Top 10 Best Male Tennis Players of All Time

1. Roger Federer

   

   Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player known for his exceptional skill and elegance on the court. He has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, holding the record for the most consecutive weeks as World No. 1.

   At the moment, Roger Federer is the most accomplished male tennis player ever, although it's impossible to really say he's the most talented. You could easily make the argument that Rafael Nadal is actually better on that count, since Nadal has a clear advantage over Federer in terms of head-to-head, especially in the Slams. The day may also come when Nadal could surpass Federer's impressive mark of 17 Grand Slams.

   I'm giving the nod to Federer partly because he dominated tennis so thoroughly and convincingly for about a five-year stretch, a feat that will be nearly impossible to replicate. You might say the competition was a little inferior during most of his prime, but you can only play what's out there. No tennis player was that dominant for such an extended stretch of time.

   In his prime, Federer was a machine. His greatest strength, among the many you could name, was his groundstrokes. He could hit the ball at such an angle with tremendous power that it made it nearly impossible for his opponent to stay in the point, especially the longer it went on. But perhaps one of the toughest parts about Federer was that he was almost invulnerable. He almost never beat himself with silly mistakes and unforced errors. Nothing less than your A-game was required to even give you a shot at beating him.

   Perhaps best of all, Federer has been a class act in both victory and defeat, on and off the court. He has been a model of sportsmanship that is hard to come by in today's world of sports, especially considering the sad stories with today's athletes almost every time you turn on your TV.

2. Rafael Nadal

   

   Rafael Nadal, from Spain, is celebrated for his success on clay courts, where he has won the French Open a record 14 times. With 22 Grand Slam singles titles, he is one of the most successful players in tennis history.

   Rafa may not be the best, but he is still my favorite tennis player. Just the way he fights on every single point like his life depends on it is inspiring. He doesn't end the points quickly, takes his time, and makes the opponent suffer. Nadal is at both a physical and mental peak that is absolutely jaw-dropping.

   Break point? Set point? No problem. He saves them with what is arguably the most badass forehand in tennis history. Nadal makes us live his matches with him. His celebrations, injuries, pains, reliefs - we fight with him all the time. And he has incredible sportsmanship in every situation, win or lose, with great respect for his opponents.

3. Novak Djokovic

   

   Novak Djokovic, a Serbian player, has consistently dominated the men's game and holds the record for most weeks ranked as World No. 1. He has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, achieving a career Grand Slam three times. He is also the only player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, a feat he has accomplished twice.

   I love Novak. He has been my favorite tennis player for the last 10 years. I have watched every single big match he's played, dedicating hours upon hours to studying his play, memorizing his stats, and waking up at crazy hours of the night to see him play in Slams or Masters 1000s. This man has been my hero. But, in my opinion, he is not the third-best player of all time. Yet.

   He could certainly be on his way, but the likes of Laver and Sampras have him beat, with Borg having as good of a peak as him and Lendl and Connors obviously having better longevity.

   Still, Djokovic is an amazing player and competitor, and he has proven himself to be one of the all-time greats. He is still in his peak, dominating the game.

4. Pete Sampras

   

   Pete Sampras, an American player, was a leading figure in the 1990s, known for his powerful serve and volleys. He won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He finished the year ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years, a record that still stands in the open era.

   This is the only person I ever enjoyed watching play tennis when I was a kid. It was almost unreal how he never seemed to break a sweat and just kept on winning for what I think is the longest record so far. Sampras vs. Agassi matches were the most epic. None of the current crop of players even comes close!

   When Pete's game was on, he didn't need groundstrokes to beat his opponents. What about those running forehands, overhead smashes, and crisp volleys? Phew. That underrated backhand. Just look at some of his backhand winners against Becker, Agassi, etc. You will realize that Pete had no weakness. A TRUE PHENOM.

5. Bjorn Borg

   

   Bjorn Borg, from Sweden, is known for his calm demeanor and success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He won 11 Grand Slam titles, including five consecutive Wimbledon titles.

   His competition was fierce, as he played several men on this list and usually trumped them. I don't see the current players struggling with the likes of Connors, McEnroe, and Lendl. Nadal is already physically shot at 22. And Borg did it all with a wooden racket.

   It only really makes sense to compare players from the same era. Technique, tactics, equipment, rules, and training all move on. While acknowledging that Federer's record is unmatched, Borg was easily the greatest player of his generation.

6. Ivan Lendl

   

   Ivan Lendl, originally from Czechoslovakia, was known for his powerful baseline game and physical fitness. He won eight Grand Slam singles titles and was ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks.

   One of the hardest-working tennis players. Most others just made it on talent, but Ivan worked his butt off.

7. Andy Murray

   

   Andy Murray, a British tennis player, is known for his tactical intelligence and resilience on the court. He has won three Grand Slam singles titles and two Olympic gold medals in singles.

   Pure excellence. Amazing wherever he is on the court. Has one of the best backhands ever. Everybody stops and stands still when he's on court.

   One of the greatest ever British sportsmen. Hopefully, more to come from this fantastic athlete.

   Now that I've given him that vote, he better win a Grand Slam!

8. Jimmy Connors

   

   Jimmy Connors, an American player, was known for his aggressive style and competitiveness on the court. He won eight Grand Slam singles titles and held the record for most ATP singles titles, with 109.

   I loved to see him play. We don't have players of his caliber today. He had a personality that appealed to the public, and he backed it up with the results of his games.

   Jimmy Connors was my favorite male tennis player ever. He had a class and style about him that no one else had. I miss watching him because it was always exciting.

   He had asthma and still set records, even though he was not a tall player.

9. John McEnroe

   

   John McEnroe, an American, is famous for his skillful net play and intense on-court demeanor. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles and remains known for his rivalry with Bjorn Borg.

   People said he complained about calls a bit. But the thing is, he was right most of the time. He had game and provided some great tennis battles over the years.

10. Rod Laver

    

    Rod Laver, an Australian, is notable for completing the Grand Slam twice, in 1962 and 1969. He won 11 Grand Slam singles titles and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

    No doubt, as has been said before, but two Grand Slams, bookends to the dramatic changes in tennis, mark the beginning of the Open Era. His longevity matches Federer's - and was achieved at a time without the science, the technology, and the private jets. Think of the greats he played against: Hoad, Rosewall, Gonzales, and Emerson, and he defeated Ashe, Connors, and Borg. I believe he was effectively number one for most, if not all, of the decade from 1960 to 1970.

    Two Grand Slams. Interrupted by six years. Laver would have won at least four Grand Slams in his career. It is embarrassing to see him rated 13! I agree with Federer and Nadal, who both have stated Laver is without peer in tennis history.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Jannik Sinner

    
12. ?

    Mark Philippoussis

    
The Contenders

13. Boris Becker

    

    Boris Becker, from Germany, gained international fame by winning Wimbledon at age 17. He won six Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style.

    No one, except perhaps Bjorn Borg, could play better. He was a champion for such a long time.

    One of the best. Should be in the top 5.

14. Andy Roddick

    

    Andy Roddick, an American known for his powerful serve, reached the pinnacle of his career in the early 2000s. He won one Grand Slam singles title at the 2003 US Open and was ranked World No. 1.

15. Andre Agassi

    

    Andre Agassi, an American player, was celebrated for his charisma and impressive return game. He won eight Grand Slam singles titles and achieved a career Grand Slam.

16. David Ferrer

    

    David Ferrer, a Spanish player, is known for his incredible work ethic and consistency, particularly on clay courts. Although he didn't win a Grand Slam, he reached the French Open final and won 27 ATP singles titles.

17. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

    

    Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, from France, is recognized for his powerful game and energetic presence on court. He reached the final of the 2008 Australian Open and won 18 ATP singles titles in his career.

18. Juan Martin del Potro

    Juan Martín del Potro, from Argentina, is celebrated for his powerful forehand and resilience through injuries. He won the 2009 US Open and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3.

    Juan Martín is a brilliant, flamboyant player, towering over all his opponents. Get well, Juan Martín. You are missed at Wimbledon.

    Consistency is what he needs. He'll be a great player.

19. Stanislas Wawrinka

    

    Stanislas Wawrinka, a Swiss player, is celebrated for his one-handed backhand and strength on the baseline. He has won three Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal in doubles.

20. Tim Henman

    

    Tim Henman, a British player, was known for his serve-and-volley playing style and strong performances at Wimbledon. Although he didn't win a Grand Slam, he reached six Grand Slam semifinals.

21. Gael Monfils

    

    Gael Monfils, a French player, is celebrated for his athleticism and entertaining playing style. He has reached the semifinals of two Grand Slam tournaments and has won 12 ATP singles titles. His propensity for sliding on hard courts and hitting acrobatic winners makes him one of the most exciting athletes to watch.

    One of the most fun-to-watch tennis athletes. I mean, who is doing all the crazy shots? Just love his style.

    One of the most entertaining players to watch, with amazing and powerful shots!

    Very determined! He is not worried about losing. Just plays his best.

22. Tomas Berdych

    

    Tomas Berdych, from the Czech Republic, was a consistent top-10 player and known for his strong baseline game. He reached the 2010 Wimbledon final and won 13 ATP singles titles in his career.

    He is consistently knocked out in the quarterfinals, but that's not a bad thing.

23. Tommy Haas

    Tommy Haas, a German player, was known for his all-court play style and impressive longevity in the sport. Although he didn't win a Grand Slam, he reached World No. 2 and won 15 ATP singles titles.

    Most underrated tennis player ever.

24. Goran Ivanisevic

    Goran Ivanisevic, a Croatian, is known for his powerful serve and dramatic victory at Wimbledon in 2001. He won one Grand Slam singles title and became the first wildcard to win a Wimbledon title.

25. Ilie Nastase

    

    Ilie Năstase, from Romania, was known for his skillful play and on-court antics. He won two Grand Slam singles titles and was ranked World No. 1 in the early 1970s.

    Ilie Nastase, John McEnroe, and Rafael Nadal are my three top players. Great players and great entertainers.

    Highest winning percentage at the Masters. Was in 5 finals and won 4. Could beat anyone, anytime, on any surface.

26. Lleyton Hewitt

    

    Lleyton Hewitt, an Australian player, became the youngest-ever World No. 1 at age 20. He won two Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his tenacity and court coverage. The baseline grinder also helped Australia win the Davis Cup twice.

    Most talented player I ever watched. Very unfortunate with health. I'll never forget his teenage win over Agassi and that epic victory in 2003 vs. Federer, where Fed was serving for the match in the third set. Incredible fighter. I still believe he could reach another Grand Slam final! Come on!

27. Kei Nishikori

    

    Kei Nishikori, a Japanese player, is known for his speed and solid baseline play. He reached the final of the 2014 US Open and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4. That historic run in New York made him the first male player representing an Asian country to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

    He should have been ranked much higher if he were not injury-prone.