Top 10 Phenomenal Tennis Players of All-Time
When we speak of all-time tennis greats, specific names keep popping up irrespective of their records. To make it a fair debate, we have based this list of the top ten phenomenal tennis players on the number of Singles Grand Slam titles to their name. Their dominance over the game during their illustrious careers makes them a cut above the rest.
1. Margaret Court, Australia
The indomitable Margaret Court annihilated her opponents on the tennis court with her powerful serves and volleys. She came into the limelight in 1960 when she won the French Opens Singles trophy. For the next 13 years, she consistently added to the glory, winning 24 Grand Slam titles.
2. Serena Williams, USA
Serena Williams is an all-time GOAT with 23 Grand Slam Singles titles, winning 14 more for her dominance on the doubles court along with her sister Venus Williams. This makes her a major record-holder in the Open era. Her unrivaled tenacity on the court inspires generations of girls.
3. Rafael Nadal, Spain
Known for his solid one-handed forehand, Rafael Nadal became a force to reckon with, especially on clay courts. In a two-decade career, the unstoppable tennis player won 22 Grand Slams, becoming the first man to win titles on all three different surfaces - grass, hard, and clay, in the same year. He's one of the only two men to achieve a Career Golden Slam.
4. Steffi Graf, Germany
Steffi Graf's versatility as a player remains unparalleled; her on-court performances were a delight to watch. Her intricate footwork and fierce forehand won her a Calendar Golden Slam in 1988 when she won all four prestigious singles titles and an Olympic Gold. During her illustrious career, she has 22 Gram Slam singles titles to her credit, holding her number one position for a record 377 weeks at one point.
5. Novak Djokovic, Serbia
Novak Djokovic may not be everyone's immediate pick of all-time greats, but you cannot deny the man's impressive statistics. He's won 21 Grand Slam Singles titles in a two-decade career going up against some of the most incredible players the sport has ever seen. The Serbia player's terrific backhand has clinched him many of those titles.
6. Roger Federer, Switzerland
One of the most universally loved tennis players, Roger Federer, has notched up 20 Grand Slam Singles titles during his 24-year run as a professional. Throughout his journey, his reputation as a composed yet powerful shot maker preceded him. He retired from the sport in September 2022, leaving behind an incredible legacy for others to follow.
7. Helen Wills, USA
Let's rewind to a time when tennis wasn't the sensation it is today; Helen Wills dominated the sport in the '20s and '30s by winning 19 Grand Slam titles, of which eight were from Wimbledon. She became the first female in the pre-Open era to remain number one for eight years.
8. Chris Evert, USA
Chris Evert was the star of the tennis courts during the '70s and '80s. The now popular counterpunching style was something she was excellent at, which won her 18 Grand Slam titles during her career. For 13 years straight, Chris won at least one major title yearly. She has an incredible winning rate of 90 percent!
9. Martina Navratilova, USA
One of the most incredibly successful tennis players, Martina Navratilova, skillfully kept the pressure on her opponents at the net. Known for her focused play and poker face during her game, she dominated the grass courts like no other. She amassed 59 Grand Slams in total, 18 of which were her Singles titles.
10. Pete Sampras, USA
In a career spanning 14 years, Pete Sampras established himself as one of the all-time greats of tennis, even though many came after to win past his 14 Grand Slam singles titles. At the time of retirement in 2002, which he did in style by beating Andre Agassi in the U.S. Open final, he had won seven Wimbledon titles.