Sports & Athletes

The Greatest Upsets in Wimbledon Men's Singles History

A curated list of the most shocking results in The Championships' history, highlighting moments where underdogs defied odds against tennis legends. These matches redefine what is possible on grass and remain etched in sports lore.

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John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut (2010)

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Widely considered the most epic match in tennis history, this five-day marathon lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes. Isner won the final set 70-68, setting records for longest match, most aces, and most games in a single match.

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Tim Henman vs. Goran Ivanisevic (2002)

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Ivanisevic, entering at No. 125, defeated the crowd-favorite Henman in the semifinals to force a final against Agassi. His subsequent victory over Agassi made him the lowest-ranked Wimbledon champion in history, stunning the tennis world.

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Goran Ivanisevic vs. Andre Agassi (2001)

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After his historic run the previous year, Ivanisevic faced Andre Agassi in the final. Despite Agassi's dominance, Ivanisevic claimed his first Grand Slam title, completing a fairytale ending for the wild-card entry from Croatia.

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Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe (1980)

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Often cited as the greatest match ever played, this final saw McEnroe lead two sets to love before Borg mounted an incredible comeback. Borg won the final set in a tiebreak, showcasing legendary mental fortitude against the rising American star.

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Michael Chang vs. Stefan Edberg (1989)

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At just 17 years old, Chang became the youngest player to reach the Wimbledon final since 1890. He pushed three-time defending champion Edberg to five sets in a remarkable display of youthful grit and athleticism on grass.

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Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Martin del Potro (2009)

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Djokovic, ranked No. 3, was defeated in the fourth round by world No. 8 del Potro in five thrilling sets. It was the first time Djokovic had lost at Wimbledon, marking a significant upset that halted his rise as a dominant force at the time.

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Arthur Ashe vs. Jimmy Connors (1975)

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Ashe, ranked No. 4, defeated the rising No. 7 star Connors in straight sets to become the first Black male champion. This victory was a historic milestone in tennis, breaking racial barriers and cementing Ashe's legacy as a trailblazer.

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Jan Kodeš vs. John Newcombe (1973)

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Kodeš, a Czech player known for his defensive skills, stunned the favorite Newcombe in the final. His victory ended Newcombe's hopes of a third consecutive title and highlighted the effectiveness of the slice serve on grass courts.

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Goran Ivanisevic vs. Patrick Rafter (2000)

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Ivanisevic, playing as a wild card, defeated two-time champion Rafter in the final. This win was crucial in establishing Ivanisevic's reputation as a grass-court specialist before his even more surprising victory the following year.

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Pat Cash vs. Stefan Edberg (1987)

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Cash, an unseeded Australian, defeated the young Swede Edberg in the final. It remains the only time an unseeded player has won the Wimbledon men's singles title, showcasing Cash's aggressive serve-and-volley style at its peak.

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Milos Raonic vs. Andy Murray (2016)

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Raonic defeated defending champion Murray in the semifinals in straight sets. This upset signaled a shift in momentum for Raonic, who had previously struggled against Murray, and set up a final against Stan Wawrinka.

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Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz (2024)

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In a highly anticipated semifinal, Sinner defeated the defending champion Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set battle. This result ended Alcaraz's reign and highlighted the intense rivalry between the new generation of top players.

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Richard Gasquet vs. Novak Djokovic (2008)

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Gasquet pushed world No. 1 Djokovic to five sets in the semifinals before falling short. Although not a victory, Gasquet's performance was seen as a major upset due to his ability to compete so closely with the dominant Serbian player.

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John McEnroe vs. Jimmy Connors (1984)

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McEnroe defeated Connors in the semifinals in four sets to reach his fifth consecutive final. The rivalry was intense, and McEnroe's victory was crucial in his quest to become the first man to win five consecutive Wimbledon titles.

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Andre Agassi vs. Pete Sampras (1992)

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Agassi defeated the defending champion Sampras in the semifinals in five sets. This result was a significant upset as Sampras was considered nearly invincible on grass, marking the beginning of Agassi's rise to the top of the game.

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Stefan Edberg vs. Boris Becker (1990)

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Edberg defeated Becker in the final to claim his second Wimbledon title. Becker's loss was notable as he was the favorite, and Edberg's victory reinforced his status as a formidable competitor on grass courts during that era.

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Boris Becker vs. Stefan Edberg (1988)

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Becker defeated Edberg in a thrilling final that went to five sets. This victory was significant as it ended Edberg's previous year's dominance and reasserted Becker's status as a premier grass-court specialist.

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Pete Sampras vs. Goran Ivanisevic (1997)

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Sampras defeated Ivanisevic in the semifinals in four sets. While Sampras won, the match was notable for Ivanisevic's incredible service performance, which kept him competitive against the dominant American champion.

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Lleyton Hewitt vs. Andy Roddick (2003)

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Hewitt defeated Roddick in the semifinals in four sets. This victory was crucial for Hewitt, who went on to win the title, and it showcased his tenacity against the powerful American serve of Roddick.

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Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick (2009)

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Federer defeated Roddick in the final in four sets after trailing by two sets. This comeback victory was a testament to Federer's resilience and marked his second title, ending a period of dominance by other players like Djokovic.