Ivanisevic v Rafter, 2001: The final two games

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[@domagoj5455]

Patrick Rafter is such a sportsman, look at his smile at the end of the match, hats off to him

[@zjdubya22]

Absolutely and it really makes a great moment even better, he knew what Goran had gone through and how special this was. As upset as surely he was he provided an example for others to follow. Both are legends.

[@nicoladibara1936]

True. As another Croat (writing under a false name 😊) I, naturally, supported Ivanisevic. But I was very impressed by Rafter. Very, very impressed. He seems like a great guy-and is certainly a great sportsman. That was a unforgettable match. I’ll never forget it.

[@riazhassan6570]

Marvellous player. Marvellous man, Rafter

[@turuntashtheboo7681]

Wish that Ivanišević won this game against Sampras! Rafter is somehow better guy, not that Sampras isn't, but that would be real deal!! He was Goran's nightmare, specially for Wimbledon! Rafter not so! And pictures right after last point shows Patrick's real nature! GREAT, GREAT GUY!

[@alexodonnell6191]

I could not agree more... sometimes, only sometimes, sport can bring out the absolute best in us...

[@SHVideografie]

It seems like Ivanisevic lived happily ever Rafter.

[@farid1406]

Rafter had two majors and a stint at #1, so he lived well too lol

[@thenewguy7527]

happily ever after happily eve Rafter get it?

[@paulagrey6013]

Touché...

[@michaelwood8132]

Hahahahah

[@dejanmandic9129]

This is the best comment I have ever seen

[@hymansahak181]

Winning Wimbledon today while being outside the top 10 is unthinkable. Goran did it as a wildcard ranked 125. Wow.

[@anggungunara]

But he's not just a random number 125, he's a three-time finalist, he's Goran. And they didn't have three players dominating everything and standing in the way of any surprise back then.

[@dranilbabuswarna]

And then the era of Fedalovich started where only Murray had won the Wimbledon apart from those three Giants... really they dominated the men's tennis and set a benchmark of their own..

[@melthoidserendipity1332]

Same as Boris Becker

[@anggungunara]

@Sean Okay it's extremely difficult but it's not totally impossible, imagine someone like Murray (currently number 108 or something like that) with a better form and got every luck, it's not 0% possibility. Again, I know it's a stretch, but my point is some here commented as if Ivanisevic was not a former world number 2 who was also in the final only 3 years before this happenned and twice before that and only slided down that far in the ranking mainly because of his bad shoulder. He's not a random qualifier or a local wildcarder. A seemingly washed-up veteran maybe, but he's only 30-year old with only 2 previous bad years.

[@Nkosinati]

@@anggungunara ...Right. He had knocked on the door so many times before... his ranking had fallen, but he had already been a top ten player. One of the most emotionally satisfying Wimbledons ever; to finally see him get over that hump! Goran Ace!

[@truthteller339]

This was absolutely the most precious moment in a mens final EVER. A guy who has come second so many times, and enters on a wild card to then beat all the odds and achieve his one big dream. Very special indeed.

[@M.EngelhART]

Björn Borg, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer & Their Fans Would Not Agree.

[@pks6283]

Pete Sampras was thankfully taken out by Roger Federer

[@arjanpetersen]

this was insane ... saw it live

[@sa21de]

As much as I loved Pat Rafter, this was one of the most satisfying, feel-good wins in tennis history :-)

[@robertwiesler381]

Both statements are absolutely true

[@comunistanuncatemcomida]

@@patricksweeney5308 i remenber in press conference he said something like this "im happy for Goran but real sad for me because was second in year in a row loosing..." But Rafter won two US Open, it wasnt bad after all 💪

[@cmakka33]

In sports history for me!

[@robwaterson6063]

There were two winners that day. Goran won Wimbledon but Pat won the award for the best sportsmanship I have seen.

[@honestreviews2787]

Sampras, Federer, Novak has won Wimbledon many a times. I feel this win of this ivansevic gave more satisfaction than any player victory for most of the tennis fans

[@tejasjani6404]

I really wish Roddick had a moment like this.

[@jaqg7478]

@@tejasjani6404 Completely agree. Pity. Roddick was worth of this title.

[@kikaa1884]

Hewitt is far more better player than Andy Roddick. He won two major titles and 2 atp finals titles with him

[@kikaa1884]

Sad Rafael Nadal never won 3rd Wimbledon title in 2011,2018,2019 and 2022. He should have kept best coach for Wimbledon like Djokovic kept Boris Becker in 2014 and 2015

[@kikaa1884]

Rafael Nadal had a best chance to win it in 2012 and 2013 if he had maintained his level on grass too and kept a Best coach who is grass court specialist at least

[@rokokralj5482]

The only tennis player in history who won at Wimbledon with an invitation as well as the lowest ranked winner at the time of winning - 125.

[@iyerzzzzz]

This was his 4th final

[@sebak81]

@@iyerzzzzz but he come this year with invitation.. he didn't ranked..

[@nithin7874]

@@sebak81 wildcard

[@gauravkajaria2455]

Its 2023 as I write this. I just shed a tear even after all these years. Who wouldn't relate to Goran & his emotions? He showed how fallible we all are. The beauty of sports!

[@chronius7057]

Greatest Croatian tennis player is now the coach of the greatest Serbian tennis player and the best ever player of all time

[@michealkelliher8428]

For me personally, this was the greatest Wimbledon Final of all. It had everything, tension, skill, mental fortitude, the underdog journey, the atmosphere. I have not encountered a Wimbledon Final since.

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

One of the most memorable moments in tennis history.

[@dinomijatovic3921]

Indeed! Such a pride for Croatia!

[@himzooglecevac9356]

Such a happiness for Goran, after he failed in 3 finals. That last point like he was talking to God. Please dont take it away from me this time, this is my last chance.

[@Smudgeroon74]

It was dazzling to see Goran win this. Remember it very well.

[@noegojimmy]

In sport history...

[@whoneedsbond]

That atmosphere will never be beaten for any tennis match. The fans were totally present and in the moment and it was a pure cauldron that day, more like a derby football match than a tennis match. Best final I've ever seen still, both players gave every last ounce of what they had, and so did the fans, AMAZING. Not sure how to get the atmosphere like that again, maybe cheaper seats or less suits and ties and more blue collar fans, whatever it is, lets get that back.

[@simlesby]

agreed. The match was played on a Monday so any old fan could line up and get in. The suits all had to go back to the office leaving the true fans to fill the stands. A friend of mine was there. Unbeatable atmosphere, Goran a wild-card contender, terrific match for the ages. Thanks Wimblebum for uploading. Cheers

[@alanau7946]

Do "blue collar fans" not have to work on Mondays?

[@MrNubeVoladora]

Watch Davis Cup then, the atmosphere is quite similar in non-Western Europe countries

[@JakobTennisMB]

Were the tickets cheaper on that Monday or something?

[@seekter-kafa]

@@JakobTennisMB no but there were no reservations or sth like that, cause the tournament was supposed to end on Sunday, but the rain and long match transfer it to Monday so no VIP's

[@Wimbledon]

As Goran Ivanisevic turns 45 today, relive the drama of his 2001 Wimbledon triumph against Pat Rafter...

[@agasycedano2471]

Its been 20 years boys

[@garrygrant2394]

One of my all time favourite finals. Feels like yesterday yet 20 years ago.

[@19franken95]

poor game after all...

[@HedgingBoy]

22 now!

[@72moon]

Still my favourite Wimbledon final. Two great players and an emotional win for Goran.

[@christophedel2642]

Incredible atmosphere thanks to Croatian and Australian fans to make this moment unforgettable and players of course

[@Marekxk]

Two of the greatest characters in the history of tennis. Cheered up for both of them. No ill will, no animosity, no gamesmanship, just pure passion for tennis from two stand-up guys.

[@Introverder]

This moment also gives me the tears in the eyes cause I really feel that something good and beautiful has happened at that moment.

[@runar0190]

Goran was my biggest idol in sports!! Just loved him!! This is a fantastic memory!!

[@keel858]

Will never forget this final as being in California slept only a few hours, as the time difference, but I had bottle of Croatian Plum Brandy (Sljivovica) on my table and watch live match, that I will never forget. It was emotional, electrifying, and SUBLIME, as both players used 100 % of their concentration and energy. Hence my bottle was very quickly empty, and I danced with my little kitty the rest of the morning. For me that was one of the best tennis finals ever, before Nadal and Federer took the stage. I repeat it was SUBLIME!

[@peterhammer6915]

One of the greatest moments of sportshistory. Incredible to watch this again. Goran so deserved this.

[@robertfulton7556]

I’ve been a huge tennis fan for most of my life. This is my favorite final match of any grand slam ever. What. A. Match. :)

[@roberto3752]

A perfect story. A big tale for Goran, he deserved it. Rafter a Big Champion and a Gentleman.

[@TreebeardWood]

I ugly cry every time I see this. The story. The wait. The drama. And finally..... This is what tennis is all about.

[@Saumiiiii]

having the guts to serve an ace at 116mph during his second service at 15-30 o m g

[@koolfraser]

defining moment!

[@TheAnalPunisher]

That was Goran 😉

[@jeremie2020]

Yeap, Goran was like that. lol

[@joellahrman4557]

I don't think Goran even had a second serve. Just two first serves every time.

[@joebuck4957]

Thats also why he missed his first match points too double faults

[@wolfgangs.8243]

As being German, the first win of Boris Becker was my favourite. But the second one, I was celebratng with, was Goran.

[@sol029]

I still get anxious watching this. Goran was my absolute favorite player.

[@badabing8884]

Still swells my heart every time I see Goran win Match point.

[@Tesla_Death_Ray]

Rafter bumped into my foot at an airport in melbourne a little while ago. He said 'sorry mate'.

[@martinhudecek8886]

Rafter is a decent guy but stereotyped goran as just a serve in retrospective interviews. He also said 'I'm sick of making bloody history' in the pressed post match.

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

Dreaming is free.

[@hussainmustafashahzad4189]

It meant so much to him trying for it since 1992.

[@vipernolo]

The Match that Made me fall in love with this amazing sport

[@oldfrend]

one of the greatest cinderella stories in sports history. i doubt any title meant more to any winner than this wimbledon crown did to goran.

[@duken3767]

I love to watch Ivanisevic plays since early 90's, he's one of my favorite, I'm so glad he finally won a major.

[@borisboris7244]

One of the greatest finals on Wimbledon, during today i love to watch that Wimbledon final full of emotions

[@dnromeoalphayankee13]

The greatest fan moment in Wimbledon history

[@robertwiesler381]

I was never a fan of Goran But I wanted him to win this I guess every person on this planet was happy that he won - even Rafter

[@panneetantinukul5658]

One of the best final ever! What a match.

[@mike8966]

What a gentlemen was Mister Rafter, i think everybody would support Rafter at this final if he was not playing against Goran Ivanišević who definitly diserved this Wimbledon. 2 Great players. I will always remember the party in Split when Goran came with the trophee.

[@sunnydays5742]

Still makes me cry Goran....great match. I remember watching it at work as it was played on a Monday. Loved Pat too.

[@jeremie2020]

I remember well this final, it was one of the most emotional victories, such a nerve racking final. Goran deserved this trophy so much. Unforgetable!

[@Sol1taireTV]

no smartphones for the crowd to stare at in between points

[@VR-oy3fu]

honestly a beautiful comment

[@connorduke4619]

the Dark Ages

[@pkoppart]

For the first time, I saw one positive looking comment on smartphones. Yes, smartphones would have kept them quiet ... lol

[@guillezorro]

Nor during them!

[@midhileshmomidi2434]

Best comment

[@roulianleponey45]

Still thinking that wimbledon 2001 is the best tournament in tennis history

[@lucialu833]

Thanks to this Dalmatian Croatia temperament.Goran is crazy😂

[@tv8esportesvideos488]

They are two great players in that historic court and in an amazing championship match that I saw. Goran Ivanisevic & Patrick Rafter made history. Unforgetable! Greetings from Brazil

[@carlosandre9076]

"The wainting is over " ever try, ever fail, no matter, try again, fail again, try better ... be a Champion Goran.

[@ketankunkalikar2682]

*fail better

[@kevenguimaraes]

Good old Stan The Man! My favorite player with the greatest backhand of all time and man he also had to wait for his moment to arrive. When it did though, Stan just became an unstoppable, Djokovic-killing machine for the next three years!

[@HermanWaldorf]

this was one of the greatest moments in tennis ever.

[@mikiafu]

Hmm really?

[@teteskone41]

It looks that also Rafter was happy about Ivanisevic's win, look at his smile just after they've hugged. Clearly, I think he wanted to win (for a serve-and-volleyer like him, winning Wimbledon is a dream), but maybe in the end he wasn't so sorry about losing against Ivanisevic: a wild card, three times finalist, a really nice story, perhaps he felt a little bit of empathy.

[@hardoab4080]

I was thinking the same thing. It was like Rafter could feel that Goran needed that moment more than he did (and practically shared in the triumph of a fellow warrior on the court finally getting over the hump to win a major)

[@anteahorvat9917]

👍👌😁

[@comunistanuncatemcomida]

In press conference Rafter said that he was sad because was is second lost (year before against Sampras) but at sometime feel happy for Goran. After all, Rafter won two US Open. Not bad

[@ruckflugticketgratis7285]

Of course he did. He is smiling, just lost a Wimbledon final. Cool guy. And even the Australian fans are happy when Goran is running to his crew.

[@Boom85Boom]

Rafter was a great bloke. Now Australia has Kyrgios and Tomic. Wtf happened

[@thenakedsingularity]

I consider this the most dramatic moment in Wimbledon history.

[@hopebgood]

I know who wins but I'm still watching this on the edge of my seat! lol :)

[@thenakedsingularity]

I cry every time when Ivanisevic wins. ha ha.

[@anomalija6469]

@@hopebgood Was thinking the same :D

[@anomalija6469]

in tennis history.

[@Shiljamannn]

Yeah... but Djokovic against Federer 2019 was tense af....

[@deancalvinchallam630]

I was 12 years old when he lost the 98 finals and I prayed and hoped that he would be given just one more chance. On hindsight, that was all that old Goran ever needed.

[@pauljohnson6019]

Yeah, that's okay, but the old fool thinks he's something special now, trying to undermine Federer, by saying Novak will break his records, he should remember, if God didn't answer his prayer, he'd be nothing, and Novak wouldn't even piss on him.

[@danielkriz7533]

Paul Johnson Novak and Goran are good friends and Novak will surpass Federer's records. Sometimes the truth hurts.

[@pauljohnson6019]

@@danielkriz7533 Not will, there's no certainty in tennis, Novak only recently recovered from Covid 19, and might not even be playing U.S. Open this year, which will give Fed less mental pressure, and anything can happen to stop Novak surpassing Fed, he could get hit by a car tomorrow, or get into some accident or injury, that could cripple him for life, don't be so brazen, until it actually happens.

[@OmegaSeraphim]

These were the days! Unmatched talent.

[@champyhalim8882]

Watching this in 2021, n I am tearing up for Goran. The last of pure serve n volley final, on the old fast Wimbledon grass court. Made me sad to think of that.

[@kmo2362]

Remember it like yesterday. Two great players but also two great competitors. Rafter at the end, great sportsmanship. Respect to both.

[@sevaraalimova4706]

So glad Goran got the victory in the end, he really deserves. Such a big fan of him. Hats off to Ivanesivic

[@kalelargaa]

I screamed and cried when Goran won, lost 10 yrs in that match, and was so sad i was not in my country Croatia to celebrate with them

[@tobyomeeng]

Never forget this thriller of my favorite idols that time!

[@randyw8761]

What a moment in sports history. Tennis and humanity at its best.

[@iadertina]

After so many years,I still remember this moments (every Croat does)... I was with my colleagues in an empty, shagged village pub (we were in a nearby restaurant, but there was no tv, so we hurried to find any place with it)... Nobody was there, just owner, his dog and us. Man was chewing tablets for sedation, apaurins, every minute one (I don't know how he survived) but he was calm as dead. We were loosing voice and nerves. Unforgettable.

[@voicudascau5519]

I didn't believe I would be on the edge of my seat ever again at a Wimbledon final. But then came 2008.

[@bernardkucel8872]

I finally had the honor to meet Goran in Ičići near turistic town Opatija (Croatia) on May 31, 2021., and remind him about this emotional moments, his great victory dedicated to his friend Dražen Petrović. I told him he made us cry, just like he was crying. He is 193 cm tall, I'm only 170 cm small. It was an impressive photo I made with my smartphone, huh...

[@860anthony]

I can't get over how nervous Goran was there. So glad he won.

[@user-kl5wl8rk6h]

he dedicated this win to his late friend 🙁❤🇭🇷

[@Theglove2004]

1950 Petro 😢

[@owenegbenoma7216]

The match that made me a tennis fan. All kinds of feels watching this.

[@dpassi1]

Heroic win by Goran but Pat classy in defeat👌

[@sol029]

My favorite final ever with my favorite player ever finally getting the win!

[@danielyung481]

Belle image j'adore goran mérité la victoire comme rafter mais à la fin ils ce sont pris dans les bras deux grands joueurs bravo.

[@hrvojestilin1985]

Best match ever in Wimbledon!

[@kothainambi5054]

It is one of the Classic Wimbledon Match I have seen in 2001

[@Danielseven-ir2mq]

Great atmosphere with this crowd.

[@azlanothman8698]

Before the match started, I was rooting for Pat.. Before the match ended, without realizing..i was cheering for Goran.

[@aristocrateplatone5714]

I still remember when I won my first Wimbledon. I relived the same emotions.

[@jw6968]

Ah Pat, on of my all-time favourite players. So gracious at all times. I was so sad that he didn't win this. Just couldn't hit a first serve in that 7-7 game. Classic match, great atmosphere and a VERY deserving Champion.

[@diamandisz]

Greatest Wimbledon final ever. Goran amazing, Patrick a real sportsman. I miss you guys.

[@fernandojorgerenart2638]

I still remember this electrifying final match… my father had died two days before and still too emotional I did not so much focus on the game these last two games as I did on Goran’s father’s face of both tension first and deep fruition and thorough joy as his son was hitting the peak of tennis glory and a place in history of this beautiful sport. Wimbledon means so much to me in so many different ways…

[@Fjaka12]

Only thing i cry every time i see it .. truly unbelievable moment

[@jimiguitar100]

Never ever again final like this

[@thinghammer]

I loved this guy. He was such a character. Never going to be a Sampras, Federer or Nadal ..but still. I remember watching this match and being drawn in to him.

[@nidzablejacox]

I was 11 years old and remember that match! :)

[@TB-pu9qm]

I was 8

[@MiNeroblu]

i was 12 .. i was in Croatia in Split a few days before the final

[@amitb817]

Mee too

[@benbrennan4953]

As an Australian this is impossible to re-watch

[@kasparov9]

As a Croatian-Australian this is great to watch :)

[@md.moniruzzaman2459]

Only the tennis lovers can feel this môment ...this match was an inspiration for people who fall and rise again to achieve their. Goal ❤️

[@nenadmordzin6510]

Yeah the true fans and Goran supporters believe me that match was a for hart attack and nervous breakdown for every Goran fan. Patrick on the other hand was cool as ice

[@jsaviola]

per quante volte veda questo video, non arrivo mai all'abbraccio col padre senza piangere. Di gran lunga il più emozionante momento nella storia del tennis !!

[@jennygibbs7801]

Watching this always makes me happy. Love both players, and 2001 seems like a simpler time.

[@jaihind4736]

Till this day and forever...the greatest moment in history of tennis...the most deserving winner in Wimbledon history... finally the gods heard his prayers and mine...#Goran the Greatest

[@Tennisisreallyfun]

I’ve watched many great finals in my time. But it was only with this one where I can remember actually crying with the player as he won. Goran just touched me I guess. Well no, he didn’t touch me. He inspired me. Beyond belief😭🤩

[@z.o.e3023]

Watched this live as a 13-year-old. What a summer. Learned tennis scoring for the first time. What a match.

[@sounakroy9616]

I was a die hard fan of Ivanisevic. After this match I gradually stopped watching tennis..

[@beyondthesky7472]

Wow...

[@ironpescatore918]

Here the same. Goran Forever!

[@dinomijatovic3921]

Goran such a character and nail-biting player

[@mohanishbirje5145]

Same with me mate, i was die hard fan of goran n after this match i stopped watching tennis.

[@maxmickelson2336]

y'all really missed out on watching the three best players of all time then huh?

[@chikkki13]

Only wild card entrant to win the Wimbledon in the history EVER . Wow... I just adored him!!

[@jimmeyer9417]

Ivanisevic was #2 in the world twice, and it was his return of serve that was his secret weapon, when he was on he was unbeatable

[@jackkitchen737]

I remember watching this and rooting big time for Goran. He was never my favorite player or anything, but I liked him and wanted him to get a major.

[@vedrancvitanic4487]

Even when i look this video after 20+ years , its still fight for each point😂 reliving the moment❤bravo Goran!!!

[@davidillingsworth3300]

The best moment of this video is Rafter' s backhand lob at match point down (9.09). Awesome 👏👏

[@SketchupStyle]

Make a movie about this already!!

[@alo1692]

It was made a documentary but in croatian language.

[@LongyTV]

Who in Hollywood can play Goran?

[@1950basque]

Wimbledon-the movie?

[@imcaffeine]

Here after the Djokovic win at Roland Garros yesterday. Two legendary players.

[@rogermaestro2201]

Rafter = sportsmanship.

[@LadyFel001]

20 years... Watching this for the first time since then and crying like a baby ❤️

[@andrepoole2712]

I was "there" on that Monday. Absolutely enthralling!!

[@michaelfarmhand]

I remember the day; I was so happy for Goran.

[@nealhalfpenny415]

Still the greatest Wimbledon Final I've ever seen. Electric atmosphere.... it was the Peoples Day. Two great players.... Pat Rafter took that defeat like a true sportsman and a proper gentleman. A credit to the sport.

[@stanojkovicm]

Emotional Goran, he deserved it. Rafter was very gracious in defeat. Great sportsman.

[@fatimajaffer1745]

The cutest of them all. My favourite player at the time. 💗 Rooting for Djokovic now who played superb semi at Rolland Garos.💗🇿🇦

[@WaxaCizek]

Nobody can't be cool after his victory. So many feelings!!

[@retrogameroomretrogameroom5882]

The best Final ewer