Highlights

• The sport of tennis has seen some extraordinary male players throughout the years at the highest level.
• Jimmy Connors had a dominant run in the early 70s but was banned from the French Open due to his association with World Team Tennis.
• Our top 3 players have won more than 60 Grand Slam titles combined.

Sport has a unique way of transcending boundaries, time, and generations. It gives birth to legends who, through their commitment, skill, and sheer will, redefine what's possible. Tennis, with its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and drama, has been a stage for such icons who have captivated audiences across decades. In recent years, riveting rivalries and breathtaking performances have spurred the age-old debate: Who stands atop the mountain of tennis greatness?

Each sport has its own sanctified hall of legends, heroes who have etched their names into the annals of time. The world of NBA basketball sees endless comparisons between eras, debating jump shots and dunks. Football has its own narrative, drawing lines between dribbling prowess and goal-scoring feats. Tennis, though, has its own unique flavour of this debate. It's not just about counting Grand Slam titles or weeks at world number one; it’s about gauging influence, understanding the nuances of different eras, and appreciating the evolution of the sport itself.

With this spirit of retrospection and appreciation, we have ventured into this intricate and passionate debate, unveiling their list of the top 10 male tennis players of all time. With the 137th edition of Wimbledon set to take place next year in 2024, with its historic courts ready to witness modern gladiators battle for glory, this list serves as a timely bridge between the past and the present, inviting fans to reflect on the game's illustrious lineage.

The modern era has undoubtedly given fans matches to cherish, rivalries to debate, and moments that will be replayed for generations. But as we traverse back in time, we encounter epochs of dominance, stories of resilience, and tales of sheer genius that have shaped the narrative of men's tennis.

The challenges of curating such a list are manifold. The evolution of racquet technology, the transformation of court surfaces, the advancements in fitness and recovery, and the shift in playing styles—all contribute to the complexities of cross-era comparisons. Yet, the essence of the sport remains unchanged: the thrill of a perfectly timed shot, the drama of a tiebreak, and the emotions of a hard-fought victory.

While you might have your favourites, and while personal biases and nostalgic memories might tint our glasses, one undeniable truth remains: tennis, with its rich heritage and its pantheon of legends, has given us countless moments of magic. As we debate, reflect, and celebrate, let's remember that the beauty of sport lies as much in its history as it does in the present, and the stories of tennis legends will continue to inspire, long after the last ball has been struck.

So we have looked at the oldest grand slam winners and the top grand slam winners for both men and women before, but now it's time to look at the greatest male players of all time.

All statistical data has been taken from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and ATP to ensure accuracy.

Andre Agassi

The Las Vegas-born dynamo, Andre Agassi, made waves not only with his powerful baseline game but also with his unique charisma and fashion choices. Known for his iconic mullet and vibrant outfits in the early days, Agassi transformed his image over the years and inspired an entire generation with some of his performances on the court. While he admitted later that he wished he retired sooner, his career saw a renaissance in the late '90s and early 2000s when he completed a career Grand Slam by winning all four major titles. Agassi's life off the court, especially post-retirement with his philanthropic efforts in education, underscores the depth of his character. A rebel, a champion, and a philanthropist, Agassi's impact on tennis is multifaceted.

John McEnroe

"YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!" When one hears this phrase, the image of John McEnroe passionately contesting a line call immediately comes to mind. Beyond the fiery temper and dramatic confrontations lay a player with an extraordinary talent and a unique touch that made him a maestro, especially on faster courts. McEnroe's serve-and-volley style was a visual delight, a blend of finesse and aggression. His legendary battles with the likes of Bjorn Borg have become an intrinsic part of tennis folklore. Beyond his playing career, McEnroe's voice as a tennis commentator is revered, offering insights that only a player of his stature can.

Jimmy Connors

The embodiment of relentless energy and spirit, Jimmy Connors was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve. With an impressive eight Grand Slam titles, Connors was known for his fierce determination, two-handed backhand, and the ability to turn matches around with sheer willpower. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 268 weeks, showcasing consistent brilliance. Connors' connection with the crowd made him a fan favourite, with his matches often feeling like high-energy theatrical performances.

Read more: Ranking the 12 greatest finals in US Open history

Ivan Lendl

The Czech-born Lendl brought a level of athleticism and power to tennis that was ahead of its time. With eight Grand Slam titles under his belt, Lendl's game was a concoction of fierce baseline rallies, top-spin-laden shots, and a rigorous fitness regimen that often had him outlasting opponents in gruelling encounters. His influence however, wasn't limited to his playing days. As Andy Murray's coach, Lendl played a pivotal role in shaping the career of the former Wimbledon champion, guiding him to multiple Grand Slam victories.

Bjorn Borg

Swede Bjorn Borg's meteoric rise in the tennis world was characterised by his cool demeanour, hence the nickname 'Ice Man'. A dominant force especially on clay, Borg's groundstrokes, particularly his two-handed backhand, set the template for future generations. Winning 11 Grand Slam titles by the age of 25 is something that very few had seen before and Borg's early retirement left fans immensely disappointed and yearning for more. Even his biggest rival John McEnroe said he wished he played against Borg more.

The achievements don't stop there. Borg picked up three year-end championships and 16 Grand Prix Super Series titles - winning the ATP Player of the Year from 1976 to 1980. This was the same timeframe where he hit the elusive world no. 1 ranking. Yet, in his short career, he achieved a level of dominance and fame that places him among the game's true greats.

Pete Sampras

Who can possibly forget about 'Pistol Pete,' as he was affectionately called, was the epitome of elegance on the grass courts. With 14 Grand Slam titles, Sampras' game combined with powerful serves, graceful volleys, and an unmatched prowess on Wimbledon's grass after picking up a then-record of seven titles at the iconic South London tennis club. His storied rivalry with Andre Agassi defined the 90s tennis era, offering contrasts in both playing styles and personalities - and the two men went head-to-head in one of the greatest feuds of all time. Some would love to see the return of Sampras to the court or someone that carried the aura that he did during his peak years.

Rod Laver

Rod Laver's name is etched in gold in tennis history, primarily for his two calendar-year Grand Slams. The Aussie left-hander was a dominant force in both the amateur and Open eras, completely dominating the sport of tennis during the 1960s, holding the title as world no.1 for five years straight between 1964 and 1970. His adaptability, consistency, and ability to excel on all surfaces made him a true legend, bringing him 11 Grand Slam singles titles and eight Pro Major crowns. The Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and the infamous Laver Cup tournament were both named after him and stand as a testament to his lasting legacy.

Roger Federer

Some argue that Switzerland's Roger Federer is the greatest of all, but he just misses out on our list. Often described as the artist of tennis, has given fans countless moments of magic. With a record 20 Grand Slam titles, Federer's game is poetry in motion. His effortless style, combined with his incredible shot-making, has made him a favourite for fans globally. His rivalries with both Nadal and Djokovic have given tennis some of its most memorable moments. Federer produced a remarkable all-time record that stands to this stay after registering a 56-match win streak on hard courts. There's a good change that this will never be broken which showcases just how much of a dominant force Federer was during his prime years.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is known in the tennis world as the 'King of Clay' and there is plenty of good reasons for that. The Spaniard had redefined dominance on the red dirt of Roland Garros. He won the French Open an astonishing 11 times alone, what is even more remarkable about this is that he won this competition nine times in his first 10 attempts.

Despite this heroic achievement, the Spaniard's 22 Grand Slam titles aren't limited to clay, he also claimed victory at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He's the only player to defeat Federer in three different Grand Slam finals.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has been enjoying his prime years and was virtually unbeatable in 2021. He was going for the calendar Grand Slam before a straight-set loss to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open quashed the dreams. Despite losing the 2023 Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, he still has 24 Grand Slams to his name and like the top three on this list, he probably isn’t done there. At the time of writing, Djokovic is the singles men's world number one ranked player and is arguably one of the greatest grass players to have ever lived. It will be interesting to see how Djokovic will fare over the next 12 months and whether he's able to extend his untouchable legacy in the sport.

Read more: Djokovic The "Greatest" Grass Player Ever?