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Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

We are here to enlighten you about those who have reached the most Grand Slam finals in men's tennis history, leaving behind all those cliche Grand Slam-winning articles.

Jul 18, 2023, 9:02 AM6 min read

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

Invented in the 11th century in France, Lawn Tennis has witnessed plenty of wonders. There have been a number of players in tennis history who have won Grand Slams on several occasions and ardent tennis fans are well aware of these facts. However, there are players in each of the four Grand Slam competitions who have won many Grand Slams and have also reached Grand Slam finals multiple times.

Therefore, we are here to enlighten you about those who have reached the most Grand Slam finals in men's tennis history, leaving behind all those cliche Grand Slam-winning articles.

1. Novak Djokovic - 37 finals

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

Novak Djokovic has progressed to his 37th career Grand Slam final after beating Lorenzo Musetti in the Wimbledon 2024 semifinal, the most out of any other player in the Grand Slam era. In the process, Djokovic has reached a men's singles final at a Grand Slam for the 16th season in his career. He surpassed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (15 each) for the outright most of any player in the Open Era. Djokovic also overtook Chris Evert (34 finals) to make the most-ever career finals out of any men's or women's players since the slam era started in 1968.

Before the 2024 season, Djokovic was already ahead of his former 'Big Three' competitor Roger Federer in terms of finals reached. Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 at the Laver Cup, ended his career with 31 Grand Slam finals, winning 20.

2. Roger Federer- 31 finals

most grand slam finals in men's tennis - sportzpoint.com

Roger Federer has won everyone's hearts with his tremendous tennis skills. Fans even gave him the nickname 'The Swiss maestro', impressed by the proficiency of his craft. Since his ATP debut at the 1998 Swiss Open Gstaad, the 8-time Wimbledon champion's career has been through a lot. He has 103 ATP singles victories to his credit, including 20 major singles titles. It's a record he shares alongside Novak Djokovic, which is only exceeded by Rafael Nadal's 21 major titles. Also, he is the first male player to win more than 14 grand slams. Nevertheless, the Swiss have reached a joint-record 31 Grand Slam singles finals equaling Djokovic.

Read more: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam singles matches wins (men and women)

3. Rafael Nadal- 30 finals

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history: Rafael Nadal comes at number three on the list - sportzpoint.com

Heading into the top three, one will find usual names that dominate almost every other record in tennis. Rafael Nadal sits in third position with 30 Grand Slam final appearances. He has a joint-record 22 Grand Slam titles to his name. The legendary Spaniard still has a few years of top-level tennis left in him and may add more to climb up on the list of most Grand Slam finals.

Read more: Last 10 Wimbledon Champions List (Men's)

4. Ivan Lendl- 19 finals

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history - sportzpoint.com

With his power baseline approach, Ivan Lendl, who is widely considered one of the best players of all time, revolutionised the game. Lendl was the most dominating force in the second part of the 1980s, winning eight Grand Slam singles titles. He holds several renowned records, including the longest indoor winning streak (66 games) and the most Grand Slam runner-up finishes (11). The most notable of these accomplishments is reaching the Grand Slam finals 19 times.

5. Pete Sampras- 18 finals

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history: Pete Sampras comes ta number 5 - sportzpoint.com

At the time of his retirement, Sampras' total count of 14 Grand Slams was a record and fans anticipated it to stay that way. While the speculation turned out to be wrong, Sampras' near-invincible playing on fast courts is still considered a classic.

The American sensation also had a one-of-a-kind weapon that had never been seen before which is The Sampras serve. It is largely considered to be the finest in tennis history to date. However, before the introduction of the Big 3, he was regarded as the G.O.A.T. by critics.
Furthermore, Sampras also has reached the finals of 18 Grand Slams.

6. Bjorn Borg- 16 finals

Björn Borg played in 16 Grand Slam finals in his career - sportzpoint.com

Bjorn Borg is a former Swedish tennis player who has achieved near-mythical status as a result of his incredible exploits in such a short period of time. No player in tennis history has ever adjusted as successfully as Borg has to the distinct obstacles of performing on clay and grass. No one could surpass his mastery of balletic footwork(Except the Tennis queen Steffi Graf of course).

Even though he resigned young, at the age of 26, his accomplishments left an indelible impression on everybody. These achievements include six French Open victories, five Wimbledon triumphs, and 16 Grand Slam final appearances.

Read more: 8 records made by Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2023 final against Djokovic

7. Jimmy Connors- 15 finals

Jimmy Connors has played 15 Grand Slam finals in his career - sportzpoint.com

Jimmy Connors rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a formidable presence in the sport. Connors, widely recognised as one of the best tennis players in history, won eight Grand Slam titles and was a long-time World No. 1 player. He's also recognised for helping to revolutionise the sport by paving the way for the contemporary baseline-oriented style of play(Which nowadays is mostly seen in Nadal's gameplay). However, he also did reach the Grand Slam Finals 15 times, equalling Andre Agassi.

8. Andre Agassi- 15 finals

Andre Agassi played 15 Grand Slam finals in his tennis career - sportzpoint.com

Andre Agassi was an attacking baseliner who used his strong strokes off both sides to drive his adversaries across the court. He was one of the five men in the Open Era to accomplish the Career Slam, and his feud with Pete Sampras in the 1990s marked a significant period in men's tennis. In his career, he earned various distinct features, making him a contender for the GOAT designation. Furthermore, his abilities showered him with 8 Grand Slam wins and 15 Grand Slam final appearances.

9. John McEnroe- 15 finals

John McEnro played 15 Grand Slam finals in his career - sportzpoint.com

Known for his creative style of play and exquisite volleys, McEnroe was a tremendous talent for the game. McEnroe was a dynamic player who could attack from every position on the court. He played a much more attack-oriented game, focusing more on striking wins. His anger and outbursts, though, earned him the moniker 'Superbrat.'
McEnroe played in an era of intense competition, yet he still managed to put together a stellar career that earned him a place among the Greatest of All Times. American legend John McEnroe reached a record seventh most Grand Slam finals (15) during his career. He is regarded as one of the finest tennis stars to come from the United States of America. He won a total of seven Grand Slam titles back in the day, winning the US Open four times and the Wimbledon three times.

Read more: Wimbledon Champion: Last 10 years (Women)

10. Andy Murray- 11 finals

Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history - Andy Murray - 11 - sportzpoint.com

Andy Murray is regarded as the greatest British tennis player of all time and the British player with the most Grand Slam finals. He has made 11 final appearances in Grand Slam tournaments in his career. Out of those 11 finals, Murray won a total of three. Interestingly, he has reached the final of the Australian Open on five occasions but did not win in any one of them.

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Australian Open Winners list (Women)

The women's tournament has seen a number of talented players win the title. Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Naomi Osaka are some of the players who have won the tournament multiple times. The Australian Open winners list are given below.

Jan 27, 2025, 12:31 PM3 min read

Australian Open Winners list (Women) - Sportzpoint.com

The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis and is held annually in Melbourne, Australia.

The women's tournament has seen a number of talented players win the title in recent years.

Also Read: Australian Open Winners list (Men)

The Australian Open winners list (Women) are given below.

Players who won the tournament multiple times

Australian Open Winners list (Women) - Sportzpoint.com

Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Naomi Osaka are some of the players who have won the Australian Open multiple times. 

Serena Williams, meanwhile, cemented her position as the most successful women’s player of all-time at the event, with seven titles.

In 2021, Naomi Osaka became the first player from Japan to win the Australian Open. She defeated American Jennifer Brady in the final. 

Naomi Osaka also won the tournament in 2019, becoming the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title. 

Sofia Kenin, who hails from the United States, won the 2020 tournament, beating Spain's Garbiñe Muguruza in the final. 

Kenin, who was just 21 years old at the time, became the youngest player to win the Australian Open since Maria Sharapova in 2008.

In 2018, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Romania's Simona Halep in the final. 

Wozniacki had previously been the runner-up at the tournament in 2011 and 2014. 

Serena Williams, who is widely considered one of the greatest female players of all time, won the Australian Open in 2017 and 2015. 

She defeated her sister Venus Williams in 2017 final and defeated Maria Sharapova in the 2015 final.

Also Read: Top 10 most-talked about Tennis dresses worn by female players

Madison Keys won Australian Open 2025 title

Australian Open Winners list (Women) - Sportzpoint.com

Meanwhile, Madison Keys of America won her first-ever Grand Slam title by becoming the champion in the women's singles event of the Australian Open 2025. 

In the title match, Keys defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. 

Keys is the second-oldest woman to claim her first Australian Open singles title in the Open era after China’s Li Na, who was 31 when she triumphed at Melbourne Park in 2014.

Here is the full list.

Australian Open Winners list (Women)

Year Champion Runner-Up
2000 Lindsay Davenport Martina Hingis
2001 Jennifer Capriati Martina Hingis
2002 Jennifer Capriati Martina Hingis
2003 Serena Williams Venus Williams
2004 Justine Henin Kim Clijsters
2005 Serena Williams Lindsay Davenport
2006 Amélie Mauresmo Justine Henin
2007 Serena Williams Maria Sharapova
2008 Maria Sharapova Ana Ivanovic
2009 Serena Williams Dinara Safina
2010 Serena Williams Justine Henin
2011 Kim Clijsters Li Na
2012 Victoria Azarenka Maria Sharapova
2013 Victoria Azarenka Li Na
2014 Li Na Dominika Cibulková
2015 Serena Williams Maria Sharapova
2016 Angelique Kerber Serena Williams
2017 Serena Williams Venus Williams
2018 Caroline Wozniacki Simona Halep
2019 Naomi Osaka Petra Kvitová
2020 Sofia Kenin Garbiñe Muguruza
2021 Naomi Osaka Jennifer Brady
2022 Ashleigh Barty Danielle Collins
2023 Aryna Sabalenka Elena Rybakina
2024 Aryna Sabalenka Zheng Qinwen
2025 Madison Keys Aryna Sabalenka
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Australian Open Winners list (Men)

Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open 2025 title after defeating Alexander Zverev. With this, the Italian becomes the first man to retain the title since Novak Djokovic’s “three-peat” from 2019 to 2021. Let's take a look at the Australian Open winners list (Men).

Jan 27, 2025, 11:39 AM4 min read

Australian Open Winners list (Men) | Sportzpoint.com

The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis and is held annually in Melbourne, Australia.

The tournament has been held since 1905 and has seen some of the greatest players in the sport compete for the title. 

Also Read: Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List

In this article, we will brief you on the Australian Open winners list (Men).

Jannik Sinner claims Australian Open 2025 title

Australian Open Winners list (Men) | Sportzpoint.com

Jannik Sinner won the latest edition of the Australian Open after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. 

With this, the Italian becomes the first man to retain the title since Novak Djokovic’s “three-peat” from 2019 to 2021.

Aged 23 years 163 days, Sinner is also the youngest man to win multiple Australian Open titles since Jim Courier in 1992-93.

Djokovic won the most titles

Australian Open Winners list (Men) | Sportzpoint.com

Over the last decade, the tournament has been dominated by Novak Djokovic who has won the tournament ten times in this period (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023).

The only other players to win the tournament in this time are Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. 

Djokovic's record in the tournament is impressive, with his ten wins coming in a consecutive period of 11 years.

He has been able to defeat some of the greatest players in the world, such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, in the final of the tournament.

Djokovic also has two hat-tricks of Australian Open titles, once between 2011-2013 and then doing an encore from 2019-2021.

The Serbian’s first Australian Open crown came in 2008, when he came from a set down to beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.

Djokovic has beaten Andy Murray in as many as four Australian Open finals while he has also beaten Rafael Nadal in two finals.

Also Read: Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing

Roger Federer won the title twice in last decade 

On the other hand, Roger has won the Australian Open twice in the last decade, in 2017 and 2018. 

He has been a finalist in the tournament five times in this period, showing his consistency at the tournament. 

While Stan Wawrinka has won the Australian Open once, in 2014. He defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, who was the defending champion at the time. 

This win was a major upset and Wawrinka proved that he is capable of winning the biggest tournaments in the world.

It is interesting to note that, in the last decade, the men's singles of the Australian Open has been dominated by Swiss players, with four out of the ten titles won by either Roger Federer or Stan Wawrinka.

While Novak Djokovic, another Swiss player, has dominated the tournament with 10 titles. This shows the strength of Swiss players in the tennis world, particularly on hard courts.

Australian Open Winners list (Men)

Year Champion Runner-up
2000 Andre Agassi Yevgeny Kafelnikov
2001 Andre Agassi Arnaud Clément
2002 Thomas Johansson Marat Safin
2003 Andre Agassi Rainer Schüttler
2004 Roger Federer Marat Safin
2005 Marat Safin Lleyton Hewitt
2006 Roger Federer Marcos Baghdatis
2007 Roger Federer Fernando González
2008 Novak Djokovic Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
2009 Rafael Nadal Roger Federer
2010 Roger Federer Andy Murray
2011 Novak Djokovic Andy Murray
2012 Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal
2013 Novak Djokovic Andy Murray
2014 Stan Wawrinka Rafael Nadal
2015 Novak Djokovic Andy Murray
2016 Novak Djokovic Andy Murray
2017 Roger Federer Rafael Nadal
2018 Roger Federer Marin Čilić
2019 Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal
2020 Novak Djokovic Dominic Thiem
2021 Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev
2022 Rafael Nadal Daniil Medvedev
2023 Novak Djokovic Stefanos Tsitsipas
2024 Jannik Sinner Daniil Medvedev
2025 Jannik Sinner Alexander Zverev
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Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List

One of the barometers of who gets to be called the greatest of all time has to be Grand Slam match wins. Roger Federer blazed his way to 369 Grand Slam match wins. So let's have a tour of the most matches won in Grand slams from top 10 list.

Jan 14, 2025, 11:07 AM6 min read

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List - Sportzpoint.com

The Grand Slam tournaments, also known as majors are the most important Tennis tournament. It is also considered as the world's four most important annual professional tennis tournaments.

Grand Slam is referred to the achievement of winning all four major championships in the same calendar year. The four Grand Slam championships are the Australian Open, French Open, Us Open and Wimbledon.

That's why it is also called the "Calendar-year Grand Slam" or "Calendar Slam". Players get most ranking points, prize money, public and media attention in this prestigious Tennis tournament.

Also Read: Most Matches Played in Grand Slam

So let's have a tour of the most matches won in Grand slams from top 10 list.

Most matches won in Grand Slams

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point

10. John McEnroe | 167

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
John McEnroe. Image- International Tennis Hall of Fame

John McEnroe, the American former Tennis player is in the 10th place of the top ten list of most matches won in Grand Slams.

Between 1977 and 1992 John McEnroe won 167 Grand Slam men’s singles matches.

The majority of his wins came at Wimbledon and the US Open with McEnroe sporting an 18-5 record at the Australian Open and a 25-10 record at the French Open.

He has won seven Grand Slam singles title including four at the US Open and three at Wimbledon.

Besides, he has won nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles- five at Wimbledon and four at the US Open and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title at the French Open.

He made a record of 82-3 in singles.

9. Stefan Edberg | 178

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Stefan Edberg. Image- Rackonnect

Stefan Edberg is the master of the serve-and-volley style in tennis. The former Swedish tennis player once served as a coach for the defending champion Roger Federer.

Edberg has won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles between 1985 and 1996.

Edberg claimed his personal high tally (56 match wins) at the Australian Open, playing the event at two different venues.

Although both his titles in Melbourne came on the grass courts of the Kooyong Stadium.

8. Andy Murray | 200

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Andy Murray. Image- Eurosport

The British professional Tennis player was coached by his mother alongside with his brother.

Murray crossed the 200 threshold at the 2023 US Open and is one of two players entered into that tournament on this list.

He has won three Grand Slam singles title- two at Wimbledon and one at the US Open. He has reached eleven major finals.

Besides, Murray has won 46 ATP singles title, including 14 ATP Masters 1000 events.

7. Pete Sampras | 203

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Pete Sampras. Image- YouTube

Pete Sampras, the American former tennis player was once named 'Pistol Pete' for his precise and powerful serve.

He has won 14 major singles titles- seven Wimbledon titles, two Australian Open and a joint Open Era record five US Open titles.

At his home Slam he would end on 71 match wins going out on a winning streak.

Also read: Federer vs Nadal vs Djokovic: Grand slam titles in detail

6. Ivan Lendl | 222

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Ivan Lendl. Image- Media Referee

Ivan Lendl was the player from Czechoslovakia but later he obtained American citizenship. He is recognized as one of the greatest tennis player of all time.

Lendl was all out on 222 as he rounded off his 17-year professional career.

He won 205 matches at Grand Slam tournaments representing Czechoslovakia and 17 matches after his defection to the United States.

The former professional tennis player has achieved eight major singles titles and played 19 major finals.

He was runner-up a joint record 11 times, tied with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

5. Andre Agassi | 224

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Andre Agassi. Image- YouTube

The American world No.1 tennis player, Andre Agassi has to retire early from tennis as he was suffering from Sciatica. Still he has made many achievements in his tennis career.

He is the eight-time champion of major singles titles. He is an Olympic gold medalist as well as runner-up of seven other majors.

Agassi finished his career second on this list but would later be overtaken by the members of the big three.

4. Jimmy Connors | 233

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Jimmy Connors. Image- Tennis365

Jimmy Connors was the second man in the Open Era to win three major titles in a calendar year.

Though he didn't permit to play the fourth major. The American former tennis player has achieved eight major singles titles- five US Open, two Wimbledons and one Australian Open.

Before the big three, Jimmy Connors held an impressive Grand Slam match win tally that some thought was unsurpassable.

3. Rafael Nadal | 314

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Rafael Nadal. Image- News18

Rafael Nadal has won 22 major singles titles. The right-handed player's main strength is his forehand.

The Spanish tennis player has a record of 14 French Open titles. Besides, he has won 92 ATP singles titles and 36 Masters titles.

He has won 112 matches at Roland Garros, a mark that will truly take some beating.

His 97% win rate at Roland Garros would stand out in any era but considering the kind of opponents he came up against he is the King of Clay.

2. Novak Djokovic | 361

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Novak Djokovic. Image- ATP Tour

The Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic dominate the men's Tennis. He is the most consistent player of this era.

Currently second but almost certainly odds on to finish his career atop this and many other lists is Novak Djokovic.

He claimed his 361st Grand Slam win in the final of the US Open in 2023.

Djokovic has achieved record 24 major singles titles and made a record of winning more than 80 matches in four Grand Slams.

He is the only man to complete a non-calendar year Grand Slam and the first man in the Open Era to achieve a double career Grand Slam.

Djokovic could even pull in Nadal’s 112 match wins at Roland Garros, although that would mean playing until at least 2026.

Also Read: Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing

1. Roger Federer | 369

Most matches won in Grand Slams by any player | Top 10 List | Tennis News | Sportz Point
Roger Federer. Image- Khelnow.com

Roger Federer also dominate the men's tennis along with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The three of them are known as the 'Big Three'.

Federer blazed his way to 369 Grand Slam match wins across his incredible career.

Also Read: Roger Federer: A Look At The Career Of One Of The Best Tennis Players

The Swiss tennis player has won 20 major singles titles and a record six-year Wimbledon titles. he break Pete Sampras' record of 14 major singles titles at Wimbledon in 2009.

His final Grand Slam match was his defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at the 2021 edition of Wimbledon.

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Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing

To play at a consistent level at Grand Slams is a very difficult task. Rod Laver and Novak Djokovic are the two contrasting examples. Let's take a look at the tennis Stats of players who won back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing.

Jan 8, 2025, 11:58 AM3 min read

Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing - Sportzpoint.com

To play at a consistent level at Grand Slams is a very difficult task. Rod Laver and Novak Djokovic are the two contrasting examples. In the Open Era, Rod Laver won 4 majors consecutively in 1969 and Novak Djokovic won 4 majors from mid-2015 to mid-2016. 

Also Read: Most Matches Played in Grand Slam

Let's take a look at the tennis Stats of players who won back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing.

Tennis Stats | Players to win back-to-back Grand Slams

Rod Laver | 4 

Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing - Sportzpoint.com

Rod Laver knows what it takes to complete tennis’ ultimate achievement, having won the Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962 and again as a pro in 1969. He defeated Tony Roche in the US Open final (7-9, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2) to win a fourth consecutive major title. Laver won the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in the same calendar year (1969), which still stands as a unique achievement in the Open era.

As a professional Laver was banned from playing the Grand Slam tournaments as well as other tournaments. In 1968, Laver was again able to compete. During his career, he won eleven Grand Slam tournaments, eight Pro Slam tournaments, and five Davis Cup titles. He was also the first player to win four consecutive Grand Slams in the same calendar year in 1962.

Novak Djokovic | 4

Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing - Sportzpoint.com

Novak Djokovic also achieved four consecutive Grand Slam titles. He won the last two majors of 2015 (Wimbledon and US Open) and the first two Slams of 2016 (Australian Open and French Open). By winning the title in Paris in 2016, Djokovic completed a 'Career Grand Slam' (winning all four major tournaments), the fourth man to do so in the open era after Andre Agassi (1999), Roger Federer (2009) and Rafael Nadal (2010). He also completed a golden slam in 2023 when he won all four grand slams and the Olympic games. 

Djokovic is the first man to win 24 Slam titles. He has tied Margaret Court for the most ever of any player in any era. Djokovic also won 10 Australian Open, which makes him the record holder for the most titles at that tournament. 

Also Read: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam Finals in Men's Tennis

Rank Country Player Streak
1 AUS Rod Laver 4
1 SRB Novak Djokovic 4
3 USA Jimmy Connors 3
3 USA Pete Sampras 3
3 SUI Roger Federer 3
3 SUI Roger Federer 3
3 ESP Rafael Nadal 3
3 SRB Novak Djokovic 3
3 SRB Novak Djokovic 3
3 SRB Novak Djokovic 3
3 SRB Novak Djokovic 3

 

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'You challenged me in ways no one else could': Roger Federer's special message on Rafael Nadal's retirement

Rafael Nadal prepares to say 'au revoir' to the game that made him a legend. The man who dominated the French Open as if it was his backyard, draws curtains to an illustrious career with the Davis Cup finals 2024.

Nov 19, 2024, 10:37 AM3 min read

'You challenged me in ways no one else could': Roger Federer's special message on Rafael Nadal's retirement

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer wrote an emotional letter on the retirement of his close friend Rafael Nadal. Rafa, 22 Grand Slam winner, announced his retirement only last month at Davis Cup final in Málaga, Spain.

Also Read: Oldest Grand Slam Champion | Top 10 List

Federer, 43, who retired two years ago after winning 20 major titles, wrote, “As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge,” 

Federer recalled their first meeting

Federer and Nadal had the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport. They first faced each other in Miami in 2004, where the Spaniard defeated then world No. 1 Federer 6-3, 6-3 in the round of 32.

Recalling their first meeting, Federer said, “OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype."

Federer praised Nadal's skills on clay and thanked him for making him a better player. He wrote, “We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud."

The 'Fedal' rivalry

Notably, the 'Fedal' rivalry has seen some of the most spectacular tennis matches, including the Wimbledon 2008 final, in which Nadal defeated Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7. In total, they faced each other 40 times, with Nadal holding the head-to-head record 24–16.

“I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies." Federer added.

Also Read: Most Olympic Gold medals in Tennis history (Men's)

Nadal was on the same side on Federer's last match

In Federer's last professional tennis match, Rafael Nadal was on the same side of the court as the two paired up to play a doubles match at the Laver Cup in London in 2022. After the match, a photo of Federer and Nadal sitting on the bench, holding hands and crying, went viral on social media.

“And then there was London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career,”

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