Tennis rivalries are more than just head-to-head records—they’re battles of skill, endurance, and sheer willpower that have defined generations of the sport. Whether it’s the clash of contrasting playing styles, the intensity of Grand Slam showdowns, or the deep mutual respect between competitors, these rivalries have produced some of the most unforgettable moments in tennis history.
From legendary duels that spanned decades to modern-day classics, these matchups have captivated fans and shaped the evolution of the game. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic rivalries that have left a lasting mark on tennis.
15. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic
Murray and Djokovic’s rivalry spanned 36 matches, with Djokovic leading 25-11. They contested seven Grand Slam finals. Their last encounter was in 2022, but in a surprising twist, Murray joined Djokovic’s coaching team for the 2025 Australian Open, transforming their rivalry into a partnership.
14. Boris Becker vs. Stefan Edberg
Becker and Edberg’s rivalry spanned 35 matches from 1984 to 1996, with Becker leading 25-10. Their contrasting styles—Becker’s power vs. Edberg’s finesse—captivated fans, especially in their three consecutive Wimbledon finals (1988-1990). Edberg won two of these epic grass court battles, solidifying their place in tennis history.
13. Martina Hingis vs. Lindsay Davenport
Hingis and Davenport faced off 25 times between 1995 and 2006, with Davenport holding a slight 14-11 edge. Their rivalry was marked by 16 consecutive final matches from 1997 to 2001, showcasing their dominance in women’s tennis. Both players excelled on hard courts, with Davenport winning two Grand Slam finals against Hingis.
12. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer
Djokovic leads their head-to-head 27-23, including a 13-6 advantage in finals. Their epic 2019 Wimbledon final, where Djokovic saved two match points, is considered one of the greatest matches ever. Their rivalry spans 50 matches over 16 years, showcasing contrasting styles and intense competition at the highest level.
11. Ivan Lendl vs. John McEnroe
This fierce rivalry spanned 36 matches from 1980 to 1992, with Lendl leading 21-15. Their contrasting styles—McEnroe’s serve-and-volley against Lendl’s powerful baseline game—created electrifying matches. The 1984 French Open final, where Lendl came back from two sets down, remains their most memorable encounter.
10. Rod Laver vs. Ken Rosewall
This iconic Australian rivalry spanned 164 matches from 1963 to 1977, with Laver leading 89-75. They faced off in two French Open finals, splitting the victories. Laver and Rosewall’s contrasting styles – Laver’s power vs. Rosewall’s finesse – made for thrilling matches that defined professional tennis in the 1960s and early 1970s.
9. Margaret Court vs. Billie Jean King
This fierce rivalry spanned 34 matches, with Court leading 21-13. They faced off in five Grand Slam finals, Court winning four. Their contrasting personalities added intrigue: Court’s reserved demeanor against King’s outspoken activism. Their last encounter in 1973 saw Court triumph in a thrilling three-set battle in Nashville.
8. Jimmy Connors vs. John McEnroe
This fiery American rivalry spanned 34 matches from 1977 to 1991, with McEnroe leading 20-14. Their contrasting styles and explosive personalities created unforgettable on-court drama, including near-fisticuffs at the 1982 Michelob Light Challenge. McEnroe dominated Grand Slams 6-3, but Connors claimed the epic 1982 Wimbledon final.
7. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles
Graf and Seles dominated women’s tennis in the early 1990s, facing off 15 times with Graf leading 10-5. Their rivalry was tragically interrupted when Seles was stabbed by a Graf fan in 1993. Despite this, they met in six Grand Slam finals, with each winning three. Their contrasting styles and intense matches captivated tennis fans worldwide.
6. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe
The “Ice Borg” versus the “Superbrat” rivalry defined tennis in the early 1980s. Their contrasting styles and personalities captivated fans, culminating in the epic 1980 Wimbledon final. Though they only played 14 matches, their rivalry remains legendary, with both becoming close friends in retirement.
5. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi
This iconic rivalry spanned 13 years, with Sampras leading 20-14 in their 34 matches. Their contrasting styles—Sampras’ serve-and-volley against Agassi’s baseline game—created electrifying encounters. They faced off in five Grand Slam finals, with Sampras winning four. Their final match at the 2002 US Open marked Sampras’ retirement.
4. Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert
This iconic rivalry spanned 80 matches from 1973 to 1988, with Navratilova leading 43-37. They dominated women’s tennis, collectively holding the No. 1 ranking for 592 out of 615 weeks between 1975 and 1987. Their contrasting styles—Navratilova’s serve-and-volley against Evert’s baseline game—created captivating matches across all surfaces, defining an era in tennis.
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3. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams
The Williams sisters’ rivalry spanned 31 matches from 1998 to 2020, with Serena leading 19-12. Their matches showcased power, skill, and sisterly bond. They faced off in nine Grand Slam finals, with Serena winning seven. Their rivalry transformed women’s tennis, inspiring a generation of players.
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2. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal
This iconic rivalry spanned 40 matches from 2004 to 2019, with Nadal leading 24-16 overall. Their contrasting styles and epic battles, especially at Grand Slams, captivated fans worldwide. Nadal dominated on clay (14-2), while Federer had the edge on grass (3-1). Their 2008 Wimbledon final is considered one of the greatest matches ever played.
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1. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal
The most prolific rivalry in men’s tennis history, with 60 matches spanning from 2006 to 2024. Djokovic leads 31-29 overall, but Nadal dominates 11-7 in Grand Slams. Their epic battles across all surfaces have produced numerous classics, including the longest Grand Slam final ever at the 2012 Australian Open.
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