Tennis legend Boris Becker recently sparked debate on social media when he disagreed with a list of the greatest Grand Slam finals shared on X. The German champion made it very clear that he doesn’t agree with the inclusion of the Wimbledon final 2009 between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick in that list.
Federer defeated Roddick after four hours and 17 minutes with 5–7, 7–6(8–6), 7–6(7–5), 3–6, 16–14 at the 2009 Wimbledon final. This was one of the most significant parts of their rivalry as they were against each other for the third time in a Wimbledon final and the fourth time in a Grand Slam final. One notable thing from this match was that Roddick lost after holding serve for 37 straight games.
So, I’ve given it some thought…
My top 5 Grand Slam men’s finals of all time:
1/ Nadal-Federer, Wimbledon 2008
2/ Borg-McEnroe, Wimbledon 1980
3/ Djokovic-Nadal, Australian Open 2012
4/ Federer-Roddick, Wimbledon 2009
5/ Alcaraz-Sinner, Roland-Garros 2025Yesterday was top 5.
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) June 9, 2025
Boris Becker Prefers the “Scintillating” Australian Open Final 2017 Over Wimbledon Final 2012
The six-time Grand Slam champion, Becker, clarified his preference by highlighting the 2017 Australian Open final between Federer and Nadal. Federer defeated his longtime rival 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in what many consider one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history.
Federer, aged 35, returned from a six-month injury break. Neither player had reached a Grand Slam final in years, which made the match even more remarkable. After winning this match, Federer regained the World No.1 ranking and clinched his 18th Grand Slam title, making this match even memorable.
Don’t agree with Wimbledon finale 2012 between Federer v Roddick !
I did the commentary for the BBC , it was very long but few good rallies…
I would include Melbourne 2017 between Roger& Rafa , scintillating tennis 🎾 5 sets and proper comeback! https://t.co/b4c4xK0C0q— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 10, 2025
Becker praised this match as “scintillating tennis” featuring five sets and a “proper comeback.” The match lasted more than four hours and showcased both players’ tactical skills despite their advancing ages.
The 2025 French Open Final Makes It To The Top 5 Grand Slam Finals’ List
The discussion about grand finals gained relevance after the recent French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The five-hour and 29-minute battle between these two players was an instant classic. Becker himself took to social media to praise this match between these two young superstars.
The Alcaraz-Sinner final is the longest French Open final and the second-longest Grand Slam final in history. The Spaniard won the match by making a comeback from being two sets down to lifting his second consecutive French Open title. This was the first time Alcaraz won a match after being two sets down. This was also the first-ever men’s Grand Slam final to be contested by two players born in the 2000s.
Boris Becker’s comments reflect his deep understanding of tennis, appreciating the quality of the game. As someone who played in great finals in his career, his opinions carry weight. The 2017 Australian Open final between Federer and Nadal delivered, featuring two legends producing magic late in their careers.
