There is no doubt that Wimbledon consistently delivers unforgettable memories and engaging moments for fans and audience members around the world. In 2023, the men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic provided fans with jaw-dropping and mesmerizing moments during the traditional “all-white” tennis event.
In honor of this extraordinary event, iLOTBet explores four of the most legendary men’s Wimbledon finals in sports history.
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (2008)
Having endured two heart-wrenching defeats in the Wimbledon finals of 2006 and 2007 against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal emerged determined to claim victory in their third successive encounter. Nadal faced off against Federer and bested the Swiss 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(5), 6–7(8), and 9–7 to secure his first Wimbledon championship.
Notably, this victory marked Nadal’s fifth Grand Slam title and his first outside of the revered French Open. The fact that Federer lost his first Grand Slam final outside of the French Open further underscored the significance of Nadal’s accomplishment. The championship match between Nadal and Federer inscribed its place in Wimbledon history as the second-longest in tournament history, lasting a grueling 4 hours and 48 minutes, interrupted by two rain delays.
Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic (2013)
Another historic game witnessed at Centre Court was Andy Murray’s 2013 win against Novak Djokovic. Coincidentally, the 10th anniversary of this win was celebrated amply at this year’s tournament.
This remains one of the most iconic Wimbledon wins as the British No. 1 – Murray had to overcome arguably the greatest pressure that has ever been placed on any sports- person due to Britain’s near-century-long longing for a male champion to follow Fred Perry’s final Wimbledon triumph in 1936.
Defeating the world #1 and the top seed at Wimbledon, in straight sets (6–4 7–5 6–4) made the moment even more iconic. Murray was able to beat Djokovic again in straight sets, with only the very last game of the match (in which Djokovic had several chances to break Murray’s serve and thereby prolong proceedings) proving particularly troublesome.
Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer (2019)
The 2019 final remains fresh in the memories of many. It was yet another heavyweight duel between Federer and Novak Djokovic, highlighting why the Wimbledon finals are an incredible spectacle of drama and finesse. After a grueling battle of nerves and endurance over 4 hours and 57 minutes, Djokovic emerged victorious, claiming his 5th Wimbledon crown and 16th Grand Slam, end route to his current record of 23 titles.
Djokovic also became the first man since Bob Falkenburg at the 1948 Wimbledon Championships to win the title after being championship points down, having saved two when down 7–8 in the fifth set. Moreover, it was the first Wimbledon where a final set tiebreak rule was introduced.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic (2023)
Carlos Alcaraz, playing in his debut Wimbledon final, took the tennis world by storm when he ousted record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller. The amazing turn of events, the defeat of Djokovic in a tiebreak, the five-hour-long final, the global attention, and the triumph over the ultimate obstacle to a Wimbledon title – Djokovic, there is little debate as to why this final ranks amongst our most iconic Wimbledon finals.
The Serb was attempting to equal Federer’s all-time Wimbledon record total of eight Men’s Singles titles, and he was also on course to complete the Calendar Grand Slam – the actual Grand Slam of winning all four Majors in a single calendar year, having already conquered the previous two Slams in Melbourne and Paris.
iLOTBet believes it’s an ideal “David and Goliath” tale. Test your fate while betting on your favorite tennis stars on the Best Online Betting Platform in Nigeria, iLOTBet.