Riveting tennis, amazing comebacks, controversial moments and emotional displays during periods of high drama and thrill have combined to create some of the most unforgettable French Open matches.
Here are our top picks for most memorable moments of French Open matches:
- Steffi Graf defeats Martina Hingis 1999 final
Graf’s comprehensive win over martina Hingis in this final offered all the elements of controversy, unforgettable match, crow involvement, tension, star quality, display of emotions, sentimental value and comeback. Hingis was top seeded then and had won first set with 2-0 lead in second set when things turned. Hingis was serving for match at 5-4 when Graf made a comeback and won three straight games to level. She dominated the third set after winning second set and ended up being the champion.
Hingis complained a lot about umpiring during the match which also cost her penalty. Graf after winning the match said that this was her final French Open and announced her retirement two months later.
2. Michael Chang defeated Ivan Lendl, 1989
It is the most memorable fourth round of French Open as Michael Chang’s upset of Ivan Lendl left everyone in shock. Chang’s 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory had a little bit of everything including stunning upset despite Chang’s cramps, remarkable comeback and underhand serve on crucial point. This match became much more unforgettable as Chang went on to win the tournament at the age of 17, becoming the youngest make to win a Grand Slam.
3. Chris Evert defeated Martina Navratilova 1985 final
This was the 65th and best of the 80 matches played between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. At this point, Navratilova was leading 33-31 against Evert and had won 15 of previous 16 meetings. But Evert was able to win this match 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 to reclaim world No.1 rank at age 30.
4. Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 2013 semifinal
At that time, Nadal had won 7 French Open titles but Novak Djokobic was world No. 1. It was the greatest resilient shown by both players that highlighted this match. Nadal’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7 victory over Djokovic in this semifinal is memorable for its riveting nature and high level of play.
5. Robin Soderling defeated Nadal 2009
It was the fourth round of French Open when Robin Soderling defeated Nadal with a score of 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6. Since 2005, Nadal lost just one match at Roland Garros. Before this match, Nadal was 60-1 in the French Open, winning the title eight of the nine times he had played the event. It was in 2009 where Soderling pulled off a stunning upset.
