Great thread, tennisville!
Here's my list.
01. Djokovic vs. Stan, AO
In my opinion not just the most outstanding match of the year but also one of the all time greats.
A real shame it won't be mentioned in the same breath as Fed-Nadal 08, Fed-Safin 05 in AO, Mac-Borg and other classics but from a pure shotmaking and drama perspective it's every bit as good as those, arguably even better. The moment when Stan saved MPs with crushing backhand winners it was obvious this is going to be a classic for the ages. The match point in itself is a contender for the rallye of the year and was really a worth and fitting end that left Stan heart-broken like one of those great one-liners in hollywood blockbusters - hasta la vista baby.
02. Djokovic vs. Del Potro, Wimbledon
Sustained high quality from start to finish. Fascinating match with a lot of storylines in between.
03. Nadal vs. Djokovic, Paris
Apart from the Wimbledon final, this was arguably the most important match of the season.
It prevented (with hindsight obviously) Djokovic from the career slam, another 3 slam winning season and a three-peat year end #1. Crazy when you think about it. The wind made the first 3 sets almost unbearable to watch but set 4 and 5 made up for it. It could be remembered (alongside the USO final) as Rafa's last stand against Djokovic before their careers might head into different trajectories due to mileage issues.
04. Nadal vs. Djokovic, Montreal
One of the Nadal's finest hardcourt matches. He was on fire off of both wings, served great and really took it to Novak. Even though the final TB was a huge anti climax, still the year's most fascinating best of 3 match with huge implications. I was glued to the TV.
05. Fed vs. Tsonga, AO
This one I think is almost a forgotten match. Tsonga came out all gunz blazing and pushed a very solid version of Fed to the limit. Although not a classic it was still every bit as entertaining as a 5 set thriller can be. One of Fed's Top 3 performances this year IMO.
06. Murray vs. Verdasco, Wimbledon
Very emotional match and with hindsight could prove to be Murray's most important win ever. Verdasco on fire, hitting the forehand like a dream at times.
07. Gasquet vs. Raonic, US Open
What a 5 set drama with saved MPs, countless twists and turns, smashed racquets, bananas and super atmosphere under the lights.
08. Stan vs. Gasquet, Paris
The same as #07 just without the lights.
09. Fed vs. Stakhovsky, Wimbledon
Stakhovsky with the finest display of S&V since the days of Rafter, Henman and Pete. Yes Darth, Roger's ROS was pathetic at times but Stakh's approach shots and execution at the net was a joy to watch and the final tie-breaker had everything you could ever ask for.
10. Dimitrov vs. Djokovic, Madrid
I've rarely enjoyed a match from the very start to the very end like this one.
11. Delpo vs. Nadal, Indian Wells
What a fun match. Electric atmosphere. Delpo being tired and running on empty in the end really prevented this one from being a top 5 lock.
12. Monfils vs. Berdych, Paris
13. Robredo vs. Monfils, Paris
14. Robredo vs. Almagro, Paris
I was never a fan of Monfils or Robredo but they made me jumping on my sofa and being close to tears. 3 of the most emotional matches in years.
15. Nadal vs. Ferrer, Rome
If you haven't seen it already or been afraid of the match-up or 3rd set scoreline, it's worth watching. The best clay court match of the year in my opinion
16. Djokovic vs. Del Potro, Shanghai
Felt so sorry for Delpo but that's another match I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
17. Murray vs. Djokovic, Wimbledon
I might be in the minority here but I really enjoyed this. While Nole was indeed too erratic and out of sorts at times, there were more than enough incredible rallies, especially in the 3rd set that kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus the most emotional final service game of the season and arguably since Rafter-Ivanisevic at the same place with twists and turns, saved MPs galore, hustling and grinning, immense pressure and relief - all within 15min, almost too much to take. Can't even image how Murray must have felt. He wanted to win this so badly, you could have cut his desperation with a knife, it was not even funny. I would call the last service game a tennis porn.
18. Berdych vs. Djokovic, Rome
Arguably one of T-Berd's finest ever matches. Incredible comeback from a set and 2-5 down in the 2nd. As if god suddenly took control of Berdych who went on to paint the lines, hitting like a dream off of both wings and never looked back.
19. Haas vs. Djokovic, Miami
Might be an odd call due to the straight forward scoreline but I loved the relentless and gutsy gameplan, variety and oldschool approach of Tommy and how he really annoyed the hell out of Novak who was guessing all the time what was coming next. A great match in its own right that displayed all facets of tennis. A fascinating contrast of styles. Don't be afraid of the scoreline, the match was really much better then the numbers might suggest. Basically a few points here and there decided both sets. I wish there were more matches like this one these days.
20. Fed vs. Youzhny, Halle
Another underrated one. Great shotmaking from both until the very end in one of finest displays of grasscourt tennis of the year. Youzhny's ROS and backhand unplayable at times. So unlucky to lose.
21. Djokovic vs. Stan, US Open
Too eratic play from both and nowhere near a classic but still a nail-biter.
22. Youzhny vs. Hewitt, US Open
Really enjoyed this 5 set battle of the veterans.
23. Nadal vs. Zeballos
Sorry Nadal-fans but Zeballos was just ridiculously good in the end. He closed his eyes and just went for it and everything he attempted just happened to go in.
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