Four Matches that Remind Us Why Tennis Memorabilia Is So Magical

 

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. Viewership of tournaments continues to grow each year, making tennis memorabilia all the more beloved. Plus, it is a sport steeped in tradition, rivalries, and enthralling sports entertainment.

 

The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, started in 1877. Since then, hundreds of legendary players have hit the courts across multiple contests in which they made sports history.

Some of the most iconic tennis moments live on through memory and memorabilia.

 

Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal – Wimbledon Final, 2008

 

The men’s finals of 2008 were expected to be the best tennis match in history to watch. Federer won the last five Wimbledon titles. Two were against Nadal.

 

As a result, fans and analysts favored Federer to come out on top of this match. After a game that stretched over four hours, Nadal would be this year’s champion.

 

Venus Williams v Lindsay Davenport – Wimbledon Final, 2005

 

Coming into the tournament, Williams was not playing as her exceptional self. Many did not expect her to get far in London. However, Williams persisted by beating out the tournament’s defending champion in the semifinals to face fellow American Lindsay Davenport in the championship.

 

It was not a shortlived game, as both women played a tough match in which there was a toss-up of who would become the new champion.

 

After some faulty errors, the title seemed to be slipping away from Williams, but her perseverance led her to win the match.

 

Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe – Wimbledon Final, 1980

 

The 1980 tournament final between Borg and McEnroe was one of the most interesting matchups. It also remains today as one of the most suspenseful matches in history, as the dominating Borg met the unpredictable McEnroe.

 

Borg lost to McEnroe in the first set, which would then lead to a remarkable 34-point tiebreaker. After almost four hours of back-and-forth play, Borg achieved the title for the fifth year in a row.

 

Monica Seles v Steffi Graf – US Open Final, 1995

 

The US Open was a significant comeback for Seles–her first tournament since being stabbed on the court by an erratic fan in 1993. At that time, she was one of the youngest and most successful players in the world.

 

Two years later, Seles would meet Steffi Graf in the finals. The first set proved to be a nailbiter that ended with Graf coming out on top.

 

Seles would shut out Graf in the next set in less than 10 minutes. However, Graf won the third and final set of the match, taking her to tournament victory.

 

Adding Memorabilia to Your Collection

 

With so many historical matches taking place every year, adding tennis memorabilia to your collection is one of the best ways to honor the greats.

 

Since the sport has been around for so long, there is a large selection of items to choose from, including photographs, rackets, and signed balls. Just be sure to verify its authenticity before bringing items home at a more significant price.