered a masterclass in shot-making and athleticism. After a five-set battle that lasted over three and a half hours, Federer emerged triumphant, defeating Nadal to capture his record-extending 18th Grand Slam title.
3. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – 2019 Wimbledon Final
The 2019 Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and dramatic matches in tennis history. In a marathon encounter that lasted nearly five hours, Djokovic and Federer traded blows in a match that featured multiple tiebreaks and countless momentum swings. In the end, it was Djokovic who prevailed, outlasting Federer in a tense fifth-set tiebreak to claim his fifth Wimbledon title.
4. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams – 2017 Australian Open Final
The 2017 Australian Open final between Serena Williams and Venus Williams was a historic and emotional showdown between two of the greatest players in women’s tennis. In their first Grand Slam final meeting since 2009, the Williams sisters delivered a memorable match filled with power, precision, and determination. In the end, it was Serena who emerged victorious, defeating her older sister to claim her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, surpassing Steffi Graf for the most major titles in the Open Era.
5. Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem – 2018 US Open Quarterfinals
The 2018 US Open quarterfinal between Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem was a classic battle between generations. In a grueling match that lasted over four hours, Nadal and Thiem showcased their exceptional shot-making and endurance in a back-and-forth contest. Despite dropping the first set, Nadal fought back to defeat Thiem in a thrilling five-set encounter, advancing to the semifinals en route to capturing his fourth US Open title.
6. Simona Halep vs. Sloane Stephens – 2018 French Open Final
The 2018 French Open final between Simona Halep and Sloane Stephens was a captivating clash between two of the WTA Tour’s top players. In a high-stakes showdown on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Halep and Stephens displayed their all-court skills and tactical prowess in a fiercely contested match. Ultimately, it was Halep who emerged victorious, defeating Stephens in straight sets to capture her first Grand Slam title and fulfill her lifelong dream of winning the French Open.
7. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic – 2012 US Open Final
The 2012 US Open final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic was a historic moment for British tennis. In a thrilling five-set battle that lasted over four hours, Murray and Djokovic showcased their incredible skill and athleticism in a match filled with drama and tension. In the end, it was Murray who prevailed, defeating Djokovic to claim his first Grand Slam title and become the first British man in 76 years to win a major singles championship.
8. Naomi Osaka vs. Petra Kvitova – 2019 Australian Open Final
The 2019 Australian Open final between Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova was a thrilling encounter between two of the WTA Tour’s top players. In a match filled with power and shot-making, Osaka and Kvitova traded blows in a tightly contested battle for the title. In the end, it was Osaka who emerged victorious, defeating Kvitova in three sets to capture her second consecutive Grand Slam title and solidify her status as one of the brightest young stars in women’s tennis.
9. Juan Martin del Potro vs. Roger Federer – 2017 US Open Quarterfinals
The 2017 US Open quarterfinal between Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer was a thrilling encounter between two former Grand Slam champions. In a match that showcased the power and shot-making ability of both players, del Potro and Federer battled for nearly four hours in a hard-fought contest. In the end, it was del Potro who emerged victorious, defeating Federer in four sets to advance to the semifinals and continue his remarkable comeback from injury.
10. Serena Williams vs. Victoria Azarenka – 2012 US Open Final
The 2012 US Open final between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka was a dramatic and tightly contested match between two of the top players in women’s tennis. In a thrilling three-set battle that lasted nearly three hours, Williams and Azarenka traded blows in a match filled with power, precision, and intensity. In the end, it was Williams who emerged victorious, defeating Azarenka to capture her fourth US Open title and secure her place among the all-time greats of the sport.