2001: My Favorite Wimbledon

[Mr. Friscus]

I think the greatest Wimbledon I ever saw was when the Wild Card Goran Ivanisevic won the whole thing... His story of failure and near suicidal torture after losing 3 wimbledon finals was wonderful to see him conquer, Everyone can relate to the ultimate underdog, Goran's quirkiness was fun and relatable, and he was absolutely red-hot with his serve, routinely acing entire games on serve.

As a WC, he tore through some worthy foes.
- 1st round straight sets over Qualifier Jonsson 6-4 6-4 6-4
- 2nd round over #21 Carlos Moya 6-7, 6-3 6-4 6-4
- 3rd round over Andy Roddick (7-6 7-5 3-6 6-3) Note: if you didn't see this match, it was two guys nuking serves like you've never seen
- 4th round over Greg Rusedski (7-6, 6-4, 6-4)
- QUARTERFINAL: Def #4 Marat Safin (7-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6)
- ALL TIME EPIC 3-DAY SEMIFINAL: Def #6 Tim Henman (7-5, 6-7, 6-0, 7-6, 6-3). Yes, a legendary 3 days to conclude this match. The first stoppage was due to darkness, the next day was halted due to rain, and it saved Goran because Henman had all the momentum and was going to end it. But on that 3rd day Goran came out hot and was able to win. Poor Tim.
- FINAL: Def #3 Patrick Rafter (6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7)

I remember watching this whole tournament, but the end of the final was heart wrenching. Goran had so many demons, and was in the 5th set and had blown 3 championship points. He hit a big serve to get his 4th championship point and looked upwards and was passionately praying to the heavens as he went to serve. It was as if the next point would complete his entire existence.

It was a captivating tournament. My favorite Wimbledon ever.

 

[nuraman00]

Nice post.

 

[Hs0022]

I think the greatest Wimbledon I ever saw was when the Wild Card Goran Ivanisevic won the whole thing... His story of failure and near suicidal torture after losing 3 wimbledon finals was wonderful to see him conquer, Everyone can relate to the ultimate underdog, Goran's quirkiness was fun and relatable, and he was absolutely red-hot with his serve, routinely acing entire games on serve.

As a WC, he tore through some worthy foes.
- 1st round straight sets over Qualifier Jonsson 6-4 6-4 6-4
- 2nd round over #21 Carlos Moya 6-7, 6-3 6-4 6-4
- 3rd round over Andy Roddick (7-6 7-5 3-6 6-3) Note: if you didn't see this match, it was two guys nuking serves like you've never seen
- 4th round over Greg Rusedski (7-6, 6-4, 6-4)
- QUARTERFINAL: Def #4 Marat Safin (7-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6)
- ALL TIME EPIC 3-DAY SEMIFINAL: Def #6 Tim Henman (7-5, 6-7, 6-0, 7-6, 6-3). Yes, a legendary 3 days to conclude this match. The first stoppage was due to darkness, the next day was halted due to rain, and it saved Goran because Henman had all the momentum and was going to end it. But on that 3rd day Goran came out hot and was able to win. Poor Tim.
- FINAL: Def #3 Patrick Rafter (6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7)

I remember watching this whole tournament, but the end of the final was heart wrenching. Goran had so many demons, and was in the 5th set and had blown 3 championship points. He hit a big serve to get his 4th championship point and looked upwards and was passionately praying to the heavens as he went to serve. It was as if the next point would complete his entire existence.

It was a captivating tournament. My favorite Wimbledon ever.

I remember that one. Goran had shoulder issues I believe if I remember correctly. Every round he beat opponents that were Grandslam winning material. I expected him to lose in quite a few of those rounds since he was on the decline and just came back for a Fairytale dream of a last chance.

Rafter was a nice guy but I rooted for Goran. Especially his losses against Sampras haunted him so finally winning was like erasing the curse of a lifetime. The only slam he ever won I believe. Was the best one!