Ever wondered who truly dominates the world of tennis?
From masterful aces to unforgettable rallies, these 15 titans have serenaded the crowds and etched their names in history.
So, are you ready to meet the virtuosos of the volley?
Best Tennis Players:
- Roger Federer
- Rafael Nadal
- Novak Djokovic
- Rod Laver
- Serena Williams
- Steffi Graf
- Margaret Court
- Pete Sampras
- Björn Borg
- Martina Navratilova
- Billie Jean King
- Chris Evert
- Andre Agassi
- Ivan Lendl
- Venus Williams
Table of Contents
#1 Roger Federer
- 🌍 Nationality: Swiss
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 8, 1981
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 310 weeks as world No. 1, Olympic Gold in doubles (2008) and Silver in singles (2012), 103 ATP singles titles
Known as the “Swiss Maestro,” Roger Federer is often cited for his grace on the court and fluid playing style, which includes a versatile all-court game and a one-handed backhand. He is recognized for his sportsmanship and calm demeanor during matches, rarely exhibiting frustration or anger.
Federer’s impact on the sport extends beyond his on-court achievements. His philanthropic efforts through the Roger Federer Foundation have aimed to improve educational opportunities for children in Africa. Off the court, his elegance and humility have made him a fan favorite and a respected ambassador for tennis worldwide.
#2 Rafael Nadal
- 🌍 Nationality: Spanish
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 3, 1986
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 22 Grand Slam singles titles, 209 weeks as world No. 1, Olympic Gold in singles (2008) and doubles (2016), 92 ATP singles titles
Rafael Nadal, often called “The King of Clay,” is renowned for his unparalleled dominance on clay courts and his ferocious topspin-laden forehand. His ability to recover and play defensively is among the best in the sport’s history. Nadal has battled through multiple injuries yet remained a formidable force on the ATP tour.
Nadal’s resilience and fighting spirit have cemented his place as a tennis legend. His Rafa Nadal Foundation promotes sports and education among disadvantaged youth. Beyond tennis, his humility and persistence inspire many, contributing significantly to the sport’s global popularity.
#3 Novak Djokovic
- 🌍 Nationality: Serbian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 22, 1987
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 21 Grand Slam singles titles, 373 weeks as world No. 1, Olympic Bronze (2008), 88 ATP singles titles
Nicknamed “The Djoker,” Novak Djokovic is praised for his all-round game, mental toughness, and ability to excel on all surfaces. His return of serve and backhand are particularly renowned, along with his elastic athleticism, which allows him to reach and return shots with precision. Djokovic’s diet and focus on physical conditioning have also been key aspects of his career.
Djokovic’s impact on tennis includes elevating the sport’s physicality and popularizing it in the Balkans. His Novak Djokovic Foundation focuses on early childhood education. Despite some controversies, including visa issues related to COVID-19 vaccination status, his success and philanthropic endeavors contribute to his ongoing legacy.
#4 Rod Laver
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 9, 1938
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 200 career titles, 11 Grand Slam singles titles, The only player to achieve the Grand Slam twice (1962, 1969)
Rod Laver, affectionately known as “The Rocket,” is a legend from the amateur and open eras, noted for his powerful left-handed play and mastery on all court surfaces. His impeccable timing and net play were among his greatest strengths, making him one of the most complete players of his time.
Laver’s legacy in tennis is monumental, with the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne a testament to his enduring influence. Through his career, he embodied the essence of a champion and gentleman, maintaining lasting respect within the tennis community. His contributions during the sport’s transition to professionalism helped shape the modern game.
#5 Serena Williams
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 26, 1981
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 319 weeks as world No. 1, 4 Olympic Gold Medals (2000, 2008, 2012), 73 WTA singles titles
Serena Williams is hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, known for her powerful serve, formidable groundstrokes, and remarkable mental resilience. Her athletic prowess and aggressive playing style have redefined women’s tennis, pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Off the court, Serena’s influence extends far and wide. She’s advocated for gender and racial equality, made considerable fashion industry strides, and has become a role model for aspiring athletes. Serena’s business ventures and social activism continue to make an impact, solidifying her legacy both on and off the court.
#6 Steffi Graf
- 🌍 Nationality: German
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 14, 1969
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 22 Grand Slam singles titles, 377 weeks as world No. 1, Olympic Gold Medal (1988), Completed the Calendar Year Golden Slam (1988)
Steffi Graf, nicknamed “Fraulein Forehand,” showcased a formidable forehand and athletic, all-court play. She made history by achieving the Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold in a single year. Her footwork, consistency, and mental fortitude were unrivaled during her career.
Graf’s influence on the game lay in her professionalism and sportsmanship. Her post-retirement efforts, including the establishment of the Steffi Graf Foundation, aim to aid children affected by war and other crises. Married to fellow tennis great Andre Agassi, she remains a respected figure in the world of sports.
#7 Margaret Court
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 16, 1942
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 64 Grand Slam titles (24 singles, 19 doubles, 21 mixed doubles), 11 Australian Open singles titles, Completed the Calendar Year Grand Slam (1970)
Margaret Court, known for her dominant serve and volley game, set numerous records, including the most Grand Slam singles titles. Her physical strength and discipline were the hallmarks of her game, along with a comprehensive approach that proved effective across all surfaces.
Court’s success as a player is undeniable, though her legacy has been complicated by her controversial views on LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage, which have been met with both criticism and support. Her commitment to her faith and the Margaret Court Community Outreach has become a focal point of her life after tennis.
#8 Pete Sampras
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 12, 1971
- 🎾 Position/Role: Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 14 Grand Slam singles titles, 286 weeks as world No. 1, 64 ATP singles titles
Pete Sampras, also known as “Pistol Pete,” was revered for his powerful serve and volley style of play, which remained the cornerstone of his dominance in the 1990s. His rivalry with Andre Agassi defined an era in tennis. Sampras’s mental toughness and strategic court positioning often gave him the edge in high-pressure situations.
Sampras retired with a legacy defined by his Grand Slam victories and years at the top of the rankings. His commitment to maintaining a private life and humble demeanor has earned him the respect of peers and fans alike, making him one of the true gentlemen of the game.
#9 Björn Borg
- 🌍 Nationality: Swedish
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 6, 1956
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 11 Grand Slam titles (6 French Open, 5 Wimbledon), 64 singles titles, 1 Davis Cup
Nicknamed the “Ice Man” for his cool demeanor on court, Björn Borg was known for his baseline play and exceptional endurance. His trademark two-handed backhand, precise shot-making, and mental fortitude made him a formidable opponent during intense rallies.
Borg’s impact on tennis goes beyond his impressive Grand Slam count; he was part of the popularization of the sport in the 1970s, particularly with his iconic rivalries, including those with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. Despite retiring at the young age of 26, his legacy endures in his timeless persona and influence on modern training regimes and playing styles.
- 🌍 Nationality: Czech-American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 18, 1956
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, record 9 Wimbledon singles titles, 167 singles and 177 doubles career titles
Martina Navratilova is celebrated for her impressive versatility, strength, and strategic intelligence on the court. She was well-known for her aggressive serve-and-volley style, an exceptional fitness level, and her ability to adapt and overcome any challenge.
Navratilova’s contributions to tennis are immense, including a relentless push for gender equality and LGBTQ rights. Off the court, she’s become a role model for many, openly discussing her personal life and using her platform to support various causes. She was one of the first openly gay professional athletes, and her courage has paved the way for future generations to live their truths without fear.
#11 Billie Jean King
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 22, 1943
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- Career Highlights: 39 Grand Slam titles (12 singles, 16 women’s doubles, 11 mixed doubles), 129 career titles, Battle of the Sexes victory in 1973>
Billie Jean King’s unyielding advocacy for gender equality and social justice is nearly as legendary as her tennis career. King, with her tactical intelligence and aggressive net play, is perhaps best known for her triumphant “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs, which became a significant event in the women’s rights movement.
As one of the most prominent voices in the history of women’s sports, King co-founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation. She continues to be a tireless activist for LGBTQ rights. Her landmark achievements both on and off the court have made her an enduring icon of empowerment and equality.
#12 Chris Evert
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 21, 1954
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 7 French Open titles, World No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks
With her calm composure and remarkable consistency, Chris Evert was a pillar of professionalism in women’s tennis. Her baseline game, precise groundstrokes, and strategic approach to the game allowed her to maintain a rivalry with Martina Navratilova that elevated women’s tennis to new heights.
Chris Evert’s legacy extends beyond her individual achievements; her sportsmanship and poise helped shape the image of women’s tennis. After retiring, Evert became a respected tennis commentator and has contributed to the sport through her tennis academy, mentoring young talent to follow in her formidable footsteps.
#13 Andre Agassi
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 29, 1970
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 8 Grand Slam singles titles, Career Grand Slam, Olympic gold medalist (1996), 60 career titles
Andre Agassi, with his exceptional hand-eye coordination and baseline dominance, brought an unparalleled intensity to the sport. Known for his flamboyant style and powerful groundstrokes, Agassi underwent a highly publicized transformation from a tennis prodigy to a mature champion.
Despite the challenges earlier in his career, including struggles with personal issues and performance, Agassi’s comeback story captured the hearts of fans worldwide. His work through the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education continues to show his commitment to improving children’s lives. Agassi’s journey, both on and off the court, serves as an inspiration for resilience and philanthropy.
#14 Ivan Lendl
- 🌍 Nationality: Czech-American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 7, 1960
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 8 Grand Slam singles titles, ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks, 94 career titles
Ivan Lendl’s steely determination and relentless work ethic set him apart on the tennis court. His powerful groundstrokes, particularly his forehand, and pioneering of modern fitness and nutrition regimes, helped him dominate the sport in the 1980s.
Lendl’s contributions to tennis include advancing the importance of physical preparation in the game. Off the court, he has been involved in charity work, supporting underprivileged children, and has further contributed to the sport by coaching future champions. His professional approach to the sport has left a lasting mark on how tennis players train and compete today.
#15 Venus Williams
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 17, 1980
- 🎾 Position/Role: Professional Tennis Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 7 Grand Slam singles titles, 5 Wimbledon titles, 4 Olympic gold medals, former World No. 1
Venus Williams is not just an exceptional athlete known for her blistering serve and aggressive play; she’s a trailblazer who has broken barriers in women’s tennis. Her athleticism and powerful strokes revolutionized the women’s game, as she became one of the first players to introduce a new level of power and athleticism into the sport.
Off the court, Venus has been a strong voice advocating for gender equality in sport, playing a key role in the campaign for equal prize money in the Grand Slams. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her own fashion line and interior design firm. In the face of an autoimmune disease, her continued competitiveness and resilience are as influential as her athletic accomplishments, making Venus Williams a role model for determination and longevity in the sport.
FAQ
Who is the best Tennis player of all time?
Roger Federer is the best Tennis player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Roger Federer is the best tennis player of all time. His exceptional skill, remarkable Grand Slam record, and longevity have set him apart in the history of the sport.
Who are the top 10 greatest Tennis players of all time?
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Rod Laver, Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Margaret Court, Pete Sampras, Björn Borg, and Martina Navratilova are the top 10 greatest Tennis players of all time. Each has left an indelible mark on the sport with their incredible achievements and distinctive playing styles.
Who is the most famous female Tennis player?
Serena Williams is the most famous female Tennis player. Her remarkable achievements, which include 23 Grand Slam singles titles, have made her an icon in the sport and a role model for athletes everywhere.
