The 15 Best Clay Court Players in Tennis History – Ranked

August 10, 2025 Oliver Obel

Clay courts are the most unique surface in professional tennis, demanding stamina, strategy, and patience. Over the decades, certain legends have risen above the rest, mastering the red dirt and carving their names into Roland Garros history. Here are the 15 greatest clay court players ever – ranked from 15 to 1.

15. Roger Federer

Although clay was Federer’s least successful surface, he still amassed 11 titles and reached five French Open finals. His elegant shot-making and tactical genius brought him the 2009 Roland Garros title and consistent success even in Nadal’s era.

14. Andre Agassi

Agassi struggled early in his clay career but ultimately adapted to the surface’s demands. His 1999 French Open victory completed a Career Grand Slam and cemented his legacy as a versatile champion.

13. Carlos Alcaraz

The young Spaniard has already shown his clay court brilliance by winning the 2024 French Open. With explosive movement and creative shot-making, Alcaraz is poised to dominate the surface for years to come.

12. Guillermo Vilas

Vilas was a clay court machine in the 1970s, winning 49 titles and holding a record 53-match winning streak. His endurance and heavy topspin overwhelmed opponents during his golden era.

11. Thomas Muster

Known for his physicality and mental toughness, Muster was nearly unbeatable on clay in the ’90s. His 40 clay titles and 1995 French Open crown marked him as a true warrior of the surface.

10. Henri Cochet

A legend from the amateur era, Cochet won five French Championships in the 1920s and ’30s. Despite his small stature, he used flair and intelligence to outplay bigger opponents.

9. Rod Laver

One of the all-time greats, Laver captured two French Open titles during his calendar Grand Slam runs in 1962 and 1969. His ability to generate spin and control matches even with wooden rackets speaks volumes of his talent.

8. Sergi Bruguera

Bruguera was a clay specialist with two French Open titles and 13 total clay trophies. His grinding style and smart tactics earned him wins over stars like Jim Courier and Roger Federer.

7. Jim Courier

Courier’s short prime was enough to win two French Opens and cement his clay credentials. He thrived under pressure and delivered big results at Roland Garros in the early ’90s.

6. Mats Wilander

With three French Open titles and 20 clay trophies, Wilander was a tactical master on the dirt. His patience and consistency from the baseline made him a formidable opponent throughout the ’80s.

5. Novak Djokovic

Though not as naturally suited to clay, Djokovic adapted superbly and won three French Opens. His mental resilience and ability to challenge Nadal in Paris elevate him to the top five.

4. Gustavo Kuerten

The charismatic Brazilian stunned the world with his 1997 Roland Garros win and added two more titles afterward. “Guga” was adored in Paris and became a clay icon with his flair and fearless baseline play.

3. Ivan Lendl

Lendl was the definition of professionalism, dominating clay in the ’80s with three French Open titles and 28 clay wins overall. His powerful game and fitness gave him an edge over more naturally gifted players.

2. Bjorn Borg

Björn Borg — Oleg Golovnev / Shutterstock.com

Borg was cool under pressure and ruthless on clay, winning six French Opens and 28 total clay tournaments. His mental strength and baseline game made him nearly invincible in Paris during his peak.

1. Rafael Nadal

Nadal redefined clay court dominance with 14 French Open titles and a staggering 90% win rate on the surface. His unmatched intensity, physicality, and court coverage made him the greatest clay player in tennis history.