Ranking the 30 Best Male Tennis Players of All Time

Tennis has gifted us iconic rivalries, unforgettable matches, and legendary figures who’ve shaped the sport’s legacy.

Let’s serve up a fun countdown of the 30 greatest male tennis stars ever, from smashing serves to delightful drop shots!

30. Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka
Openverse

With a devastating backhand, Stan has disrupted the Big Three’s dominance more than once. He may not have the biggest trophy case, but he’s got flair to spare!

29. Pat Rafter

Pat Rafter
Wikipedia

The Aussie sensation brought pure excitement with his aggressive serve-and-volley style. Plus, who didn’t love those flowing locks?

28. Gustavo Kuerten

Gustavo Kuerten
Openverse

Brazil’s charismatic clay-court maestro brought energy and heart to every match. “Guga” remains a beloved figure for his infectious smile alone.

27. Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick
Wikipedia

Known for his booming serve and sharp wit, Roddick kept fans entertained both on and off the court. He’s still America’s last men’s Grand Slam champion.

26. Marat Safin

Marat Safin
Openverse

Unpredictable, fiery, and brilliantly talented—Safin’s game was always box-office viewing. His racquet-smashing moments were legendary.

25. Lleyton Hewitt

Lleyton Hewitt
Openverse

Scrappy and tenacious, Hewitt’s “C’mon!” became tennis folklore. The Australian fighter held his ground against much bigger hitters.

24. Jim Courier

Jim Courier
Photo by ZankaM

Courier’s aggressive baseline style and iconic baseball cap defined early ’90s tennis. He also charmed audiences with his unique post-match interviews.

23. Michael Chang

Michael Chang
Openverse

Chang was known for speed, determination, and his memorable underhand serve against Lendl. He still holds the record as the youngest men’s Grand Slam winner.

22. Juan Martín del Potro

Juan Martín del Potro
Wikipedia

“Delpo” unleashed thunderous forehands that stunned even tennis giants. Injuries may have shortened his career, but his legacy endures.

21. Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz

Young and explosive, Alcaraz brings electrifying athleticism and fearless tennis to every match. Already a four-time Grand Slam champion, his future is incredibly bright.

20. Ken Rosewall

Ken Rosewall
Wikipedia

An Aussie legend, Rosewall displayed exceptional skill and longevity. He won majors well into his late 30s, proving age is just a number.

19. Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe
Photo by Rob Bogaerts

Ashe wasn’t just a tennis icon but also a cultural pioneer. He remains remembered as much for his grace off the court as on it.

18. Stefan Edberg

Stefan Edberg
Openverse

Edberg’s elegant serve-and-volley game was poetry in motion. His sportsmanship was equally legendary.

17. Guillermo Vilas

Guillermo Vilas
Youtube | US Open Tennis Championships

The Argentine brought artistry and relentless hustle to clay courts worldwide. His record-winning streaks remain iconic.

16. Ilie Năstase

 Ilie Năstase
Wikipedia

“Nasty” Năstase dazzled audiences with outrageous skill and flamboyant antics. Love him or hate him, you couldn’t look away.

15. Andy Murray

 Andy Murray
Openverse

The stoic Scotsman ended Britain’s lengthy Grand Slam drought with grit and determination. Murray’s resilience continues to inspire.

14. Boris Becker

Boris Becker
Openverse

Bursting onto the scene at 17, Becker’s powerful dives and fierce serves electrified tennis. He was tennis’s original wunderkind.

13. Mats Wilander

Mats Wilander
Openverse

Wilander’s smart play and steady nerve earned him seven Grand Slams. He’s Sweden’s underrated tennis mastermind.

12. Roy Emerson

Tony Roche
Openverse

Holding 12 majors, Emerson was a model of consistency in the amateur era. He remains a pillar in Australia’s tennis history.

11. John Newcombe

John Newcombe
Wikipedia

Newcombe’s swagger, trademark moustache, and aggressive net play made him unforgettable. He brought charisma to every match.

10. Rod Laver

Rod Laver
Wikipedia

The original “Rocket,” Laver’s two calendar-year Grand Slams are legendary. He truly set the bar for greatness.

9. Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi
Photo by ph-stop

Tennis’s charismatic rebel evolved into a beloved champion. Agassi’s return game was second-to-none.

8. Ivan Lendl

Ivan Lendl
Wikipedia

Stoic and formidable, Lendl revolutionized fitness and preparation. His dominance in the 1980s shaped modern tennis.

7. Jimmy Connors

Jimmy Connors
Openverse

With fiery passion, Connors captivated crowds and captured eight majors. His epic runs and fist pumps are still iconic.

6. John McEnroe

John McEnroe
Openverse

McEnroe’s touch, creativity, and on-court theatrics made him unforgettable. “You cannot be serious!” remains tennis’s most iconic rant.

5. Björn Borg

 Björn Borg

Cool under pressure, Borg’s rivalry with McEnroe defined tennis history. His style and composure inspired generations.

4. Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras
Openverse

“Pistol Pete” set records with his powerful serve and graceful athleticism. Fourteen Grand Slams secured his legendary status.

Read More: 11 Tennis Stars Who Were Accused of Doping

3. Novak Djokovic

 Novak Djokovic
Openverse

Djokovic’s unmatched athleticism, mental toughness, and precision have rewritten records. Not to mention, he’s still chasing history.

Read More: The 10 Highest-Paid Tennis Players in the World

2. Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal
Openverse

The undisputed “King of Clay,” Nadal’s intensity and competitiveness are legendary. His heart and humility have won countless fans.

Read More: The 15 Best Tennis Players Ruling the Court Right Now

1. Roger Federer

Roger Federer
Photo by Tigre Municipio

Federer isn’t just a tennis player; he’s tennis artistry personified. While he may not have as many Grand Slams as Nadal or Djokovic, his graceful and effortless playing style is second to none. 

Read More: Left-Handed Tennis Players Who Changed The Game Forever

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