Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Rafter’s 2001 Wimbledon final remains one of the most emotional and dramatic matches ever played on Centre Court. Ivanisevic, a wildcard entry ranked 125th in the world, had already lost three Wimbledon finals before this moment. Rafter, a two-time US Open champion, was chasing his first Wimbledon crown after finishing runner-up the previous year.
A match filled with tension and heart
The final was a five-set rollercoaster: 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7. Ivanisevic missed three match points in the 16th game of the fifth set, each one tightening the emotional grip of the crowd. On his fourth opportunity, Rafter netted a forehand return, and Ivanisevic collapsed to the ground in disbelief.
Reflections from the players
Years later, both players recalled the match with deep emotion. Ivanisevic described it as “an unsolved mystery how I won,” admitting that nerves nearly overwhelmed him. Rafter, gracious in defeat, said, “Someone has to lose and I’m the loser once again,” recognizing the match could have gone either way.Ivanisevic and Rafter talks about their incredible 2001 Wimbledon final won by Ivanisevic with lots of nerves after converting 4 match points