There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a tiebreaker in tennis. When the game is balanced on a knife’s edge and both players are fighting tooth and nail to gain the upper hand, the tension becomes almost unbearable. Add the weight of legendary rivalries into the mix, and you’ve got moments that go down in history for their sheer intensity and drama. These tiebreakers test skill, mental strength, and heart. Here’s a deep dive into some of the most iconic tiebreakers that have defined tennis rivalries and left fans breathless.

1. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe – 1980 Wimbledon Final

If there’s a gold standard for tiebreakers, this one might just be it. The fourth set of the 1980 Wimbledon final between Borg, the ice-cool Swede, and McEnroe, the fiery and unpredictable American, delivered an unforgettable moment in tennis history.

Borg was chasing his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, while McEnroe was determined to spoil his party. After three tight sets, the fourth set entered a tiebreak that lasted 20 minutes of pure drama. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as McEnroe saved five championship points in a heart-pounding 18-16 battle to force a fifth set.

Borg eventually took the match in the final set, 8-6, but it was McEnroe’s Herculean effort in the tiebreak that solidified this match as one of the greatest of all time. The contrast between Borg’s stoic calm and McEnroe’s fiery energy made it a rivalry for the ages.

2. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal – 2008 Wimbledon Final

It’s nearly impossible to talk tennis rivalries without mentioning Federer and Nadal. Their 2008 Wimbledon final is widely regarded as the greatest match in tennis history, and the third-set tiebreak is one big reason why.

Nadal had taken the first two sets in a bid to finally dethrone Federer, the five-time defending champion. But Federer wasn’t going down without a fight. The third set culminated in a tiebreak where Federer showcased his unrelenting determination, brushing off the relentless pressure Nadal was applying.

Federer’s forehand was on fire as he edged out the tiebreak, keeping his chances alive. While Nadal eventually won the match in an epic 9-7 fifth set, this tiebreak illustrated why their rivalry is considered the pinnacle of tennis greatness.

3. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – 2019 Wimbledon Final

Fast forward to Wimbledon 2019, where Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer delivered another jaw-dropping thriller. This match featured two crucial tiebreakers, one in the first set and another in the third, both of which Djokovic won. But the real history came in the fifth set, when Wimbledon instituted a decisive tiebreak at 12-12 for the first time.

With the match lasting nearly five hours, both players were physically and emotionally drained. The final tiebreak saw Djokovic coolly locking in while Federer, despite his tenacity and a home crowd firmly behind him, faltered just enough to give Djokovic the edge.

Djokovic’s victory marked him as the first male player to win a Wimbledon singles final by way of a final-set tiebreak. It also deepened his rivalry with Federer, with fans debating for years who the true GOAT (Greatest of All Time) might be.

4. Andre Agassi vs. Pete Sampras – 2001 U.S. Open Quarterfinal

The Agassi-Sampras rivalry was full of contrasting styles—Agassi’s flawless returns versus Sampras’ thunderous serves. No match better showcased these differences than their 2001 U.S. Open quarterfinal, which featured four tiebreak sets without a single break of serve.

Late in both their careers, this grueling match saw Sampras squeak out three of the tiebreakers to ultimately win 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6. The precision and consistency of their games under the pressure of tiebreaks was incredible. Fans still marvel at the way these two fierce competitors stayed locked on every point, knowing even a slight misstep could have swung the match.

5. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles – 1992 French Open Final

Long before Serena Williams dominated the women’s game, it was Steffi Graf and Monica Seles who set the standard for intense rivalries. Their 1992 French Open final came down to one of the most exciting final-set tiebreaks in tennis history.

Graf and Seles were evenly matched, trading blistering groundstrokes and punishing each other’s serves. Tied at 6-6 in the third, the match came down to nerves, and Seles emerged victorious with a 10-8 tiebreak win. Her fearlessness under pressure was evident, and this victory solidified her as one of the most dominant players of her era.

6. Jimmy Connors vs. Ivan Lendl – 1982 U.S. Open Final

The 1982 U.S. Open final isn’t just remembered for its tiebreak—it’s remembered for the way it symbolized Connors’ relentless spirit against Lendl’s clinical precision. The two players had contrasting demeanors on the court, with Connors embodying fiery grit and Lendl known for his icy focus.

The third set went into a dramatic tiebreak, with Connors throwing everything he had at Lendl. The crowd roared as Connors snatched the tiebreak away, using every ounce of his energy to physically and emotionally overpower Lendl. Connors went on to win the match, leaving fans in awe of his enduring tenacity on the big stage.

7. Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert – 1984 U.S. Open Final

The rivalry between Navratilova and Evert is one of the most storied in the history of sports. Their clash at the 1984 U.S. Open final culminated in a dramatic tiebreak in the first set, setting the tone for a high-stakes match.

Navratilova’s attacking style was met with Evert’s defensive brilliance in a nerve-racking sequence of points. Ultimately, Navratilova edged out Evert in the tiebreak and carried the momentum to win the match. This victory secured her place as the dominant force in women’s tennis during that era.

8. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic – 2012 U.S. Open Final

Andy Murray’s breakthrough Grand Slam victory came through a fierce battle with Novak Djokovic, and the third-set tiebreak was pivotal. With the match split at 1-1 in sets, both players dug deep as the third set reached its climax.

Murray, whose nerves had often been questioned in the biggest moments, stayed composed under Djokovic’s relentless pressure. The tiebreak showcased Murray’s resilience and helped propel him to an emotional five-set victory, ending Great Britain’s 76-year wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion.