Back in Time Today
Tennis has produced some of the most incredible athletes in sports history. From powerful serves to lightning-fast returns, these champions have amazed fans around the world with their skill and determination.
Ranking the greatest players ever is tough because each brought something special to the court.
1. Serena Williams – The Ultimate Champion
Nobody dominated women’s tennis quite like Serena Williams. Her powerful serve and fierce competitive spirit made her nearly unbeatable during her prime years.
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the record for most wins in the Open Era. Serena’s ability to come back from difficult situations earned her legendary status among tennis fans worldwide.
2. Steffi Graf – The Golden Slam Queen
Steffi Graf achieved something no other player has ever done – winning all four Grand Slams plus Olympic gold in the same year. Her 1988 Golden Slam remains one of tennis’s greatest accomplishments.
Graf’s powerful forehand and incredible speed around the court made her tough to beat. She spent 377 weeks as the world’s number one player during her amazing career.
3. Margaret Court – The Record Holder
Margaret Court holds the all-time record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Her incredible consistency during the 1960s and 1970s set the standard for future generations of players.
Court excelled on all court surfaces, showing remarkable adaptability throughout her career. Her powerful serve and strong net game made her a formidable opponent for any player who faced her on court.
4. Martina Navratilova – The Serve and Volley Master
Martina Navratilova revolutionized women’s tennis with her aggressive serve-and-volley style. Her athletic approach and powerful left-handed game changed how tennis was played.
She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and dominated doubles play throughout her career. Navratilova’s fitness level and dedication to training set new standards for professional tennis players everywhere.
5. Chris Evert – The Ice Queen
Chris Evert earned her nickname “Ice Queen” for staying calm under pressure during the biggest matches. Her incredible consistency from the baseline frustrated opponents for nearly two decades.
Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and reached an amazing 34 Grand Slam finals. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova created some of tennis’s most memorable moments and matches.
6. Billie Jean King – The Pioneer
Billie Jean King fought for equal prize money and women’s rights both on and off the tennis court. Her famous “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs became a cultural milestone.
King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and helped establish the Women’s Tennis Association. Her courage and leadership opened doors for future generations of female athletes in all sports.
7. Venus Williams – The Power Player
Venus Williams brought incredible power and athleticism to women’s tennis. Her blazing serves and long reach made her a dangerous opponent on any surface, especially grass courts.
She won seven Grand Slam singles titles and helped pave the way for her sister Serena. Venus’s success at Wimbledon, where she won five titles, showcased her exceptional grass court skills and competitive spirit.
8. Monica Seles – The Grunting Sensation
Monica Seles changed tennis with her unique two-handed groundstrokes from both sides and distinctive grunting sounds. Her aggressive baseline style overwhelmed opponents during her peak years.
She won nine Grand Slam titles before age 20, showing incredible early success. Unfortunately, a stabbing incident interrupted her career, but her impact on the game remains significant and lasting.
9. Justine Henin – The Artist
Justine Henin played tennis like an artist creating a masterpiece. Her one-handed backhand was considered the most beautiful shot in women’s tennis during her era.
Despite her smaller size, Henin won seven Grand Slam titles through skill and determination. Her clay court success, including four French Open victories, demonstrated her exceptional technique and mental toughness on court.
10. Evonne Goolagong Cawley – The Natural
Evonne Goolagong Cawley played tennis with natural grace and flowing movement that made the game look effortless. Her smooth style and positive attitude won fans around the world.
She captured 14 Grand Slam titles and became an inspiration for Indigenous Australians. Goolagong’s ability to excel on different surfaces, from grass to clay, showed her remarkable adaptability and tennis intelligence.
1. Novak Djokovic – The Flexible Fighter
Novak Djokovic’s incredible flexibility and mental toughness have made him one of tennis’s greatest champions. His ability to return seemingly impossible shots frustrates opponents constantly.
With over 20 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has proven his excellence on all surfaces. His rivalry with Federer and Nadal created some of tennis’s most thrilling matches and memorable moments.
2. Roger Federer – The Elegant Maestro
Roger Federer played tennis with such elegance and style that he made difficult shots look easy. His smooth one-handed backhand and graceful movement captivated tennis fans everywhere.
Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and spent 310 weeks as world number one. His sportsmanship and class both on and off court made him a beloved ambassador for tennis worldwide.
3. Rafael Nadal – The Clay Court King
Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay courts is unmatched in tennis history. His incredible topspin forehand and never-give-up attitude made him nearly unbeatable at the French Open.
Nadal won 14 French Open titles, earning him the nickname “King of Clay.” His intense playing style and fierce determination inspired countless players and fans around the globe.
4. Rod Laver – The Rocket
Rod Laver achieved something incredibly rare in tennis – winning all four Grand Slams in the same year twice. His powerful left-handed game earned him the nickname “The Rocket.”
Laver’s 11 Grand Slam titles came during an era when professionals couldn’t play all tournaments. His aggressive style and strong serve made him a formidable opponent throughout his career.
5. Pete Sampras – The Serve Master
Pete Sampras possessed one of the most devastating serves in tennis history. His powerful delivery and excellent volleying skills made him nearly unbeatable on grass courts.
Sampras won 14 Grand Slam titles, including seven Wimbledon championships. His calm demeanor and clutch performances in big matches earned him respect from players and fans throughout the tennis world.
6. Björn Borg – The Ice Man
Björn Borg’s cool composure under pressure earned him the nickname “Ice Man.” His incredible consistency from the baseline and mental toughness made him a clay court legend.
Borg won 11 Grand Slam titles, including six French Opens and five consecutive Wimbledons. His rivalry with John McEnroe created some of tennis’s most dramatic and unforgettable championship matches.
7. Andre Agassi – The Showman
Andre Agassi brought excitement and personality to tennis with his colorful outfits and aggressive baseline game. His powerful return of serve changed how players approached the game.
Agassi won eight Grand Slam titles and became the first man to win all four on different surfaces. His comeback from near retirement to number one inspired many players and fans.
8. Jimmy Connors – The Fighter
Jimmy Connors played tennis with incredible passion and fighting spirit that energized crowds everywhere. His two-handed backhand and aggressive style made every match exciting to watch.
Connors won eight Grand Slam titles and spent 268 weeks as world number one. His longevity and competitive fire kept him playing at the highest level well into his thirties.
9. John McEnroe – The Genius
John McEnroe’s incredible touch and tennis IQ made him a true artist on the court. His serve-and-volley game and amazing shot-making ability thrilled tennis fans worldwide.
McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles and dominated doubles play throughout his career. His fiery temperament and famous outbursts made him one of tennis’s most memorable and controversial characters.
10. Ivan Lendl – The Machine
Ivan Lendl approached tennis like a scientist, using data and fitness to dominate opponents. His powerful forehand and incredible physical conditioning set new standards for professional tennis.
Lendl won eight Grand Slam titles and spent 270 weeks as world number one. His methodical approach and relentless training regimen influenced how modern players prepare for competition today.