The Greatest Tennis Players of All Time (Men) – Top 10 Rankings

Tennis has produced legendary champions whose records and impact on the sport are unmatched. In this article, we rank the Top 10 greatest male and female tennis players of all time in singles, based on Grand Slam titles, weeks at world No.1, Olympic medals, and overall career impact. Both retired and active players are included, and we focus exclusively on their singles achievements. Short, mobile-friendly sections and tables make it easy to scan these champions’ accomplishments.

Criteria for Greatness

• Grand Slam Singles Titles: The four majors (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) are the pinnacle of the sport. Champions with the most Grand Slam wins rank highly .
• Weeks at World No.1: Longevity at the top spot in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) or WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) rankings indicates sustained dominance .
• Olympic Medals: Success at the Olympic Games – particularly singles Gold – adds to a player’s legacy (e.g. achieving a rare Career Golden Slam of all four majors and Olympic gold) .
• Overall Impact: Influence on the sport, historical achievements (such as calendar-year Grand Slams), and contributions off-court (e.g. advocacy, pioneering feats) are also considered.

Women Ranking

The Greatest Tennis Players of All Time (Women) – Top 10 Rankings

Top 10 Greatest Male Tennis Players of All Time

1. Novak Djokovic

Grand Slams: 24 – All-time men’s record

Weeks at No.1: 428 – Most in ATP history (men’s and women’s)

Olympic Medals: 2 (1 Gold, 1 Bronze) – Completed career Golden Slam in 2024

Career Span: 2003–present (Turned pro 2003)

Novak Djokovic has firmly staked his claim as the male GOAT (Greatest of All Time). The Serbian superstar holds the record for Grand Slam men’s singles titles (24) and the record for most weeks ranked No.1 in the world (428 weeks) . He is the only man in the Open Era to achieve a Double Career Grand Slam (winning each major at least twice) and, as of 2024, one of only three men to have won all four majors and an Olympic singles gold medal (joining Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal) . Renowned for his elastic defense, mental toughness, and all-surface mastery, Djokovic has dominated the 2010s and 2020s. He has won majors on hard, clay, and grass multiple times, including a record 10 Australian Opens. In 2024, at age 37, he finally clinched his long-sought Olympic Gold in singles at the Paris Games , calling it “the biggest sporting success” of his career . With 24 Slams, 36 Masters titles, and 7 year-end championships, Djokovic’s consistent excellence and head-to-head edge over his greatest rivals (he holds winning records vs. both Federer and Nadal) cement his place at No.1 on this list.

2. Roger Federer

Grand Slams: 20

Weeks at No.1: 310

Olympic Medals: 2 (Gold in Doubles, Silver in Singles)

Career Span: 1998–2022

The elegant Swiss, Roger Federer, is often regarded as the sport’s global ambassador and a fan favorite. Federer ended his career with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 8 Wimbledon crowns . He set numerous benchmarks, notably 310 total weeks at ATP No.1 (including 237 consecutive weeks – an ATP record) , and was year-end No.1 five times. Federer’s fluid all-court playing style and longevity helped him amass 103 ATP titles over 24 years. He also shone in international events, earning an Olympic Doubles Gold (2008) and Singles Silver (2012) for Switzerland. According to the ATP, his 310 weeks at No.1 is second only to Djokovic in men’s tennis . Federer’s rivalries with Nadal and Djokovic produced some of the greatest matches in history (the 2008 Wimbledon final is often cited as one of the best ever). Beyond the numbers, Federer’s impact on tennis – boosting its popularity worldwide and exemplifying sportsmanship – is profound. His graceful dominance, especially in the mid-2000s (when he won 11 majors in four years), secures his spot near the top of any all-time list.

3. Rafael Nadal

Grand Slams: 22

Weeks at No.1: 209

Olympic Medals: 2 (Gold in Singles & Doubles)

Career Span: 2001–present (Turned pro 2001)

Known as “The King of Clay,” Spain’s Rafael Nadal has built a towering legacy defined by unmatched dominance at Roland Garros and ferocious competitiveness. Nadal has 22 Grand Slam titles, tied for second-most in men’s tennis, including a mind-blowing 14 French Open crowns on clay . He spent 209 weeks as world No.1 and finished as year-end No.1 five times . Nadal is one of the few male players to achieve a Career Golden Slam, having won all four majors and an Olympic singles gold (2008) . In fact, he has two Olympic golds – singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016 . His heavy topspin forehand, unparalleled athleticism, and never-say-die attitude have led to epic rivalries, especially against Federer and Djokovic. Nadal’s 81-match win streak on clay and 63 career clay titles are records that may never be broken . Even beyond clay, he won multiple majors on grass and hard courts, proving his versatility by completing the Career Grand Slam by age 24 . Nadal’s fighting spirit and sportsmanship have made him an icon, and despite injuries in later years, he remains a formidable presence whenever he steps on court.

4. Rod Laver

Grand Slams: 11 (achieved two calendar-year Grand Slams)

Weeks at No.1: N/A (pre-computer rankings)

Olympic Medals: 0 (tennis was not an Olympic sport in his era)

Career Span: 1963–1979 (Open-era career from 1968)

Australian legend Rod “Rocket” Laver dominated tennis in the 1960s and stands alone in history for an astounding feat: he is the only player ever to win the calendar-year Grand Slam twice (winning all four majors in a single year) . Laver first swept the majors in 1962 as an amateur, and then again in 1969 during the Open Era – an achievement often called “sport’s Everest” . In total, Laver won 11 Grand Slam singles titles, despite turning professional in 1963 and being barred from the Slams until the Open Era began in 1968. He was universally recognized as the world’s best player in the mid-60s, though official ranking systems did not exist then. Laver’s 200 career titles (including many smaller pro events) are an all-time record . A left-hander with a powerful forearm, he had an aggressive serve-and-volley game and strong groundstrokes that transcended the wooden racket era. His adaptability – succeeding as an amateur, then as a pro, then post-1968 against younger stars – showcases his prowess across eras . Rod Laver’s name graces the center court at the Australian Open, a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of two Grand Slams and sportsmanship marks him as one of the greatest ever.

5. Pete Sampras

Grand Slams: 14

Weeks at No.1: 286

Olympic Medals: 0

Career Span: 1988–2002

Pete Sampras was the standard-bearer of men’s tennis in the 1990s. The American’s hallmark was his blistering serve-and-volley game, which carried him to 14 Grand Slam titles – a record that stood for 8 years until Federer surpassed it . Sampras dominated Wimbledon with 7 titles and also won 5 US Opens and 2 Australian Opens. He finished an unprecedented six straight years (1993–1998) as year-end world No.1, showcasing his sustained excellence . In total, Sampras accumulated 286 weeks at No.1, third-most in ATP history . His rivalry with Andre Agassi captivated fans and produced memorable contrasts of style: Sampras’s attacking prowess vs. Agassi’s baseline mastery . Although a French Open title eluded him (the slow clay neutralized his serve), Sampras’s all-out attacking style was suited for faster courts where he was nearly unbeatable in his prime. By the time he retired (fittingly after winning the 2002 US Open over Agassi in his final match), “Pistol Pete” held the Slam record and had reshaped expectations of greatness. Sampras also set the record (since tied) of 7 Wimbledon men’s titles, and his 286 weeks at No.1 have only been surpassed by Federer and Djokovic . His clinical efficiency and clutch performances (he famously won 5 US Open finals without a loss) secure his place among the all-time elite.

6. Björn Borg

Grand Slams: 11

Weeks at No.1: 109

Olympic Medals: 0

Career Span: 1973–1983 (retired at age 26)

Swedish prodigy Björn Borg dominated the late 1970s with cool composure and baseline precision, earning the nickname “Ice Man.” Borg amassed 11 Grand Slam titles (six French Opens and five consecutive Wimbledons) by the age of 25, an achievement made even more incredible by his early retirement at 26. He was the first man in the Open Era to win more than 10 majors, setting a benchmark for future generations. Borg spent a total of 109 weeks as world No.1 and was year-end No.1 twice . His playing style – a two-handed backhand and heavy topspin (rare for that era) combined with exceptional fitness – revolutionized the game and inspired modern baseline play. Borg’s rivalry with John McEnroe, which featured stark contrasts (Borg’s icy focus vs. McEnroe’s fiery temperament), produced classics like the 1980 Wimbledon final, often cited among the greatest matches ever. Despite never winning the US Open (he was runner-up four times) and never competing in the Australian Open during his prime, Borg’s impact is indisputable. He won three majors in 1978 and in 1980, showcasing dominance on both clay and grass – surfaces that demand very different styles. Borg’s shock early retirement left fans wondering what more he could have achieved, but even in a relatively short career, his 11 Slams and unmatched aura secured his legacy as a tennis icon .

7. Andre Agassi

Grand Slams: 8

Weeks at No.1: 101

Olympic Medals: 1 (Gold in Singles)

Career Span: 1986–2006

Andre Agassi’s journey from tennis rebel to elder statesman was one of the sport’s great storylines. The American won 8 Grand Slam singles titles and is one of only a few men to achieve a Career Grand Slam (winning all four majors) . He did so across all surfaces, capturing titles at the Australian, French, US Open, and Wimbledon between 1992 and 1999. Agassi also added an Olympic singles Gold Medal (Atlanta 1996) to his resume, making him the first man in history to achieve a Career Golden Slam in singles . A baseline tactician with a lethal return of serve, Agassi spent 101 weeks as world No.1 in total , and remarkably he climbed back to the top in 1999 after dropping to a low of No. 141 just two years prior (a testament to his mid-career revival) . His rivalry with Pete Sampras defined the 1990s, with Agassi’s flash and charisma contrasting Sampras’s stoicism . Agassi won 4 Australian Opens (an Open Era record at the time) and is one of the oldest major champions in the Open Era, winning his last Slam at age 32 (2003 Australian Open). Beyond the court, Agassi’s philanthropic work and candid autobiography further cemented his legacy. From his denim shorts and wild hair days to his disciplined late-career resurgence, Agassi’s evolution and complete set of titles make him one of the all-time greats.

8. Jimmy Connors

Grand Slams: 8

Weeks at No.1: 268

Olympic Medals: 0

Career Span: 1972–1996

A fiery competitor and crowd favorite, Jimmy Connors was a dominant force from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s – and he continued playing (and winning) into the 1990s. The American left-hander won 8 Grand Slam titles (5 US Opens, 2 Wimbledons, 1 Australian Open) and incredibly reached the US Open semifinals in 1991 at age 39, thrilling fans with his intensity. Connors held the world No.1 ranking for 268 weeks in total (fourth all-time) and was the year-end No.1 five times (1974–1978). He still holds the Open Era record for most men’s singles titles with 109 career titles – a testament to his consistency and longevity. Connors’ gritty, take-the-ball-early playing style and his brash on-court demeanor made him an icon who helped propel tennis’s popularity, especially in the United States. Notably, Connors is the only man to win the US Open on three different surfaces (grass, clay, and hard as the tournament surface changed) – underscoring his adaptability. His rivalry with John McEnroe was particularly electrifying, often pitting Connors’ blue-collar fight against McEnroe’s finesse. Connors never won the French Open, but he did reach the semifinals four times on the red clay. With 1,274 match wins (another Open Era record) and a career spanning over two decades, Connors’ competitive zeal and record-breaking achievements ensure his standing among the legends of the game .

9. John McEnroe

Grand Slams: 7

Weeks at No.1: 170

Olympic Medals: 0

Career Span: 1978–1992

John McEnroe’s brash personality and sublime skills made him one of the most famous tennis players ever. The American won 7 Grand Slam singles titles (3 Wimbledon, 4 US Open) and a record 8 year-end championship titles, showcasing his prowess on fast courts . McEnroe spent 170 weeks as the world No.1 in singles and also dominated doubles (he is the only man to rank No.1 in singles and doubles simultaneously in the ATP rankings era) . His deft touch at net and left-handed serve-and-volley tactics were virtually untouchable at his peak – exemplified by his astonishing 1984 season, when he went 82–3 in singles matches (an Open Era record win percentage) . McEnroe’s rivalries were legendary: his duels with Björn Borg (notably the 1980 and 1981 Wimbledon finals) and with Jimmy Connors defined an era. The 1980 Wimbledon final, where McEnroe’s battling “You cannot be serious!” spirit pushed Borg to 18–16 in a tiebreak, is part of tennis lore. While his on-court outbursts and fiery temper often grabbed headlines, they shouldn’t overshadow his artistic shot-making and competitive drive. McEnroe finished his singles career with 77 titles and added 78 doubles titles, totaling an Open Era record 155 titles across singles and doubles . Though he never won the French Open (clay was his kryptonite in singles), he did reach one final there. McEnroe’s combination of talent and tenacity, along with his lasting influence as a Davis Cup captain and TV commentator, secure his legacy among the greats.

10. Ivan Lendl

Grand Slams: 8

Weeks at No.1: 270

Olympic Medals: 0

Career Span: 1978–1994

A model of consistency and rigorous training, Ivan Lendl was the dominant player of the mid-1980s. The Czech-American won 8 Grand Slam singles titles (3 French, 3 US, 2 Australian) and appeared in an astounding 19 major finals – at one point reaching 8 straight US Open finals (1982–1989). Lendl seized the world No.1 ranking for a total of 270 weeks, which at his retirement was an all-time record (now fourth all-time behind Djokovic, Federer, and Sampras) . He finished year-end No.1 on four occasions (1985–1987, 1989). Lendl’s game was built on a crushing forehand, relentless baseline groundstrokes, and superior fitness – essentially pioneering the modern power baseline style. He was also one of the first to adopt a scientific approach to conditioning and nutrition in tennis. This paid off with his incredible consistency: Lendl won 94 career titles and at least one Grand Slam in seven different years. Notably, he transformed himself from a clay-court specialist into a hard-court force, winning the US Open and Australian Open multiple times. Wimbledon was the only major that eluded him (he reached two finals on grass). Beyond his playing days, Lendl’s impact continued as he later coached Andy Murray to multiple Slam titles. During his era, however, it was Lendl who set the standard – his relentless competitiveness and professionalism helped usher in a new level of athleticism in tennis. With his 270 weeks atop the rankings and eight majors, Ivan Lendl rightfully occupies a place in the top 10 of all time.

Comparison Table – Top 10 Men’s Singles Champions:

(Medal key: 🥇=Gold, 🥈=Silver, 🥉=Bronze. “Weeks at No.1” counts total weeks atop the ATP rankings. Titles = Open Era singles titles unless noted.)

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