Tennis has seen many great players over the years. Each has made a mark with their skills and achievements.
Comparing athletes from different times can be hard because the sport has changed in many ways. Still, certain players stand out for their success and lasting impact on the game.
This article highlights the 10 best tennis players of all time, based on their records and influence in the sport. These players set important standards and inspired fans around the world.
1. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis history, with 24 major wins. He is known for his strong backhand and great physical endurance.
Djokovic has spent more weeks as world No. 1 than any other male player. His mental toughness and consistency make him one of the most dominant players in tennis history.
2. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is known for his strong mental focus and physical endurance. He has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles.
Nadal is especially dominant on clay courts and is often called the “King of Clay.” His playing style combines power, speed, and tactical skill.
3. Roger Federer
Roger Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles in his career. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks.
Federer was known for his smooth playing style and strong all-court game. His skill and grace on the court set him apart from many players.
He retired at the age of 41. Federer remains one of the most respected and admired players in tennis.
4. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the most successful tennis players in history. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era for any player.
She held the world No. 1 ranking multiple times and finished as year-end No. 1 five times. Serena’s powerful play and strong mental game set her apart in women’s tennis.
5. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras was a leading tennis player in the 1990s. He won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, a record at the time.
Sampras was known for his powerful serve and strong play at Wimbledon and the US Open. His matches against Andre Agassi were highly competitive and memorable.
6. Steffi Graf
Steffi Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during her career. She is the only player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal in the same year, achieving the “Golden Slam” in 1988.
Graf spent 377 weeks as world No. 1, a record for both men and women. Her speed, skill, and versatility made her a dominant player on all surfaces.
7. Margaret Court
Margaret Court is one of the most successful tennis players in history. She won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest number ever achieved.
Her career also includes 19 women’s doubles and 21 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. Court is the only player to win a calendar-year Grand Slam in both singles and mixed doubles.
Court’s achievements span a 17-year career. She was a dominant player in the 1960s and 1970s.
8. Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record nine Wimbledon championships. She played with a serve-and-volley style that changed women’s tennis.
Navratilova also excelled in doubles, winning 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles titles. She was world No. 1 in singles for 332 weeks and ended seven years as the year-end No. 1.
9. Rod Laver
Rod Laver is the only player to win two calendar-year Grand Slams, achieving this in 1962 and 1969. He won a total of 11 Grand Slam singles titles during his career.
Laver was dominant in the 1960s and held the world No. 1 ranking for several years.
10. Björn Borg
Björn Borg was a top tennis player from Sweden in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He won 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including five straight Wimbledon championships from 1976 to 1980.
Borg was known for his calm style and strong baseline play. He retired early, at age 26.
Key Criteria for Ranking Tennis Legends
Ranking the best tennis players involves several important measures. Achievements in major tournaments, how players compare across different time periods, and their overall influence on the sport all play key roles.
Grand Slam Achievements
Grand Slam titles are a core measure of success in tennis. Winning these major tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—shows a player’s ability to perform at the highest level under pressure.
The total number of Grand Slams won often sets the baseline for ranking players. Players who win on clay, grass, and hard courts show versatility.
Consistency in reaching late rounds, even without always winning, also reflects greatness.
Era Comparisons
Comparing players from different eras is difficult because tennis has evolved. Changes in racket technology, training methods, and playing styles affect how the game is played.
Earlier players faced different challenges, such as wooden rackets or slower courts. Analysts consider a player’s dominance relative to their peers and the competition level of their time.
Winning records against top-ranked opponents and sustained performance over many seasons help balance era differences.
Legacy and Impact
Legacy measures a player’s influence beyond wins. This includes inspiring future generations, advancing tennis popularity, and defining playing styles.
Some players changed how the game is played or brought it to new audiences worldwide. Impact can also mean contributions off the court, such as sportsmanship and advocacy.
Players with strong legacies often remain popular and respected long after retiring. Their cultural and historical significance shapes their standing among tennis legends.
Evolution of Playing Styles
Tennis playing styles have changed a lot over time. Players adapted to their strengths and the conditions of their matches.
Changes in where players stand and how they hit the ball show the main shifts in style. Equipment improvements also changed how players perform on court.
Serve and Volley vs. Baseline Play
Serve and volley was once a dominant style. Players rushed to the net right after serving to finish points quickly with volleys.
This style favored fast reflexes and strong net skills. It worked well on faster courts like grass.
Baseline play has grown more popular over time. Players stay near the back of the court, relying on powerful groundstrokes and longer rallies.
It demands endurance, strong footwork, and consistent shot-making. Modern courts, especially hard and clay surfaces, support baseline play more.
Today, many players combine both styles. They vary tactics depending on the opponent, surface, and match situation.
Advancements in Equipment
Tennis rackets evolved from wood to lightweight metals and carbon fiber. New materials make swings stronger and faster with less effort.
Strings changed from natural gut to synthetic blends. This change affects ball control, spin, and power.
Players can now generate more spin and pace. Shoes and court surfaces also improved.
These improvements provide better grip and reduce injury risks. Players can move faster and play longer.