The 10 Greatest Rivalries in Tennis History – Ranked

July 10, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Tennis has gifted us some of the fiercest and most captivating rivalries in all of sports. These battles have not only defined careers but have elevated the game itself, pushing players to new heights and thrilling fans around the world. Here are the ten most iconic rivalries ever seen on a tennis court.

10. Steffi Graf vs Monica Seles

Few rivalries in women's tennis combined power and psychological drama quite like Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. From 1989 to 1999, these two champions faced off 11 times, with Graf narrowly leading their head-to-head 7-4. Their contrasting styles—Graf’s lethal forehand and serve against Seles’ fierce two-handed strikes—produced unforgettable matches that shaped women’s tennis in the early '90s.

9. Jimmy Connors vs John McEnroe

The all-American clash between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe from 1977 to 1991 was pure box office. Their 34 battles were charged with personal animosity, each encounter crackling with intensity. McEnroe ultimately led 20-14, but Connors’ relentless competitiveness made every match a must-watch spectacle that embodied the raw edge of men’s tennis in the era.

8. Billie Jean King vs Margaret Court

Billie king — By Jonathan Exley - Billie Jean King Enterprises, Inc., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24907792

Billie Jean King and Margaret Court's rivalry in the late 1960s and early '70s was foundational to the rise of women’s professional tennis. Court held a 17-11 edge overall, dominating on grass, but King proved her mettle on clay and hard courts. Their legendary 1970 Wimbledon final, played through injuries, showcased their unwavering determination and left an indelible mark on the sport.

7. Serena Williams vs Venus Williams

Rarely in sports do two siblings dominate on the same stage for decades, but Serena and Venus Williams did just that. From 1999 to 2017, the sisters squared off in nine Grand Slam finals, with Serena leading 7-2. Their rivalry brought global attention not only to their family’s remarkable story but also to the athletic evolution of women’s tennis.

6. Pete Sampras vs Andre Agassi

Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi defined men's tennis in the 1990s, clashing 34 times in a duel of contrasting personas and styles. Sampras’ cool, precise serve-and-volley game outlasted Agassi’s charismatic baseline brilliance, with Pete leading 20-14. They met frequently in finals, including five at Grand Slams where Sampras held a decisive 4-1 advantage.

5. Björn Borg vs John McEnroe

The icy composure of Björn Borg against the fiery temper of John McEnroe created one of sport’s most cinematic rivalries. Though they split their 14 matches evenly at 7-7, their back-to-back Wimbledon finals in 1980 and 1981 are tennis lore—Borg narrowly prevailing in ’80 before McEnroe exacted revenge a year later. Their duels were so iconic they inspired a feature film.

4. Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry is among the most prolific in tennis history, spanning 60 encounters from 2006 to 2024. Djokovic narrowly leads 31-29, though Nadal ruled on clay while Djokovic owned the hard courts. Their mutual respect and frequent showdowns in finals elevated each other's legacies and delivered countless epic battles.

3. Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic clashed 50 times, crafting a rivalry that was as much about artistry versus athleticism as it was about mental toughness. Djokovic holds a 27-23 edge and notably defeated Federer three times at Wimbledon, Federer’s most cherished tournament. Together they defined an era on hard courts, with breathtaking shot-making and nail-biting finishes.

2. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer

Roger federer and Rafael Nadal — Sonia Alves-Polidori / Shutterstock.com

Federer and Nadal’s rivalry, stretching over 40 matches, perfectly juxtaposed Roger’s graceful precision against Rafa’s relentless power. Nadal led 24-16 overall, dominating on clay, while Federer excelled on grass and indoor hard courts. Their trilogy of French Open and Wimbledon finals from 2006 to 2008—and the legendary 2017 Australian Open final—remain high points in tennis history.

1. Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert

At the very top stands Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert, a rivalry that redefined women’s tennis and transcended sport. From 1973 through the late '80s, they faced each other an astonishing 80 times, including 60 finals. Navratilova led 43-37 overall, but both shared the world No. 1 ranking almost exclusively for over a decade, pushing each other to legendary greatness.