Tennis is a solo sport, which means it’s easy for some players to start thinking they’re the main character at all times. From demanding scheduling changes to treating the locker room like their personal fiefdom, these players acted like the rest of the tour was just their supporting cast.
Some had the résumé to justify it, while others were just a little too high on their hype. Either way, these players made it very clear they thought the entire tennis world revolved around them.
13. Ernests Gulbis
Gulbis was more interested in sounding like a misunderstood genius than actually grinding on tour. He gave interviews like he was reinventing the sport one hot take at a time.
12. Maria Sharapova
Sharapova had the icy aura of someone who expected the spotlight to follow her at all times. She didn’t just play matches—she made statements.
11. Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios has long believed the tennis world should bend to his chaotic whims. Whether playing or not, he’s always made sure the conversation revolves around him.
10. Fabio Fognini
Fognini played every match like it was his soap opera, complete with drama and flair. He acted like the ATP calendar should adjust to his mood swings.
9. Bernard Tomic
Tomic didn’t just march to the beat of his drum—he wanted the tour to play his music too. He acted like effort was optional and still expected top billing.
8. Stefanos Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas has a philosopher vibe and a flair for turning every match into a personal epic. Between the mid-match bathroom breaks and the Instagram captions, he definitely sees himself as the main character.
7. Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev treats rules, crowds, and even umpires like they’re all just extras in his tennis movie. He’s got the talent to back it up, but the ego is always front and center.
6. Jelena Ostapenko
Ostapenko never saw a line call she didn’t argue or a match where she wasn’t the center of attention. She carries herself like tennis only exists because she’s in the draw.
5. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has long pushed for player power, but it often comes off like he’s speaking on behalf of a tour that should work around him. He’s never been shy about expecting the spotlight, even when it’s controversial.
4. Andy Roddick
Roddick was never afraid to let officials, opponents, and media know exactly how he felt. He carried himself like the tour needed his fire to stay lit.
3. Serena Williams
Serena dominated like few others, and sometimes it seemed like she believed the WTA literally revolved around her presence. When she played, everything—and everyone—moved to her rhythm.
Read more: 15 Players Who Were Born to Be Tennis Villains
2. Ilie Năstase
Năstase believed tennis was his stage, and everyone else was there for comedic relief or conflict. He made headlines as often for his antics as for his actual game.
Read more: 15 Tennis Players Who Treated Every Match Like a One-Person Show
1. John McEnroe
McEnroe practically invented the art of thinking the entire tennis universe should operate by his emotional clock. From blowups to brilliance, he made every match feel like a one-man show.
Read more: Ranking the 12 Most Arrogant Tennis Stars Ever
