TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – With roots dating back to 1873 in England, tennis has established numerous exceptional players over the years, but only a select few have left a truly legendary mark on the sport.
In particular, Novak Djokovic takes the top spot as the greatest tennis player with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, more than any other male player in history. The Serbian tennis player is best known for his exceptional backhand and remarkable physical endurance.
For this reputation, Djokovic is accompanied by some names who are also known for their unmatched skills and incredible achievements on the court.
Read on to find out the top 10 greatest male tennis players of all time, citing HubPages, Tennis Creative, and Give Me Sport.
It can be hard not to crown Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time, considering how incredible his career in the sport has been. With 24 Grand Slam singles titles and counting, Djokovic has dominated the sport for years, including triumphs at the 2023 Australian Open and the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serbian player’s unparalleled achievements and skills firmly establish him as the GOAT of tennis in history.
Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players in the history of tennis. With 20 Grand Slam singles titles to his credit, Federer is not only a graceful pro on the court, he is also a fan favorite. He has been voted ATP Fan’s Player of the Year for 19 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2020. Throughout his 24-year career, Federer has never failed to showcase his superior skills, even when playing at the age of 40.
Rafael Nadal’s energetic gameplay has led him to achieve 22 Grand Slam singles titles to his name, including a staggering 14 French Open victories. Often referred to as the “King of Clay”, he is considered the best clay-court player of all time. Although Nadal’s career ends in November 2024, his legacy remains a cornerstone of tennis, particularly on clay, and cements his place as one of the greatest players of the early 21st century.
Rod Laver’s legacy is a testament to the sheer brilliance of his game. Another of the world’s greatest tennis players, Laver is also recognized for holding the most titles in tennis history, with a record 198.
He is known as the only player to have won two calendar Grand Slams—one in 1962 during the Amateur era and another in 1969 during the Open era. Some believe that if Laver were still competing in today, his dominance would still secure him a top position among the best players.
Pete Sampras comes in as the fifth greatest tennis player in the world. With 14 Grand Slam singles titles to his name, Sampras was considered the GOAT, especially at the time of his retirement in 2002.
He excelled on hard courts and grass, although clay was not his preferred surface. Nevertheless, the American tennis player left an indelible mark on the sport through his epic rivalry with Andre Agassi in the 1990s, cementing him as one of the sport’s true legends.
With a brief career, around 10 years between 1973 and 1983, Björn Borg managed to mark dominance with his calm demeanor and relentless consistency. The Swedish tennis star won 11 Grand Slam singles titles, with the first coming when he was just 18 years old. His rivalry with John McEnroe in the late 1970s Wimbledon final remains one of the most iconic matches in tennis history.
Known for his powerful forehand shots, Ivan Lendl topped the world rankings for about 270 weeks. With 94 singles titles, including eight Grand Slam titles, he was a dominant force in the 1980s. After his career came to an end, he then became a professional coach and assisted Andy Murray in securing his three Grand Slam titles.
Jimmy Connors was one of the most charismatic and fiery competitors to ever play the game, dominating most of the play days in the 1970s. With 8 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 109 ATP titles, his 24-year career was indeed a testament to his intense and aggressive play. His ability to dictate play from the baseline, combined with his mental toughness, helped him stay at No. 1 place for 160 weeks between 1974 and 1977.
An 80s tennis legend, John McEnroe captivates sports enthusiasts with his fiery temperament and genius-level tennis skills. Known for his remarkable touch and feel for the game, McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles and was one of the most successful doubles players of all time. Beyond his accomplishments, McEnroe’s legacy is based not only on his success on the court but also on his ability to bring personality and flair to the sport.
Andre Agassi seamlessly rounds out the list of the greatest tennis players in history. The 90’s dominant impact on tennis extends beyond his 8 Grand Slam singles titles, he is also the only male player to complete a career Grand Slam in which he won all four major titles. Retiring in 2006, his 20-year career continues to be an epic story in the sport.
Editor’s Choice: The 10 Best Badminton Players of All Time in the World
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
