Greatest Tennis players of all time - Men

In present time, when we hear the word tennis, the names which comes to the mind first are Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray. Termed as the Big Four in the open era, all of them have been to the zenith. Andy Murray is the latest to reach world no. 1.

But history had some brilliant tennis players who can not be forgotten. I'll be naming a few of them along with the present ones who stood a class apart and carved their names in the history books to become the greatest players to grace this beautiful game ever.

John McEnroe

I'll let the racket do the talking. 

The American star is considered as one of greatest of all time. He won 7 grand slam titles and 71 overall titles. A consummate professional on court most famous for his touch on the volley. 

He earned the nickname "McEnrow" from the British press for his dodgy nature and his arguments with the umpires.

Ivan Lendl 

He was a Czech Republican who later took American citizenship in 1992. He appeared in 8 consecutive U.S. Open finals in the 80s and won three of them. His trademark shot was forehand, which often rocketed off his racquet when he is particularly on the run. Among his 8 Grand slam titles he failed to win Wimbledon and once skipped the tournament saying he was allergic to grass.

He is currently the coach of Andy Murray.

Jimmy Connors

His subtle and cunning style of play helped him won 8 Grand Slams and 109 overall titles. His greatest display of tennis was in 1991 when he made a wildcard entry in the U.S. open at the age of 38 and a week prior to his 39th birthday and reached the semi-finals. On his 39th birthday he defeated Aaron Krickstein in a match that lasted 4 hours 41 minutes. Though he got beaten by Jim Courier he termed the tournament as "the greatest 11 days of my tennis career."

Björn Borg

This teenage sensation from Sweden is credited in helping tennis gain immense popularity during the 70s. He was silent off the court but his racket did all the talking. Considered one of the greatest of all time, as his 11 Grand Slam titles included only Grass court and Clay court. Winning 6 Wimbledon and 5 French Open, he lost 4 U.S. Open finals and played Australian Open only once. 

He once quoted "If you're afraid of losing, then you daren't win."

He won 64 titles overall. 

Andre Agassi

The first male player to win all four grand slam tournaments on 3 different surfaces (grass, clay & hard court), his return of serve was regarded as the best ever. With 8 grand slam titles and 60 overall titles he was truly a champion both on and off the court. 

He is married to all-time great Steffi Graf.

Roy Emerson

His 12 grand slam Singles titles including 6 Australian open stood a record for a long time. This Australian former number 1 is the only male player in the history of tennis to complete career grand slams in both singles and doubles. He won 16 grand slam tournament men's doubles titles.

His level of fitness was so good that he could beat any of his opponents by outlasting them.

All of his grand slam titles came before the open era.

Rod Laver

Powerful, explosive and the ability to hit the ball late to make his opponents off-balance are some of the characteristics of this former world number 1. His career began before open era and he won 11 grand slam titles. He won the calendar grand slam twice (1962 & 1969). He had a popeye left forearm which measured 12 inches in circumference. He won 52 titles overall.

Pete Sampras

The American great broke the record of Roy Emerson's 12 Grand slam titles by winning Wimbledon in 2000. He has won a total of 14 Grand slams and is considered one of the greatest in history. His name demands respect. He was called "Pistol Pete" courtesy of his lethal serve. He won U.S. Open in 1990 at the age of 19. His 14 titles include 7 Wimbledons. He went out in style, winning 2002 U.S. Open after defeating rival Andre Agassi.

Rafael Nadal

Termed as the greatest clay court player of all time, his dominance and success in French open is remarkable. 9 French Open titles, longest winning streak on clay court, this man is truly a masterclass. With 14 Grand Slam titles he is currently tied with Pete Sampras in career grand slam wins and is only behind Roger Federer. He has the ability to use both of his equally well. He leads Roger Federer with 23-10 head to head including 9-2 in Grand slams. He is a beast and his 14 Grand slam wins and 67 overall titles makes him one of the greats. He even has an olympic gold medal to his name.

Roger Federer

Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, the Swiss maestro is truly a masterclass. He has won 17 grand slam titles, most by any men's player. He held the number 1 ranking for 237 weeks and overall for 302 weeks. His style of play is so beautiful to watch, even at the age of 34 he has a chance of winning against any opponents. He has an unparalleled grace. His one hand backhand is a delight to watch. He is truly a champion.

Nadal once said "If somebody says I'm better than Roger, I think this person doesn't know anything about tennis!"

©sportskafun.blogspot.com