It was the greatest match of all time

[monfed]

I think the Djokovic v/s Federer semi Roland Garros 2011 is the greatest match of all time. Why? It's because BOTH players played at a VERY HIGH level throughout the match. Post prime Fed played sensational tennis to beat a PRIME Djokovic. It's the greatest match of all time in my book easily trumping the Wimbledon 08 final. Your thoughts?

 

[Proset]

Very good match, but definitely not the best.

 

[peRFection]

one of the best three matches I have ever seen in my life.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

Actually in some regards this is true. In W2008, Fed was nowhere near his best.

 

[ttbrowne]

Superb, I agree. The first set was exhausting!

 

[Nicholas Warino]

Fantastic match, but a 4-set semi-final is certainly not the best ever. Federer-Nadal Wimbledon 08 and Federer-Nadal AO 09 are definitely better in the past few years. Federer-Roddick Wimbledon 09, Federer-Del Potro USO 10 are all better too. Now, it might be the best semi-final of all-time (I don't know), but off the top of my head the Nadal-Verdasco AO 09 SF was probably better although lacked the awesome context of today's match.

 

[tennisNoob78]

Djoko's attitude sucked for most of the match - not the makings of a future #1

I thought he would be more fired up than what i witnessed...

 

[Spider]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

 

[Seany]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

For 1 set maybe....He played pretty damn good the 1st, 3rd and 4th sets, watch it again.

 

[Viper]

Really? I thought it was a lot of nerves, mistakes, and luck from both.

 

[monfed]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

worst tennis he's played? Please check the stats again, Fed and Djoker were neck n neck in the first set. Federer was more clutch and deserved the win,so stop making excuses,thanks.

This is the greatest match EVER because it was shotmaking at its finest from both players.

 

[bhallic24]

You know what. Props to the OP for making this post. I was thinking the same thought after the 1st set. After watching it I was like damn. that was the best set of tennis I have ever seen. Honestly what a great great match.

Dunno if its the best of all time, but its the best match I've ever personally seen of all time.

 

[PCXL-Fan]

I think the Djokovic v/s Federer semi Roland Garros 2011 is the greatest match of all time. Why? It's because BOTH players played at a VERY HIGH level throughout the match. Post prime Fed played sensational tennis to beat a PRIME Djokovic. It's the greatest match of all time in my book easily trumping the Wimbledon 08 final. Your thoughts?

How long have you been closely watching tennis matches?

Certainly a great tennis match, one of the best of the year.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

Yeah but what's the excuse for Djokovic NOT playing his best? He was well rested, not injured, playing the best tennis of his life. This is slam. No excuse. Obviously Federer's play had something to do with it.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

How long have you been closely watching tennis matches?

What difference does it make? It's the greatest match in his opinion.

 

[monfed]

What difference does it make? It's the greatest match in his opinion.

My thoughts exactly,thanks.

 

[vbranis]

Best match since the '08 Wimby final? Most likely yes.

All-time, maybe it would make the top 15

 

[monfed]

Just to add to what I've said. Both players served close to 70% first serves the entire match, just a slight blip from Fed in the third set. Both players were very clutch the entire match. There was high drama as well to add it to all. Easily the greatest match I've ever seen.

 

[wangs78]

This was certainly ONE of the greatest matches that I've seen. We've been blessed in recent years with Federer, Nadal and now Djokovic because they're so good and keep creating these opportunities where history can be made: Federer going for his record-setting sixth straight Wimby in '08, Nadal as #1 going for his first HC slam at AO '09 and now Djokovic going for the #1 ranking and win streak record.

But one common thread runs through all of these matches. Federer. He has been so good for so long. And so profound has his impact been to the sport and so exalted is his place in the pantheon of tennis heroes, that the greatest storyline we've all witnessed over the last 3-4 years has been his efforts to keep himself on the champion's pedestal. His efforts have been valiant, and his opponents have been relentless. This is the theme that most of us, and certainly all Fed fans, have delighted and agonized over, depending on the outcome of the match, in recent years. In that sense, yesterday's match is right up there with Wimby '08.

I think Wimby '08 was the greatest if you go by the usual criteria (things like importance of match since it was the final, Roger going for #6, Nadal right on Fed's heels in the rankings, a five setter that went into extra games, high quality tennis and of course the match ending in near darkness). But for a Fed fan, yesterday was actually a greater one in some ways, because it was vindication that this great champion is truly the greatest of them all. In spite of the critics, his age, and the dogged pursuit of his rivals, he laid down the gauntlet once again, and against the red hot, Serb who has in years past shown more bravado in challenging Roger than most. His finger wagging at the end said it all. When I saw that I felt this match was right up there with Wimby '08 because despite his recent beatings of Roger, when it counted most (yesterday) the Serb, just like in USO '07, was shown who was the master.

We're all so lucky, thanks to Nadal, thanks to Djokovic, but most of all, to Federer. Frankly, apart from maybe the Borg-McEnroe finals at Wimby, I really can't think of other players and matches where the drama comes anywhere as close as to what we've been witnessing with Federer.

 

[alienhamster]

Not the best, but certainly an awesome match overall. Especially the first and fourth sets.

Sets 2 and 3 were pretty sloppy/spotty in places, IMO.

 

[westside]

First set was damn good. The 3 following weren't that amazing.

Sorry to do it, but i'm pulling out the Federer v Safin AO card

 

[Marius_Hancu]

No, Djoko wasn't high-level enough today.

I'd stick to Sampras Agassi 2001 USO QF, the match with 4 TBs.

 

[abmk]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

no, clueless. The worst match he played this year was when he nearly lost to that claycourt mug called Andy Murray who hasn't made a single clay final ...

And djoker played quite well, just couldn't play his best because fed kept him off rhythm and off balance . You don't save 21/25 BPs with great serving and absolute fearless play when playing badly .....

oh and worst match for djoker about an year now ? How about when he got spanked by berdych at wimbledon , how about when fed spanked him 6-1,6-4 at the YEC ? Don't remember ? Is that because how shocked you are now or just short memories ?

 

[Boomgoesthedynamite]

I respectfully disagree. It was DEFINITELY NOT the greatest match of all time. Perhaps, the suspense makes it enthralling, but and no doubt it was a great match, but NOT EPIC.

 

[Fedace]

Greatest match was Rafa vs Roger wimbledon final...no ??

 

[TopFH]

It really was the best match of this year, however I think it could have been a bit better because of the many errors both made. Anyways, I'm pretty happy that Fed won and I hope he trumps Nadal on Sunday.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

I think the Djokovic v/s Federer semi Roland Garros 2011 is the greatest match of all time. Why? It's because BOTH players played at a VERY HIGH level throughout the match. Post prime Fed played sensational tennis to beat a PRIME Djokovic. It's the greatest match of all time in my book easily trumping the Wimbledon 08 final. Your thoughts?

The returning of both players went down the drain after the first 2 sets.

 

[Sentinel]

This FO has certainly been better than the last. And for the top 4 in the semis, and top 5 in the quarters was great too.

Just wish Andy had taken a set....

 

[Netspirit]

it is the second-best GS semi-final after AO 2005

 

[okdude1992]

Yea, it was a great match. Memorable because Federer was such a big underdog, and he snapped Djokovic's streak.

But with that said, I don't even think this will be the best match of this year. Let alone ever. Your entitled to your opinion, but I think the vast majority would agree that there have been tons of matches much better than this.

 

[BreakPoint]

Yeah but what's the excuse for Djokovic NOT playing his best? He was well rested, not injured, playing the best tennis of his life. This is slam. No excuse. Obviously Federer's play had something to do with it.

In addition, Djokovic would become #1 if he won this match, he would tie McEnroe's win streak record, and get to first ever French Open final where he would play a guy he has owned for the past 3 months. So he was certainly extremely motivated. Probably had more motivation than any match of his career. No excuse indeed.

 

[stringertom]

GMOAT? Puhleze!

First of all, not a final of a major. Second, didn't go the distance. Third, spotty play through much of the match, thanks to the wind and failing light (thanks to the FFT for starting consecutive potential 5-setters at 2PM...can't the French do math?...5 hours plus 5 hours plus a break between means a 11AM start time is necessary to get both in w/o lights).

The prevailing nomination for GMOAT in this thread seems to be Wimby '08 final. I gotta go back 28 year before that...'80 Borg/JMac is tops on my list. Imagine losing a 18-16 fourth set breaker and coming back in the fifth set to a level that produces only TWO points lost on serve in the decisive fifth set. That's what Borg did.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

This was the best ever Djokovic vs Freddy match for sure.

 

[IvanisevicServe]

Well, I think just about EVERY great match has some "spotty" moments. Take Wimbledon 2008, for example. What was special in the first 2 sets? Federer had a 4-1 lead in the 2nd and blew it...that's pretty much the only thing really memorable from that stage of the match. 3, 4, and 5 were obviously an enthralling battle, though.

Given the long history of professional tennis, I sincerely doubt this was the greatest match ever, or that any of us has even SEEN the greatest match of all-time, but it was no doubt a great match. The level of play was superb...Djokovic seemingly played the worst match he's played this year, but then you think about it for a minute and realize he was making errors after 20-30 stroke rallies. Djokovic has always been the King of the long rally, but Federer actually one upped him in this one. Who would have thought Federer would win the backhand battle with Djokovic at this point in their careers? On clay?

 

[stingstang]

Really? I thought it was a lot of nerves, mistakes, and luck from both.

Thats what I though- nervy, tense and basically a lot of choking by djoker.

LOL @ this thread. Some people haven't been watching tennis very long.

 

[BreakPoint]

First of all, not a final of a major. Second, didn't go the distance. Third, spotty play through much of the match, thanks to the wind and failing light (thanks to the FFT for starting consecutive potential 5-setters at 2PM...can't the French do math?...5 hours plus 5 hours plus a break between means a 11AM start time is necessary to get both in w/o lights).

The prevailing nomination for GMOAT in this thread seems to be Wimby '08 final. I gotta go back 28 year before that...'80 Borg/JMac is tops on my list. Imagine losing a 18-16 fourth set breaker and coming back in the fifth set to a level that produces only TWO points lost on serve in the decisive fifth set. That's what Borg did.

But why does a match need to be the final of a Major or go the distance to be considered "great"?

A great match is a great match. Doesn't matter if it's the first round or the final. Doesn't matter if it's 3 or 4 or 5 sets. Doesn't matter if it's between the #1 and #2 players or the #100 and #200 players. It's all about the quality and drama of the match.

This match certainly had a lot riding on the results. Djokovic's first ever #1 ranking. Djokovic's win streak record. Djokovic's first ever FO final. Federer's first Slam final in over a year. Federer trying to regain the #1 ranking. Federer proving all the pundits wrong and proving that he's still relevant in the Slam. Etc., etc. What made this match great was that there was so much riding on it.

 

[monfed]

But why does a match need to be the final of a Major or go the distance to be considered "great"?

A great match is a great match. Doesn't matter if it's the first round or the final. Doesn't matter if it's 3 or 4 or 5 sets. Doesn't matter if it's between the #1 and #2 players or the #100 and #200 players. It's all about the quality and drama of the match.

This match certainly had a lot riding on the results. Djokovic's first ever #1 ranking. Djokovic's win streak record. Djokovic's first ever FO final. Federer's first Slam final in over a year. Federer trying to regain the #1 ranking. Federer proving all the pundits wrong and proving that he's still relevant in the Slam. Etc., etc. What made this match great was that there was so much riding on it.

Breakpoint,

I'm very curious to know, which is the greatest match of all time in your opinion. I request you to reply,thanks.

 

[bobbylechat]

This is the greatest match i have ever been able to watch at Roland Garros. People were amazed to see Roger doing it. The atmosphere was unbelievable, i lost my voice there
Unbelievebla feeling, i'm still amazed i had the chance to be there

 

[Wilander Fan]

Yeah but what's the excuse for Djokovic NOT playing his best? He was well rested, not injured, playing the best tennis of his life. This is slam. No excuse. Obviously Federer's play had something to do with it.

Yes. Fed hits the ball incredibly early. Even his rally balls put alot of pressure on opponents because of the time it takes away.

 

[Wilander Fan]

88 US Open with Wilander Lendl was a better match IMO but this one was one of the best I have seen. Maybe it was not the final but it was clearly a big deal for both players...and might mean more in the long run in terms of their rivalry.

 

[LameTennisPlayer]

But why does a match need to be the final of a Major or go the distance to be considered "great"?

A great match is a great match. Doesn't matter if it's the first round or the final. Doesn't matter if it's 3 or 4 or 5 sets. Doesn't matter if it's between the #1 and #2 players or the #100 and #200 players. It's all about the quality and drama of the match.

This match certainly had a lot riding on the results. Djokovic's first ever #1 ranking. Djokovic's win streak record. Djokovic's first ever FO final. Federer's first Slam final in over a year. Federer trying to regain the #1 ranking. Federer proving all the pundits wrong and proving that he's still relevant in the Slam. Etc., etc. What made this match great was that there was so much riding on it.

It is because there was alot riding on this match that added to the drama of the match and rankings do matter, e.g
If a player ranked #100-200 beats a seeded player in the first round, even if it is a match of high quality, it would never be considered greatest match of all time, excuses like the seeded player had an off day, was injured, etc etc even if the underdog was playing the match of their life. Name one match where a player outside the top 100 murdered a seeded player in form and it was consdered one of the greatest matches? It will never happen.

 

[Wilander Fan]

Its also the first time I remember Federer being such an underdog and pulling off the upset.

 

[Netspirit]

Putting yourself in a position where Federer of all people needs to "upset" you is a huge achievement. It speaks a million words.

 

[Bendex]

I've never seen a set like that first one. After watching Murray and Nadal grind away for several hours, the Fed and Djoke rallies made it look like the TV was on fast forward. They were standing on the base line ripping half vollies inches over the net and inches from the lines. Really incredible, only these two guys could perform a set like that. It's just a shame Fed now has to play that horrible monster in the final.

 

[stringertom]

My 3 GMOATs: all Finals all 5 sets!

But why does a match need to be the final of a Major or go the distance to be considered "great"?

A great match is a great match. Doesn't matter if it's the first round or the final. Doesn't matter if it's 3 or 4 or 5 sets. Doesn't matter if it's between the #1 and #2 players or the #100 and #200 players. It's all about the quality and drama of the match.

This match certainly had a lot riding on the results. Djokovic's first ever #1 ranking. Djokovic's win streak record. Djokovic's first ever FO final. Federer's first Slam final in over a year. Federer trying to regain the #1 ranking. Federer proving all the pundits wrong and proving that he's still relevant in the Slam. Etc., etc. What made this match great was that there was so much riding on it.

In order: 1. Borg/JMac '80 Wimby Final, for all the aforementioned reasons;
2. Fed/Nad '08 Wimby Final, so much more riding on its outcome (Fed trying to rebound from FO final debacle, Nadal trying to prove multi-surface capability, changing of the guard in rankings later that year. Rain delays, ebb and flow of the match, completion b4 dark issues, late break in the decisive set, dramatic tiebreaks. Yeah, the tennis was spotty early but was high-level stuff at crunch time.
3. Fed/ARod '09 Wimby Final. When will we ever see so much riding on every service hold? Fed trying for 6th Wimby win, ARod for his first. Fed striving for a Channel Major sweep. Tears in my eyes for a valiant but fruitless effort by one player trying to wipe away years of frustrating losses to his nemesis. This was Holmes/Moriarty on a lawn tennis court. High drama indeed.

I don't think it's a coincidence my choices would wind up on most people's top 10 matches of all time, probably in their top 5. They stand out in our memories because of the finality of the results. Sure, you can have a great match before the finals (Fed/Safin '05 AO SF, Chang/Lendl RG SF, Roddick/Younes QF(?) AO, Nad/Dasco '09 AO SF) all fit inside my top 10 but will never budge the three big boys.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

I've never seen a set like that first one. After watching Murray and Nadal grind away for several hours, the Fed and Djoke rallies made it look like the TV was on fast forward. They were standing on the base line ripping half vollies inches over the net and inches from the lines. Really incredible, only these two guys could perform a set like that. It's just a shame Fed now has to play that horrible monster in the final.

That was because Joker gave Fred 1 paced 1 depth shots to his backhand all match, which made it very easy for Fred to time his backhand and hit it on the rise and redirect the pace...And When Fred did that, Joker didnt have a plan B. Nadal plays a lot smarter and doesn't let Federer do this, instead he pins Fred 1-2 meters behind the baseline and drives him crazy with his ever varying pace, trajectory, spin and depth of shot.

 

[World Beater]

That was because Joker gave Fred 1 paced 1 depth shots to his backhand all match, which made it very easy for Fred to time his backhand and hit it on the rise and redirect the pace...And When Fred did that, Joker didnt have a plan B. Nadal plays a lot smarter and doesn't let Federer do this, instead he pins Fred 1-2 meters behind the baseline and drives him crazy with his ever varying pace, trajectory, spin and depth of shot.

LOL at smarter.

Nadal always plays the same way against everyone.

He doesnt have a plan B. Most of the time, he doesnt need a plan B - lucky for him.

Nadal was doing the same thing to djokovic, and he got pwned 4 times in 4 finals...and his confidence has suffered quite a lot. His ego is quite fragile after all. If the unthinkable were to happen tomorrow, he might go into depression.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

That was because Joker gave Fred 1 paced 1 depth shots to his backhand all match, which made it very easy for Fred to time his backhand and hit it on the rise and redirect the pace...And When Fred did that, Joker didnt have a plan B. Nadal plays a lot smarter and doesn't let Federer do this, instead he pins Fred 1-2 meters behind the baseline and drives him crazy with his ever varying pace, trajectory, spin and depth of shot.

Yes and those same 1 paced 1 depth shots destroy Nadal.

 

[chrischris]

That was the worst tennis Djokovic has played in about 7 months now. It was probably his worst match for almost a year now.

I dont agree. He played well and was close to turning the match around.

 

[billnepill]

It was epic because it was an emotional win for Federer, who by winning reasserted his authority once again, and it ended the historical streak of Djokovic.
Quality wise it was nice, but too many UEs, unfortunately.
Not the best, for sure.