Magic of Wimbledon: Iconic finals in tournament history
Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable men’s and women’s singles finals at Wimbledon over the years
Wimbeldon Best Finals
Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the season, is the most prestigious grass-court tennis tournament. The thrilling battles on London’s lawns have long transcended sport, becoming a true cultural phenomenon.
MelBet sports betting offers a wide range of tennis events with competitive odds. The global brand presents a selection of unforgettable Wimbledon finals in both the men’s and women’s singles.
A tennis movie
1980: Björn Borg def. John McEnroe (1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7, 8–6)
The fierce rivalry between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe defined the late 1970s and early 1980s in tennis. Dubbed “the battle of ice and fire”, the composed, stoic Swede clashed with the hot-headed American, infamous for his outbursts and smashed rackets.
In 1979, they faced off six times, with the Borg winning four. Their rivalry reached its peak in the 1980 Wimbledon final, a dramatic showdown reflected in the nail-biting scoreline.
Rather than describe it in detail, it’s worth watching the feature film Borg vs. McEnroe, where Shia LaBeouf plays McEnroe. It’s a must for sports fans and one of the most compelling portrayals of competition ever captured on screen.
Youth is no obstacle to triumph
1985: Boris Becker def. Kevin Curren (6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4)
Unlike figure skating, where teens often dominate, tennis, an aristocratic sport, has traditionally been ruled by experienced veterans. In the mid-1980s, players like Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, and John McEnroe ruled the grass courts of Britain.
So when 17-year-old Boris Becker arrived at Wimbledon in 1985, few paid attention. Meanwhile, 27-year-old American Kevin Curren had surprised everyone by reaching the final. However, in the decisive match, he was defeated in four sets by the young prodigy from West Germany.
At just 17 years and 277 days, Becker became the youngest Grand Slam champion in history. And it was no fluke: he defended his title in 1986. The German talent went on to win Wimbledon a third time in 1989 and later captured the US Open. In the 1990s, the red-haired tennis genius also became a two-time Australian Open champion.
Climbing to the top with a wild card
2001: Goran Ivanisevic def. Pat Rafter (6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7)
The 2001 men’s final stood out not just for its five-set rollercoaster. It wasn’t the first dramatic Wimbledon final, nor would it be the last. What made it extraordinary was the winner’s story. Goran Ivanisevic had only one Grand Slam title in his career, but what a victory it was! Nearly 25 years ago, the Croatian arrived at Wimbledon ranked 125th in the ATP standings and was only allowed to compete thanks to a wild card — a special invitation that bypasses the standard qualification rules. Usually, unseeded players are eliminated in the early rounds, but Ivanisevic defied the odds. He pulled off a miracle on the grass and fought his way through the draw to claim the title.
At the crossroads of eras
1988: Steffi Graf def. Martina Navratilova (5–7, 6–2, 6–1)
In the 1980s, Martina Navratilova was a true tennis machine. The American of Czech descent was especially dominant at Wimbledon, winning six consecutive titles between 1982 and 1987, dropping just two sets across those finals. In 1988, the 31-year-old Navratilova aimed for yet another championship and predictably took the first set in the final against Steffi Graf. However, the 19-year-old German turned the match around and confidently claimed the next two sets. After that game, Steffi became the new Queen of Tennis, dethroning Martina for good.
The 138th Wimbledon tournament kicked off on June 23. Watch the matches of tennis stars with MelBet sports betting and become the champion of your own major!!
