Men's Tennis: 5 Best Comebacks from Match-Point Down

Many superstars attain their fame and status by winning big tournaments.

Other than style and execution, players are made to work hard when faced with a deficit in a match.

It is not just tough to regroup and find a way to win when one is down—it is nearly impossible when the match point arrives against one's self.

It is remarkable that some players won Grand Slams through striking a shot of brilliance when down match point, and three of the following examples display that.

Here are the five best plays from match-point down in the men's field of tennis.

5. Defying the Odds

I would not agree with people who say this shot is lucky. However, Novak essentially picking to move to the forehand wing before his return (which would come off a first serve) was a tad bit lucky.

He has hit forehands like this one a million times before, but it was probably not the smartest option to go for broke, especially since his style does not revolve around one-two play.

Nevertheless, he got the job done and the crowd involved as he fought off yet another match point immediately after to secure a spot in the final and earn the US Open winner's trophy for the first time.

4. You Make Me Sick...Literally

Just before this clip begins, Pete Sampras walked to the backstop of the court and threw up.

He was extremely exhausted, and you can see that if you watch this entire video.

Go to 5:05 to see the most weary of all men fight off a match point at the net to book a spot in the semifinals of the US Open. He would go on to win the title, and the match was so substantial that Alex Corretja burst into tears on the court after it was wrapped up.

3. Rafa Loses in the 4th Round at the French...Will Roger, Too?

The shot occurred in the beginning of this clip.

With Rafa out of Roland Garros, Roger's chances of winning the tournament immediately became realistic.

Roger held serve for 24 straight points in the opening set until Tommy Haas broke up his rhythm in a tiebreak. The German continued to take it to the Swiss player, going up two sets to love.

Finally, the Maestro was staring down the barrel of a gun with a break point against himself to potentially lose in straight sets. He took his chances and hit an inside-out forehand on the line for a winner, which can be labeled as the best shot he has ever hit.

No, it was not a match point, but it was a virtual match point. Roger went on to win the whole event for the first time in his career to make history once again.

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2. Nicolas Mahut: The Truth

Sorry for the poor quality on this one.

Nicolas Mahut fought off a bunch of match points throughout the course of the second day of play in the longest match in history against John Isner.

Although he did not win the eternal battle, he was able to drag the match out for another few hours (and a day as well), which shows signs of a true warrior.

1. The Classic Match

Start at 4:13 and let the magic unfold all over again.

Roger fights off two match points in the fourth-set tiebreak to extend the match to a decisive fifth set in the championship match.

Rafa and Roger exchange extraordinary, superhuman passing shots to save themselves a set point.

Federer did go on to lose the match, even after hitting the down-the-line backhand winner, but he showed his true grit and determination as well as the heart of a champion.