5 greatest Wimbledon men's singles finals of all time

#2 Goran Ivanisevic vs Patrick Rafter (2001)

Wimbledon 2001 Champion Goran Ivanisevic

The 2001 Wimbledon Championships was memorable in many ways. It marked the arrival of the future champion and GOAT Roger Federer. A teenaged Federer took out Pete Sampras in the 4th round, in a match heralding the handover of the baton on the Centre Court.

Goran Ivanisevic was not only unseeded but he needed a wildcard to ensure his participation in the tournament. A 3-time runner-up on the Center Court in 1992, 1994 and 1998, this was probably his last chance to win Wimbledon. Ivanisevic needed to be at his very best in all the matches in the run-up to the final.

Rain helped swing the momentum in Ivanisevic's favour in his semi-finals against Tim Henman as he held his cool to book a 4th final at Wimbledon. He was up against Pat Rafter who slayed Andre Agassi in the semi-final. The atmosphere at Centre Court on the day of the final was unlike any other seen in recent memory as legions of fiercely loyal Australians and Croats filled the seats.

The match itself lived up to the hype and frenzy. At 7-7 in the fifth set, Rafter hit probably the best drop volley ever witnessed on the Centre Court. However, he was broken. Ivanisevic serving out the match was the most emotional service game ever as he regularly kissed the tennis ball before tossing it high up and his hands were clearly trembling.