The 20 Greatest Male Tennis Players of All Time – Ranked

June 27, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The sport of tennis has seen countless legends, but only a select few have truly transcended generations and reshaped the game as we know it. From wooden rackets to high-tech courts, each era has produced champions whose legacies remain unmatched.

This fan-voted list celebrates the 20 greatest male tennis players of all time, honoring those who not only racked up Grand Slam titles but also influenced the style, spirit, and spectacle of tennis around the globe. Starting at No. 20, we count down the icons who left an indelible mark on the game.

20. Mats Wilander

The versatile Swede won seven Grand Slam titles in the 1980s and proved he could win on every surface. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance made him a consistent force in his era.

19. Roy Emerson

With 12 Grand Slam singles titles, Emerson dominated the pre-Open Era. He remains the only male player to have won each Grand Slam tournament in both singles and doubles.

18. Ken Rosewall

Known for his longevity and graceful style, Rosewall captured eight Grand Slam singles titles over a 23-year span. His backhand and footwork were legendary.

17. Stefan Edberg

A master of serve-and-volley tennis, Edberg won six Grand Slam titles. His elegance on court and sportsmanship earned him admiration from fans and players alike.

16. Pete Sampras

With 14 Grand Slam titles, Sampras dominated the 1990s and held the record for most majors until Federer surpassed him. His deadly serve and net play made him nearly untouchable on grass.

15. Andy Murray

Murray broke Britain's decades-long Wimbledon drought with victories in 2013 and 2016. A three-time Grand Slam champion, he combined incredible defense with strategic brilliance.

14. John McEnroe

McEnroe was a fiery genius whose talent was matched only by his intensity. With seven Grand Slam titles and unmatched volleying skills, he made tennis must-watch television in the 1980s.

13. Lew Hoad

Though he won “just” four Grand Slam singles titles, Hoad’s peak was extraordinary. Many believe he could have been the greatest ever if not for injuries.

12. Pancho Gonzales

One of the most dominant players of the 1950s, Gonzales won two Grand Slam titles but shined most on the pro tour. His power and charisma left a lasting impression.

11. Arthur Ashe

Ashe was more than a champion—he was a trailblazer. He won three Grand Slam titles, including the 1975 Wimbledon crown, and left a legacy of dignity, courage, and activism.

10. Boris Becker

Becker burst onto the scene by winning Wimbledon at just 17. With six Grand Slam titles and a fearless, attacking style, he became one of the most iconic players of the 1980s.

9. John Newcombe

A symbol of Australia’s tennis dominance, Newcombe won seven Grand Slam titles and excelled in both singles and doubles. His powerful serve and calm demeanor made him a force on grass.

8. Ivan Lendl

Lendl never won Wimbledon but secured eight Grand Slam titles and revolutionized the power baseline game. His discipline and intensity helped shape modern tennis.

7. Jimmy Connors

Known for his grit and passion, Connors won eight Grand Slam titles and brought fire to every match. He ruled the US Open and captivated fans with his never-say-die attitude.

6. Andre Agassi

Agassi’s career evolved from rebellious prodigy to all-time great. He won eight Grand Slams and completed a career Grand Slam, combining flashy play with deep court coverage.

5. Rod Laver

The only man to complete two calendar-year Grand Slams, Laver won 11 major titles and bridged the amateur and Open Eras. His explosive left-handed play and humility remain legendary.

4. Björn Borg

Björn Borg with his wife — Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

Borg captured 11 Grand Slam titles—including five straight at Wimbledon—before retiring at just 26. His ice-cold focus and revolutionary topspin made him a pioneer on clay and grass.

3. Rafael Nadal

With 22 Grand Slam titles, Nadal is the undisputed King of Clay. His relentlessness, sportsmanship, and physical dominance have defined two decades of elite tennis.

2. Novak Djokovic

Djokovic holds the all-time men’s Grand Slam record with 24 titles. His mental toughness, flexibility, and balance across all surfaces make him one of the most complete players ever.

1. Roger Federer

The maestro of grace and precision, Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and a record eight at Wimbledon. His elegance, consistency, and global influence have made him a timeless icon in the sport.