I want to get into tennis as a fan. Which great matches should I watch? Originally answered on Jan. 31, 2016.
This question originally appeared on Quora, the knowledge-sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
MORE: Should women get the same pay as men at grand slam tournaments?
Answer by Laurence Shanet, former college/satellite tour player, tennis coach, USRSA certified stringer:
You're in for a treat. Tennis has a great history of memorable matches, and many of them are available online, on DVD and in other formats. While there's no way to count all of the best ever, here are a few great ones to start with (in no particular order). I've purposely left out a lot of detail (such as winners, scores, etc.), so as not to spoil the drama. I've also listed only matches since 1980, since those are a bit easier to find on video. And I've stuck to singles for now, though there are also many great doubles matches. I'd recommend watching recordings of actual telecasts in whatever your first-choice language might be, so that the commentators can provide context for each match. I'd also suggest watching a few routine first-round matches from whatever tournament is being played at the time, so you get an idea what is typical and why these matches are so special.
1. 1980 and 1981 Wimbledon finals (John McEnroe vs. Bjorn Borg): A classic contrast of styles and two of the greatest rivals in tennis history.
2. 2008 Wimbledon final (Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal): Another great all-time rivalry and contrast of playing styles and personalities. Beautiful talent, and impressive mutual respect. Often rated the top match ever.
3. 1984 French Open final (McEnroe vs. Ivan Lendl): The No. 1 player in the world against his closest and most bitter rival during the best year of his career. The serve-and-volleyer vs. the baseliner on the red clay courts of Roland Garros. This match had a huge impact on the careers of both men.
MORE: Would doing away with the second serve in tennis make the game more entertaining?
4. 2001 U.S. Open men's singles quarterfinals (Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi): Two great players playing as close a match as they've played in their careers. This is one of the few cases where both played at or near their best against each other.
5. 1989 French Open fourth round (Lendl vs. Michael Chang): David vs. Goliath. A kid vs. a man. Upstart vs. champion. Drama, injury, mental battles and strategic vaccinations.
6. 1991 U.S. Open fourth round (Jimmy Connors vs. Aaron Krickstein): Connors produced several matches in this tournament alone that could go on this list. Another one is his battle with Patrick McEnroe. It's a great case of an older player's last hurrah, and how much the crowd can affect a match. Amazing viewing.
7. 2010 Wimbledon first round (Nicolas Mahut vs. John Isner): One of the epic battles in modern tennis history. This match contains sets more closely contested than most entire matches. It set many records that will probably never be broken.
8. 2009 Wimbledon final (Federer vs. Andy Roddick): One of the greatest serving displays by one of the best servers in the game. And one of the greatest overall matches from another.
9. 2012 Australian Open final (Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic): The two best players in the game at the time battling it out over the course of a long, well-played match on a very fair surface for both.
10. 2011 U.S. Open semifinal (Djokovic vs. Federer): A great testament to how small the margin of victory can be. Many momentum changes, many emotional highs and lows. Many celebs watching. Make sure you stick around for the post-match press conference.
11. 1985 French Open women's final (Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert): Probably the greatest rivalry in the history of women's tennis. Attacker vs. counterpuncher. Consistency vs. athleticism.
12. 1991 French Open final (Monica Seles vs. Steffi Graf).
13. 2006 Rome Masters final (Federer vs. Nadal): Though not at a major, this was one of their closest battles ever. It signaled the rise of Nadal to top contender. Lots of match points.
14. 2003 Australian Open quarterfinal (Roddick vs. Younes El Aynaoui): A brash young future tennis champion takes on a brilliantly talented journeyman having a great run. Spectacular shotmaking ensues.
15. 2005 Australian Open semifinal (Federer vs. Marat Safin): Federer was in his prime. Safin was one of the most talented players in the history of the game, and finally played up to his potential in this match. Both players played their best tennis. Amazing shotmaking and a nail-biting score. Incredible quality of play.
Have fun.