The greatest men's single Grand Slam finals in the 21st century

Tennis fans have been dealt a blow as Wimbledon 2020 has been cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a flashback for tennis fans, recollecting few greatest men's single Grand Slam finals ever in men’s singles in the 21st century.

2008 Wimbledon final: Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7

Federer was the favourites to win the 2008 Wimbledon final against Nadal. Federer has already beaten Nadal in their previous two Wimbledon finals. 

But Nadal came out all guns blazing and raced to a 2-0 lead before Federer bounced back to level it 2-2 ahead of the 5th set, saving multiple championship points on Nadal’s serve. 

The match had all the drama with rain delays and bad light compounding problems. Eventually, Nadal prevailed 9-7 in the 5th set to win his first Grand Slam outside Paris.

Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in 2019 Wimbledon final 7–6, 1–6, 7–6, 4–6, 13–12

This final was a heartbreak for all Federer fans. After a roller-coaster four sets with the two sharing the spoils, Federer looked in full control in the fifth set. 

But Djokovic wasn’t willing to give it easily. Federer was serving for championship at 40-15. But Djokovic saved two match points to force a tie-breaker. 

The Djoker then destroyed Federer in the tie-breaker. It was Federer’s 4th Grand Slam final loss to Djokovic. 

Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 7–5 in 2012 Australian Open final

It is the longest-ever Grand Slam final. Djokovic prevailed in the end, beating Nadal in a marathon final, which lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes. 

But interestingly, the final had only one tie-breaker in the fourth set. Djokovic prevailed 7-5 in the 5th set. Djokovic led out a war cry in the end, ripping off his shirt in the process, and falling flat on his back. 

The two stars were so tired that they were given a chair to sit on during the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in 2017 Australian Open final  6–4, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3

Federer had gone without a Grand Slam win for five years and looked to have lost his magic on the tennis court. But in 2017 Australian Open final, he met his old rival Nadal. 

Although Nadal is considered a clay champ, he gave his all on the hard court of Australian Open. The two fought tooth and nail, taking the match to the fifth set where Federer prevailed 6-3. Federer said he wished the match was a draw. 

Photo courtesy: Novak Djokovic Official FB page