Tennis is a sport that has given us many unforgettable moments and legendary players.
The game has seen champions who have set incredible records and inspired millions around the world, from the graceful Roger Federer to the powerful Serena Williams.
- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are considered the top male tennis players, each with numerous Grand Slam titles and record-breaking achievements.
- Serena Williams and Steffi Graf are among the greatest female tennis players, known for their dominant performances and impressive career records.
- The legacy of these tennis legends continues to inspire new generations of players and fans, pushing the sport to new heights.
Who Are the Best Tennis Players of All Time?
There have been many excellent players in the history of tennis. Here’s our list of the top 20 best tennis players.
1. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is often considered the greatest tennis player of all time.
Born on August 8, 1981, in Switzerland, Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles, including eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Opens, five US Opens, and one French Open.
Known for his grace, versatility, and dominance on various surfaces, Federer held the world No. 1 spot for a record 310 weeks.
His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has defined modern tennis.
2. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, born June 3, 1986, in Spain, is the undisputed “King of Clay” and has a record 14 French Open titles.
Nadal has also won two Wimbledon titles, four US Opens, and two Australian Opens, bringing his Grand Slam tally to 22.
Known for his intense play and resilience, Nadal has achieved a Career Grand Slam and holds numerous records on clay courts.
3. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, born on May 22, 1987, in Serbia, has the most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis history with 24.
Djokovic’s achievements include 10 Australian Open titles, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and four US Opens.
His incredible consistency and ability to perform on all surfaces have made him one of the most dominant players in the sport’s history.
4. Serena Williams
Serena Williams, born on September 26, 1981, in the USA, is considered the greatest female tennis player of all time.
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Williams is just one short of Margaret Court’s record.
Her career highlights include seven Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and six US Opens. Williams’ powerful serve and competitive spirit have defined her legendary career.
5. Steffi Graf
Steffi Graf, born on June 14, 1969, in Germany, has 22 Grand Slam titles, including four Australian Opens, six French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and five US Opens.
Graf achieved a Golden Slam in 1988, winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold in the same year. She is known for her powerful forehand and remarkable athleticism.
Make sure to also check out our list of the best NBA players!
6. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras, born in the USA on August 12, 1971, dominated the 1990s with 14 Grand Slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens, and two Australian Opens.
Known for his powerful serve and volley game, Sampras held the world No. 1 ranking for a then-record 286 weeks.
7. Bjorn Borg
Bjorn Borg, born in Sweden on June 6, 1956, won 11 Grand Slam titles, including 6 French Opens and five consecutive Wimbledons.
Borg’s cool demeanor and exceptional baseline game made him a dominant force in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He retired early at the age of 26 but left an enduring legacy.
8. Rod Laver
Rod Laver, born in Australia on August 9, 1938, is the only player to have won the Calendar Grand Slam twice, in 1962 and 1969.
With 11 Grand Slam titles, Laver’s dominance spanned both the amateur and Open Eras. His all-court game and adaptability to different surfaces make him one of the all-time greats.
9. Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi, born in the USA on April 29, 1970, won 8 Grand Slam titles and achieved a Career Grand Slam.
Known for his charisma and exceptional return game, Agassi was a key figure in popularizing tennis in the 1990s. His intense rivalry with Pete Sampras remains one of the sport’s most memorable.
10. Margaret Court
Margaret Court, born in Australia on July 16, 1942, holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in history with 24 singles titles.
Her dominance spanned the 1960s and 1970s, and she remains a significant figure in tennis history. Court’s powerful game and versatility on all surfaces helped her succeed remarkably.
11. Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova, born in the Czech Republic on October 18, 1956, won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including nine Wimbledons.
Known for her serve-and-volley game, Navratilova’s athleticism and longevity in the sport are unparalleled. She also excelled in doubles, winning 31 major titles.
12. Chris Evert
Chris Evert, born on December 21, 1954, in the USA, won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven French Opens and six US Opens.
Evert’s consistent baseline play and mental toughness made her a dominant force in women’s tennis throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
13. Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King, born November 22, 1943, in the USA, won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and pioneered gender equality in sports.
King’s famous 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs highlighted her influence both on and off the court.
14. John McEnroe
John McEnroe, born on February 16, 1959, in the USA, won 7 Grand Slam titles and is known for his fiery temperament and exceptional volleying skills.
McEnroe’s rivalries with Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors were some of the most intense in tennis history.
15. Ivan Lendl
Ivan Lendl, born on March 7, 1960, in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), won 8 Grand Slam titles and was known for his powerful groundstrokes and incredible fitness.
Lendl’s dominance in the 1980s helped him hold the world No. 1 ranking for 270 weeks.
16. Don Budge
Don Budge, born on June 13, 1915, in the USA, was the first player to achieve a Calendar Grand Slam in 1938.
With six Grand Slam titles, Budge’s impact on the game during the 1930s and 1940s was profound.
17. Ken Rosewall
Ken Rosewall, born on November 2, 1934, in Australia, won 8 Grand Slam titles and had a career that spanned both the amateur and Open Eras.
Known for his consistency and longevity, Rosewall remained competitive into his 40s.
18. Roy Emerson
Roy Emerson, born on November 3, 1936, in Australia, won 12 Grand Slam titles and is the only player to have won singles and doubles titles at all four majors.
Emerson’s dominance in the 1960s is a testament to his versatility and skill.
19. Jimmy Connors
Jimmy Connors, born on September 2, 1952, in the USA, won 8 Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for 268 weeks. Connors’ aggressive baseline play and fiery personality made him one of the sport’s most enduring figures.
20. Stefan Edberg
Stefan Edberg, born on January 19, 1966, in Sweden, won 6 Grand Slam titles and was known for his elegant serve-and-volley game.
Edberg’s sportsmanship and success on both grass and hard courts earned him a lasting legacy.
Interested in football instead? Check out our coverage of the 20 greatest NFL players of all time!
The Lasting Legacy of the Greatest Tennis Players
These tennis stars have shown us amazing skills and unforgettable moments.
From Roger Federer’s elegant play to Serena Williams’ powerful game, they have all left a big mark on tennis. Their hard work and passion inspire both fans and future players.
If you love tennis or just enjoy watching it, these players’ stories remind us that anything is possible with dedication. Stay tuned to see new talents who will continue to make history.
