Top 20 Male Tennis Players of All Time

Top 20 Male Tennis Players of All Time

By Jacob Kornhauser

September 16, 2014

Top 20 Male Tennis Players of All Time

2014 French Open - Day Five — Even though tennis isn't one of the more popular sports in the U.S., it is overseas and is among a niche fan base here in the states. Throughout the years, there have been several legendary players who have left their mark on the sport. These 20 tennis players have left their mark more than others and become the best athletes the sport has ever seen.

Even though tennis isn't one of the more popular sports in the U.S., it is overseas and is among a niche fan base here in the states. Throughout the years, there have been several legendary players who have left their mark on the sport. These 20 tennis players have left their mark more than others and become the best athletes the sport has ever seen.

20. Ken Rosewall

2014 Australian Open - Day 12

20. Ken Rosewall

2014 Australian Open - Day 12 — Years as Professional: 1956-1980
Highest World Ranking: 1
Major Titles: 25

Rosewall was a tennis player known for his incredible longevity. Playing as a professional for 24 years, he had the lasting power to be able to win an insane 25 major titles.

Years as Professional: 1956-1980
Highest World Ranking: 1
Major Titles: 25

Rosewall was a tennis player known for his incredible longevity. Playing as a professional for 24 years, he had the lasting power to be able to win an insane 25 major titles.

19. Stefan Edberg

2014 US Open - Day 11

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19. Stefan Edberg

2014 US Open - Day 11 — Years as Professional: 1983-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 6

Playing in what many would probably call the golden era of tennis, Edberg made a nice little career for himself. Winning six Grand Slam titles in an era with other all time greats is quite the accomplishment.

Years as Professional: 1983-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 6

Playing in what many would probably call the golden era of tennis, Edberg made a nice little career for himself. Winning six Grand Slam titles in an era with other all time greats is quite the accomplishment.

18. Lleyton Hewitt

Australia v Uzbekistan - Davis Cup World Group Play-off

18. Lleyton Hewitt

Australia v Uzbekistan - Davis Cup World Group Play-off — Years as Professional: 1998-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Hewitt is more known for what he did at the beginning of his career rather than what he's done lately. At the dawn of his promising career, he set a record by being the youngest player ever to earn a world No. 1 ranking at 20.

Years as Professional: 1998-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Hewitt is more known for what he did at the beginning of his career rather than what he's done lately. At the dawn of his promising career, he set a record by being the youngest player ever to earn a world No. 1 ranking at 20.

17. Mats Wilander

2014 US Open - Day 11

17. Mats Wilander

2014 US Open - Day 11 — Years as Professional: 1981-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7

Wilander is known as being one of the best all-around tennis players ever. That's because he could win on any surface. He's one of just two players in tennis history to win at least two Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.

Years as Professional: 1981-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7

Wilander is known as being one of the best all-around tennis players ever. That's because he could win on any surface. He's one of just two players in tennis history to win at least two Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.

16. Boris Becker

2014 U.S. Open - Previews

16. Boris Becker

2014 U.S. Open - Previews — Years as Professional: 1984-1999
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 6

Like many other tennis players, Becker made a name for himself as a youngster. However, he was even younger than most. He's the youngest player to ever win the Wimbledon title, which he did at age 17.

Years as Professional: 1984-1999
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 6

Like many other tennis players, Becker made a name for himself as a youngster. However, he was even younger than most. He's the youngest player to ever win the Wimbledon title, which he did at age 17.

15. Bill Tilden

Bill Tilden

15. Bill Tilden

Bill Tilden — Years as Professional: 1931-1946
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 10

Tilden is the legend of early tennis as he dominated in the 1920s before he turned pro as well. His 10 Grand Slam titles include a record seven U.S. Open crowns.

Years as Professional: 1931-1946
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 10

Tilden is the legend of early tennis as he dominated in the 1920s before he turned pro as well. His 10 Grand Slam titles include a record seven U.S. Open crowns.

14. Jim Courier

Connecticut Open - Day 4

14. Jim Courier

Connecticut Open - Day 4 — Years as Professional: 1988-2000
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 4

Courier did win four Grand Slams, but if he was a better finisher, he would've actually finished even higher on this list. He was great at least getting to finals of Grand Slams. At 22, he became the youngest player to reach the finals of all four Grand Slams.

Years as Professional: 1988-2000
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 4

Courier did win four Grand Slams, but if he was a better finisher, he would've actually finished even higher on this list. He was great at least getting to finals of Grand Slams. At 22, he became the youngest player to reach the finals of all four Grand Slams.

13. Andy Murray

2014 US Open - Day 8

13. Andy Murray

2014 US Open - Day 8 — Years as Professional: 2005-Present
Highest World Ranking: 2
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Murray still has a chance to give his career a lift at this point, but he's already won two Grand Slams en route to his current World No. 9 ranking. His career highlight may not be one of his Grand Slams, but it was when he beat Roger Federer in the 2012 Olympics to claim the gold medal.

Years as Professional: 2005-Present
Highest World Ranking: 2
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Murray still has a chance to give his career a lift at this point, but he's already won two Grand Slams en route to his current World No. 9 ranking. His career highlight may not be one of his Grand Slams, but it was when he beat Roger Federer in the 2012 Olympics to claim the gold medal.

12. Marat Safin

ATP Masters Series Paris - Day Three

12. Marat Safin

ATP Masters Series Paris - Day Three — Years as Professional: 1997-2009
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Safin was quite the character on the tennis court as he would usually wear his heart on his sleeve. Apparently it worked for him because he put together a lengthy and successful career that involved two Grand Slam victories.

Years as Professional: 1997-2009
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 2

Safin was quite the character on the tennis court as he would usually wear his heart on his sleeve. Apparently it worked for him because he put together a lengthy and successful career that involved two Grand Slam victories.

11. Ivan Lendl

World Tennis Day London Showdown

11. Ivan Lendl

World Tennis Day London Showdown — Years as Professional: 1978-1994
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Lendl was one of the best in the history of tennis, but his numbers could look so much better. He reached 19 Grand Slam finals, winning just eight of them. If he were better at finishing, he would probably be a top five player in the history of the sport.

Years as Professional: 1978-1994
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Lendl was one of the best in the history of tennis, but his numbers could look so much better. He reached 19 Grand Slam finals, winning just eight of them. If he were better at finishing, he would probably be a top five player in the history of the sport.

10. Andy Roddick

Connecticut Open - Day 5

10. Andy Roddick

Connecticut Open - Day 5 — Years as Professional: 2000-2012
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 1

Another tennis player who could've been better if he finished, Roddick reached the finals of four Grand Slams that he didn't win. He showed in his 2003 U.S. Open victory that he was capable of getting the job done, but he added more to the game with his flare than anything else.

Years as Professional: 2000-2012
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 1

Another tennis player who could've been better if he finished, Roddick reached the finals of four Grand Slams that he didn't win. He showed in his 2003 U.S. Open victory that he was capable of getting the job done, but he added more to the game with his flare than anything else.

9. Novak Djokovic

2014 US Open - Day 13

9. Novak Djokovic

2014 US Open - Day 13 — Years as Professional: 2003-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7

Currently the No. 1 player in the world, there's surely a chance Djokovic can climb up this list rapidly in future years. He's been dominant for the past couple seasons and one great career achievement of his is winning three straight Australian Open titles, which had never been done before.

Years as Professional: 2003-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7

Currently the No. 1 player in the world, there's surely a chance Djokovic can climb up this list rapidly in future years. He's been dominant for the past couple seasons and one great career achievement of his is winning three straight Australian Open titles, which had never been done before.

8. Jimmy Connors

2012 US Open - Day 11

8. Jimmy Connors

2012 US Open - Day 11 — Years as Professional: 1972-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Tennis' iron man, Connors was excellent for a prolonged stretch. He was a top 10 player in the world for 16 seasons in a row and on top of his eight Grand Slam titles, he appeared in the finals of seven more.

Years as Professional: 1972-1996
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Tennis' iron man, Connors was excellent for a prolonged stretch. He was a top 10 player in the world for 16 seasons in a row and on top of his eight Grand Slam titles, he appeared in the finals of seven more.

7. Andre Agassi

World Tennis Day London Showdown

7. Andre Agassi

World Tennis Day London Showdown — Years as Professional: 1986-2006
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Agassi was absolutely dominant in his prime. During that prime, he rolled over competition and became the only player in tennis history to win every Grand Slam title on all three different playing surfaces.

Years as Professional: 1986-2006
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 8

Agassi was absolutely dominant in his prime. During that prime, he rolled over competition and became the only player in tennis history to win every Grand Slam title on all three different playing surfaces.

6. Bjorn Borg

ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo - Day Four

6. Bjorn Borg

ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo - Day Four — Years as Professional: 1973-1981, 1991-1993
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 11

Borg was actually good enough to make a comeback nearly a decade after retiring. Before that retirement, Borg was absolutely dominant as he won 11 Grand Slam titles. More telling than that is that Borg won 90 percent of his matches in Grand Slam tournaments.

Years as Professional: 1973-1981, 1991-1993
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 11

Borg was actually good enough to make a comeback nearly a decade after retiring. Before that retirement, Borg was absolutely dominant as he won 11 Grand Slam titles. More telling than that is that Borg won 90 percent of his matches in Grand Slam tournaments.

5. John McEnroe

2014 US Open - Day 11

5. John McEnroe

2014 US Open - Day 11 — Years as Professional: 1978-1992
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7 (as well as 9 doubles titles)

McEnroe, one of the most charismatic tennis players ever, wasn't just all show. He won seven singles Grand Slams as well as nine doubles Grand Slams, showing he could win on the biggest stage in multiple ways.

Years as Professional: 1978-1992
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 7 (as well as 9 doubles titles)

McEnroe, one of the most charismatic tennis players ever, wasn't just all show. He won seven singles Grand Slams as well as nine doubles Grand Slams, showing he could win on the biggest stage in multiple ways.

4. Rod Laver

Day Nine: The Championships - Wimbledon 2014

4. Rod Laver

Day Nine: The Championships - Wimbledon 2014 — Years as Professional: 1963-1976
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 11

Laver may have been the most dominant tennis player of all time counting non-Grand Slam titles. In all, he won 200 tennis tournaments in his illustrious career and helped establish himself as one of the best to ever play the sport.

Years as Professional: 1963-1976
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 11

Laver may have been the most dominant tennis player of all time counting non-Grand Slam titles. In all, he won 200 tennis tournaments in his illustrious career and helped establish himself as one of the best to ever play the sport.

3. Rafael Nadal

Day Eight: The Championships - Wimbledon 2014

3. Rafael Nadal

Day Eight: The Championships - Wimbledon 2014 — Years as Professional: 2001-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 14

Many may not realize it, but the golden era of tennis has been going on for a couple years now. With several historically good players all playing at the same time, Nadal has still managed to win 14 Grand Slams and has become dominant on all surfaces, not just clay.

Years as Professional: 2001-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 14

Many may not realize it, but the golden era of tennis has been going on for a couple years now. With several historically good players all playing at the same time, Nadal has still managed to win 14 Grand Slams and has become dominant on all surfaces, not just clay.

2. Pete Sampras

World Tennis Day London Showdown

2. Pete Sampras

World Tennis Day London Showdown — Years as Professional: 1988-2002
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 14

Sampras was incredible for about a decade and a half. He was clearly the greatest player in his era, as he holds a tie of the record for Wimbledon titles with seven and U.S. Open titles with five.

Years as Professional: 1988-2002
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 14

Sampras was incredible for about a decade and a half. He was clearly the greatest player in his era, as he holds a tie of the record for Wimbledon titles with seven and U.S. Open titles with five.

1. Roger Federer

2014 US Open - Day 13

1. Roger Federer

2014 US Open - Day 13 — Years as Professional: 1998-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 17

Without a doubt, Federer, who is nearing the end of his legendary career, is the most dominant player in the history of tennis. At one point, he reached the finals 10 straight times and reached 25 finals overall. Both of those are records are just a few of many he holds.

Years as Professional: 1998-Present
Highest World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 17

Without a doubt, Federer, who is nearing the end of his legendary career, is the most dominant player in the history of tennis. At one point, he reached the finals 10 straight times and reached 25 finals overall. Both of those are records are just a few of many he holds.

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