15 Legendary Tennis Players Who Never Captured a Grand Slam Title

March 14, 2025 Editorial team

Winning a Grand Slam is the ultimate dream for any professional tennis player, but not every talented athlete gets to lift one of these coveted trophies. Some of the sport’s most skilled and celebrated players have built remarkable careers, earned countless victories, and even reached the top of the rankings—yet the biggest title eluded them.

Here are 15 exceptional tennis stars who made a lasting impact on the game despite never securing a Grand Slam singles championship.

Marcelo Ríos

Marcelo Rios — Poul Cowan / Shutterstock.com

Marcelo Ríos from Chile is the only male player in history to reach the No. 1 world ranking without winning a Grand Slam title. He reached the Australian Open final in 1998 and had a remarkable career, winning 18 ATP titles.

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Jelena Janković

Jelena Jankovic — Photo: Jimmie48 Photography / Shutterstock.com

Serbian star Jelena Janković reached the world No. 1 ranking in 2008 and played in the US Open final that same year. She captured 15 WTA singles titles, but a Grand Slam victory remained elusive.

David Ferrer

David Ferrer from Spain was a consistent top-10 player for many years and reached the French Open final in 2013. With 27 ATP titles and an unmatched work ethic, he became a fan favorite, even without a Grand Slam win.

Dinara Safina

Russian player Dinara Safina also reached the world No. 1 ranking and played in three Grand Slam finals: the French Open (2008, 2009) and Australian Open (2009). Despite her success, she never lifted a Grand Slam trophy.

Nikolay Davydenko

Nikolay Davydenko from Russia reached four Grand Slam semifinals and won the ATP Finals in 2009. Known for his speed and precision, he was one of the toughest competitors on tour but never secured a Grand Slam title.

Agnieszka Radwańska

Polish star Agnieszka Radwańska reached the Wimbledon final in 2012 and was celebrated for her elegant and tactical game. She won 20 WTA singles titles but never claimed a Grand Slam.

Miloslav Mečíř

Miloslav Mečíř from Slovakia reached the finals of the US Open in 1986 and the Australian Open in 1989. His career highlight came when he won Olympic gold in 1988, but a Grand Slam victory always remained out of reach.

Elena Dementieva

Elena Dementieva from Russia played in two Grand Slam finals (the French Open and US Open, both in 2004). Her crowning achievement came when she won gold at the 2008 Olympics, yet a Grand Slam title eluded her.

Todd Martin

Todd Martin from the United States reached the finals of the Australian Open (1994) and the US Open (1999). Known for his consistent play, he achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 but never captured a Grand Slam title.

Pam Shriver

Pam Shriver from the United States reached the US Open final in 1978 as a 16-year-old. She claimed 21 WTA singles titles and dominated doubles with 22 Grand Slam titles, but a singles Grand Slam remained out of reach.

Alex Corretja

Spanish player Alex Corretja reached the finals of the French Open twice (1998 and 2001) and won the ATP Finals in 1998. He was one of the best clay-court players of his time but never claimed a Grand Slam title.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from France reached the Australian Open final in 2008. Known for his power and charisma, he won 18 ATP titles and was a fan favorite, despite never winning a Grand Slam.

Guillermo Coria

Argentine player Guillermo Coria, nicknamed “King of Clay,” reached the French Open final in 2004. Renowned for his dominance on clay, he never managed to secure a Grand Slam title.

Tomáš Berdych

Tomáš Berdych from the Czech Republic reached the Wimbledon final in 2010 and won 13 ATP titles. Known for his powerful serve and stamina, he was a consistent performer but never a Grand Slam champion.

David Nalbandian

David Nalbandian from Argentina played in the Wimbledon final in 2002 and won the ATP Finals in 2005. He was one of the most talented players of his generation but never lifted a Grand Slam trophy.