As the 2024 tennis season comes to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary year by ranking the ten most memorable men’s matches of the year. From thrilling five-setters to nerve-wracking tiebreaks, these matches captured the spirit and drama of the sport. (You watch the highlights of each match by clicking on the scores to relive the thrill of a most spectacular season.)
10) Munich Final: Jan-Lennard Struff def. Taylor Fritz (4-6 7-6[9] 7-6[10])
In front of his home crowd in Munich, Jan-Lennard Struff produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season to defeat Taylor Fritz in a nail-biting final. Struff saved multiple match points across two grueling tiebreaks, showcasing incredible composure and clutch serving to claim his first ATP title. The crowd’s energy and Struff’s determination turned this into one of the most unforgettable moments of the clay-court season.
9) Madrid Open First Round: Shang Juncheng def. Corentin Moutet (6-7[9] 6-2 7-6[10])
In one of the most electrifying matches of the year lasting, Corentin Moutet and Shang Juncheng battled for nearly four hours in Madrid. Both players traded momentum with daring shot-making and relentless defense, captivating the Spanish crowd. Moutet saved five match points before ultimately falling in the decisive third-set tiebreak, where Shang’s flair and tenacity sealed the win. The match exemplified the thrilling unpredictability of ATP 1000 events.
8) Japan Open Final: Arthur Fils def. Ugo Humbert (5-7 7-6[6] 6-3)
French compatriots Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert battled in one of the most dramatic finals of the season in Tokyo. Humbert, undefeated in finals, held a championship point in the second set. Yet, Fils showcased his resilience, saving it with flair and going on to secure his second title of 2024 after a thrilling three-hour duel.
7) Wimbledon Quarterfinal: Lorenzo Musetti def. Taylor Fritz (3-6 7-6[5] 6-2 3-6 6-1)
Italian tennis flourished in 2024, and Lorenzo Musetti added to the success with a gutsy five-set victory over Taylor Fritz on Wimbledon’s Court One. Musetti, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal, delivered a stunning performance in the final set, displaying the shot-making artistry that has defined his breakout year.
6) Australian Open Semifinal: Daniil Medvedev def. Alexander Zverev (5-7 3-6 7-6[4] 7-6[5] 6-3)
In a marathon battle in Melbourne, Daniil Medvedev staged an epic comeback against Alexander Zverev. Trailing by two sets and facing defeat in the fourth, Medvedev found his rhythm, prevailing in two consecutive tiebreaks before sealing his spot in the final. The Russian’s stamina and mental fortitude were on full display in this five-set masterpiece.
5) Wimbledon Round 3: Carlos Alcaraz def. Frances Tiafoe (5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6[2] 6-2)
Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to the brink by Frances Tiafoe in one of Wimbledon’s standout encounters. The American dazzled with flair, taking a two-sets-to-one lead and coming close to an upset. Yet Alcaraz, the eventual champion, dug deep to win in a fifth set, thrilling fans with his extraordinary resilience.
4) US Open Round 3: Frances Tiafoe def. Ben Shelton (4-6, 7-5 7-6[5] 6-4 6-3)
Under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Frances Tiafoe delivered another Grand Slam classic, this time against fellow American Ben Shelton. Shelton looked poised to advance after breaking in the third set, but Tiafoe turned the match around with brilliance, captivating the home crowd and showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
3) French Open Round 3: Novak Djokovic def. Lorenzo Musetti (7-5 6-7[8] 2-6 6-3 6-0)
Controversy surrounded the late finish of this blockbuster, but the tennis itself was unforgettable. Lorenzo Musetti’s dazzling shot-making pushed Novak Djokovic to the brink for three sets. However,the 24-time Grand Slam champion stormed back, unleashing an inspired display to secure a fifth-set bagel and remind the world of his greatness.
2) China Open Final: Carlos Alcaraz def. Jannik Sinner (6-7[6] 6-4 7-6[3])
The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner reached new heights in the China Open final. Over three hours of scintillating tennis, the two Grand Slam champions produced shot after jaw-dropping shot. Sinner, leading late in the third-set tiebreak, seemed poised to prevail. But Alcaraz stunned the crowd by winning the last seven points to clinch a breathtaking victory in Beijing.
1) Olympic Games Final: Novak Djokovic def. Carlos Alcaraz (7-6[3] 7-6[2])
One of the most anticipated matches of the year lived up to the hype. Carlos Alcaraz entered the Olympic final as the favorite, fresh off Grand Slam triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, including a commanding victory over Djokovic at the latter. But in Paris, Djokovic rose to the occasion, delivering clutch tennis in two electrifying tiebreaks to finally capture the elusive Olympic Gold Medal. Played over nearly three hours, this match not only defined the season but also secured Djokovic’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Which match was your favorite of the season? Share your thoughts as we look forward to another incredible year of tennis in 2025!
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
