By Ed Mackinnon

Over the last 25 years tennis has experienced a transition through generations. Since 2005 we have witnessed the big 3 dominate the slams – Djokovic (24), Nadal (22), Federer (20). However, what have been the greatest matches of the golden era and how are the 4 majors dealing with the new generation as the 3 greatest players of all time are slowly leaving the sport?

Honourable mentions:

– 2017 Australian open final Federer def Nadal:

First Grand Slam title for Federer in 5 years, revived his career and set up one of the most incredible comeback seasons in which he won 2 slams and 3 master 1000 titles.

– 2023 Wimbledon final Alcaraz def Djokovic:

Djokovic’s first loss on centre court in over 10 years, it was Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon title and ended the era of Big 4 dominance (2003-2023)

– 2002 US Open final Sampras def Agassi:

The final professional match of Sampras’ career, his 14th major title (a record at the time).

– 2011 US Open semi-final Djokovic def Federer:

Djokovic saved 2 match points (just like in the 2019 Wimbledon final) and went on to win the title against Nadal, it was a long, 5 set battle in which Djokovic recovered from a 2-0 deficit.

5). 2013 Wimbledon final Murray def Djokovic (6-4 7-5 6-4):

For the first time in 77 years a British man won the most prestigious event in the sport. After a brutal loss the previous year against Federer both the fans and Murray were desperate for him to win. Murray was sharp, unforgiving and dominant throughout, beating Djokovic 3-0 (6-4 7-5 6-4). The match, whilst not the most competitive, proved that Andy Murray was one of the best in the world and could deal with immense pressure and consolidated his position within the big 4.

4). 2025 French open final Alcaraz def Sinner (4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6):

This year we witnessed one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Sinner led 2-0 against Carlos Alcaraz and was the clear favourite for the match completely outplaying his main rival. But Carlos never gave up, kept on believing and began to strengthen his position. Even after taking the 3rd set Sinner set up 3 consecutive championship points as Alcaraz was serving at 4-5 in the 4th. Somehow Alcaraz holds through and wins the set to set up a final 5th set to decide the final. After 5 hours and 29 minutes Alcaraz finally won. The longest French open final in history and the greatest comeback since Djokovic at the 2019 Wimbledon final. It showed the fans that tennis didn’t need the big 3 to still have amazing rivalries and that a new generation had finally stepped in as the golden era ended after 20+ years of dominance.

3). 2019 Wimbledon final Djokovic def Federer (7–6, 1–6, 7–6, 4–6, 13–12):

Federer’s last grand slam final was one of his greatest, although he did not win the match, he was clearly the better player. Boasting almost double the winners over Djokovic (94-54) and only a few more unforced errors the stats showed Federer as the better player. However, after saving 2 championship points on Federer’s serve, Djokovic managed to steal the match. The Serb’s victory showed the extreme mental strength he has developed throughout his career which he used to win himself his 16th grand slam title. The 2019 final was the longest final The Wimbledon Championships had ever seen and showed that although the 2 greats were ageing the quality of their game remained.

2). 2008 Wimbledon final Nadal def Federer (6–4, 6–4, 6–7, 6–7, 9–7):

At the 2008 Wimbledon final Nadal ended Federer’s 5-year dominance over the title and made it known that he could win large tournaments that weren’t on a clay court. It was Nadal’s 5th major title and first not at the French Open which was significant as many wondered if he would ever dominate the non-clay surfaces. A few months later Nadal would end Federer’s 310 week hold of the world no.1 spot, this was a direct consequence of this match and symbolised the end of Federer’s prime. For many this is the greatest match of all time due to the extensive rallies, immense skill and quality the two all-time greats showed.

1). 2012 Australian Open final Djokovic def Nadal (5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7, 7–5):

The 2012 Australian Open final is widely regarded as the greatest match of all time. Not only was it the longest Grand Slam final (5h 53 mins) after which neither player could stand as the trophy was presented but also showcased some of the most brutal tennis in which 2 heavyweights of the game truly met their match. Nadal’s brute force and tenacity was not enough to defeat the consistency and precision that Djokovic showed. Coming off potentially the greatest season a player has had (2011) there were questions over whether Novak Djokovic would continue to dominate the sport. Proving critics, wrong Djokovic completed the comeback after going down 4-2 in the final set to win his 6th Grand slam and 3rd AO.