Top 5 tennis matches of 2014

Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena WilliamsAs the curtains have fallen over both men’s and women’s tier of tennis associations, it would be fitting to turn back the clock and relive the most epic encounters in tennis arena. Unlike 2013, which saw the elite players of ATP and WTA completely dominating the court, this season saw the underdogs rising to the occasion and giving the top players a run for their money.Here’s the list of top 5 matches that enthralled the tennis lovers:

#1 US Open men\'s quarterfinal: Kei Nishikori v Stanislas Wawrinka

Nishikori d. Wawrinka 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7), 6-7(5), 6-4

Matches are considered epic not for their sheer time on the match clock. They are called epic for the heroics of the players on-court, for the records it makes and unmakes, and for the stacks to be won – and lost.

One such rare triumvirate was witnessed in this game which ended at 2.30AM. Kei, the Japanese prodigy, came into the match after he saw off Milos Raonic in another 5-set mega match.

Somehow, he found his strength to stand toe to toe against the Swiss, and was able to oust the Australian Open Champion in a physically and emotionally taxing duel. In the process, Nishikori became the first Japanese since 1918 to break into the last four of US Open.