Even the best tennis players can hit a rough patch. Whether it’s due to injuries, mental blocks, or just plain bad luck, some stars went from lifting trophies to struggling just to make it out of the first round.
This list isn’t about bashing legends—it’s more of a tribute to how quickly things can change in tennis. These 15 players once ruled the court but eventually hit a slump so deep, fans started asking, “Wait, what happened?”
15. Eugenie Bouchard
Once a rising star with Grand Slam finals in sight, Bouchard’s momentum hit the brakes hard. Her ranking plummeted, and wins became rare instead of expected.
14. Jack Sock
There was a time when Jack Sock was carrying American tennis hopes. Then came the injuries and losses, and suddenly his biggest wins were in doubles.
13. Jelena Ostapenko
She shocked the world with a French Open title, but that spark didn’t last long. After that breakthrough, consistency left the chat.
12. Grigor Dimitrov
Dimitrov was once called “Baby Fed” for a reason, but the titles didn’t quite follow. He flashes brilliance, then disappears for months.
11. Sloane Stephens
After winning the US Open, it seemed like Sloane was ready to dominate. Instead, her form dipped and her results followed suit.
10. Bernard Tomic
Tomic had talent, no doubt, but motivation was a whole other story. He’s been more famous for off-court comments than on-court wins lately.
9. Fabio Fognini
Always entertaining and always unpredictable, Fognini could beat anyone—when he felt like it. Unfortunately, that “feel like it” phase hasn’t shown up much lately.
8. Garbiñe Muguruza
With two Grand Slam titles, Muguruza looked like the future of the sport. Then came a string of injuries, early exits, and a long break from winning.
7. David Goffin
Goffin used to be a consistent threat in big tournaments. But recent years have seen more first-round exits than deep runs.
6. Caroline Garcia
She climbed the rankings and looked unstoppable at times. But her form disappeared faster than you could say “double fault.”
5. Dominic Thiem
After winning the US Open, Thiem seemed ready to take over the tour. Injuries and a brutal slump had other plans.
4. Andrea Petkovic
Always charismatic and once a Top 10 player, Petkovic’s later career was marked by more commentary than comeback. The wins dried up before the retirement announcement did.
3. Kei Nishikori
Injuries wrecked what could’ve been a legendary career. The flashes of brilliance became fewer and farther between.
Read more: 16 Tennis Stars Who Flamed Out After a Breakout Year
2. Coco Vandeweghe
She had power, swagger, and a game that gave top players nightmares. Then came the losses, the layoffs, and eventually the fade from the spotlight.
Read more: Ranking the 12 Most Arrogant Tennis Stars Ever
1. Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios might still draw crowds and headlines, but actual wins? Not so much. Injuries and inactivity have made him more myth than menace lately.
Read more: 15 Tennis Players Who Treated Every Match Like a One-Person Show
