Best Male Tennis Players of All Time: There are so many fantastic players in the history of men’s tennis. But when it comes to the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT), fans are very vocal about it. This list compiled by Ranker.com attempts to answer that question by focusing on the lives and achievements of the greatest and most impactful players who ever lived.
Best Male Tennis Players of All Time
Here are the top 20 best male tennis players of all time, according to Ranker.com.
20. Guillermo Vilas
- Country: Argentina
- Born: 17 August 1952 (age 72)
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Turned pro: 1968
- Retired: 1992
- Plays: Left-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: $4,923,882
- Ranker.com Votes: 1,068
Guillermo Vilas was a unique tennis player who stood out in his time. He won four major tournaments, including the first Grand Slam for a South American man, and reached the French Open final three times. In 1977, he won 46 matches in a row and set a record for most titles in one year.
Vilas was also successful in doubles, known for his strong shots and stamina in long matches. He was respected for his sportsmanship and inspired many South American players.
Today, he is still seen as one of the greatest tennis players ever.
19. Jim Courier
- Country: United States
- Born: August 17, 1970 (age 54)
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Turned pro: 1988
- Retired: 2000
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: $14,034,132
- Ranker.com Votes: 1,193
Jim Courier started his tennis career with a big win, beating Andre Agassi in a five-set match at the French Open. He went on to win four Grand Slam titles—two at Roland Garros and two in Melbourne. He faced his rival Stefan Edberg in three Grand Slam finals, winning two.
Courier was ranked the world’s No. 1 player for 58 weeks. He was strong on all surfaces but won most of his titles on hard courts. After retiring, he started a non-profit called “Courier’s Kids” to support children in tennis.
Besides his Grand Slam wins, he also reached the Wimbledon final and helped the U.S. win the Davis Cup in 1992. Since retiring in 2000, he has worked as a tennis commentator and analyst.
18. Stanislas Wawrinka
- Country: Switzerland
- Born: 28 March 1985 (age 39)
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Turned pro: 2002
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$37,089,980
- Ranker.com Votes: 1,440
Stanislas Wawrinka is a Swiss tennis player and a three-time Grand Slam champion. He won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016.
Wawrinka is known for his powerful groundstrokes and his one-handed backhand, one of the best in tennis. He also won an Olympic gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer in 2008.
Turning pro in 2002, Wawrinka has often ranked in the world’s top 20. Besides his Grand Slam wins, he has claimed many ATP Tour titles and reached the quarterfinals or better at all Grand Slams.
He also helped Switzerland win its first Davis Cup title in 2014 with Federer.
17. Mats Wilander
- Country: Sweden
- Born: 22 August 1964 (age 60)
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Turned pro: 1981 (amateur from 1980)
- Retired: 1996
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$7,976,256
- Ranker.com Votes: 1,565
Mats Wilander is a retired Swedish tennis player and one of the greatest players of the 1980s. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles: the Australian Open (1983, 1984, 1988), the French Open (1982, 1985, 1988), and the US Open (1988). He was also a Wimbledon finalist in 1988.
Wilander was known for his strong serve, powerful groundstrokes, and quick footwork, allowing him to retrieve tough shots.
After retiring in 1996, he became a coach and commentator. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002.
16. Arthur Ashe
- Country: United States
- Born: July 10, 1943
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Turned pro: 1969 (amateur tour from 1959)
- Retired: 1980
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: $1,584,909 (ATP)
- Ranker.com Votes: 2,420
Arthur Ashe was a key figure in American tennis and an activist for social causes. He won all major Grand Slam tournaments except the French Open, with his last title at Wimbledon in 1975, defeating Jimmy Connors.
Ashe had a rivalry with Roy Emerson in the early 1960s before the Open Era. He was the first African-American to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Beyond tennis, he was a strong advocate for AIDS awareness, using his platform to support social and political causes.
Ashe was respected for his sportsmanship and was admired both on and off the court.
15. Boris Becker
- Country: West Germany
- Born: 22 November 1967 (age 56)
- Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
- Turned pro: 1984 (amateur 1983)
- Retired: 1999
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$25,080,956
- Ranker.com Votes: 2,442
Boris Becker was a highly successful tennis player who achieved nearly everything in the sport. He won six Grand Slam titles, including three at Wimbledon, and earned a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics.
In 1989, he helped the West Germany Davis Cup team defeat the United States, famously beating Andre Agassi in a five-set match.
Becker was particularly strong on indoor carpet courts, winning a record 26 titles on that surface.
Interestingly, he ranked higher in doubles before his singles success, even though he never won a Grand Slam doubles title.
14. Andy Murray
- Country: United Kingdom Great Britain
- Born: 15 May 1987 (age 37)
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
- Turned pro: 2005
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US $64,687,542
- Ranker.com Votes: 2,502
Andy Murray is a retired British tennis player and a three-time Grand Slam champion. He won the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.
Murray also won Olympic gold medals in singles at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and the ATP Tour Finals in 2016 and 2017.
Turning pro in 2005, he was often ranked in the top 10 and was known for his strong all-around game and powerful serve. He also won a gold medal in doubles with Laura Robson at the 2012 Olympics.
In 2019, Murray announced his retirement due to hip injuries, finishing his career at the 2019 Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals.
13. Jimmy Connors
- Country: United States
- Born: September 2, 1952
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Turned pro: 1972
- Retired: 1996
- Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: $8,641,040
- Ranker.com Votes: 3,043
Jimmy Connors dominated tennis in the mid-1970s. In 1974, he won all three Grand Slam tournaments he entered, though he could not play at Roland-Garros due to a ban.
He won eight Grand Slam singles titles, including five U.S. Opens and one Wimbledon title. Connors was also part of the U.S. Davis Cup team, helping them win in 1981 and 1982.
That same year marked the start of his reign as the world number one, which lasted for 160 consecutive weeks—a record later broken by Roger Federer.
Connors holds the record for the most men’s singles titles, with 109 tournament wins in his career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
12. Ivan Lendl
- Country: Czechoslovakia (1978–92), United States (1992–94)
- Born: March 7, 1960 (age 64)
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Turned pro: 1978
- Retired: 1994
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$21,262,417
- Ranker.com Votes: 3,250
Ivan Lendl was a key player in the 1980s tennis scene. He was Known for his serious attitude and powerful serve and wore down opponents with his strong flat shots and forehand.
Between 1981 and 1991, Lendl won 8 Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open in 1989 and 1990, the French Open in 1984, 1986, and 1987, and the US Open in 1985, 1986, and 1987. He was a runner-up at Wimbledon in 1986 and 1987.
Lendl was ranked world number one for over 270 weeks, competing against John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. His success came from his fitness and hard work.
Lendl is remembered as one of the most influential tennis players of his era.
11. Andre Agassi
- Country: United States
- Born: April 29, 1970 (age 54)
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Turned pro: 1986
- Retired: 2006
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: $31,152,975
- Ranker.com Votes: 3,740
Andre Agassi made a big splash in tennis in the late 1980s with his long hair and rebellious style. He quickly became one of the greatest players ever, with his memorable Wimbledon win in 1992, where he beat Boris Becker, John McEnroe, and Goran Ivanisevic in five sets.
Agassi was known for his powerful attacks and strong returns, especially on hard courts, making him one of the best hard-court players in history. He won 8 Grand Slam singles titles: four Australian Opens, one French Open, one Wimbledon, and two U.S. Opens. He also helped the U.S. Davis Cup team win in 1990 and 1992.
Agassi’s influence goes beyond his matches. Together with his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf, he has promoted the sport and left a lasting impact on tennis. His talent, style, and advocacy have solidified his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
10. John Newcombe
- Country: Australia
- Born: 23 May 1944 (age 80)
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Turned pro: 1967 (amateur from 1960)
- Retired: 1981
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$1,062,408
- Ranker.com Votes: 3,937
John Newcombe was a highly successful singles player, winning many major titles, including the US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon. One of his most memorable matches was in 1970 at Wimbledon, where he defeated Ken Rosewall.
Newcombe won a total of seven Grand Slam singles titles: the Australian Open in 1973, the US Open in 1967 and 1973, and Wimbledon in 1967, 1970, and 1971. He was also a runner-up at Wimbledon in 1969.
He is especially famous for his doubles success, winning a record 12 Grand Slam titles in that category, mostly partnering with fellow Australian Tony Roche.
9. Ken Rosewall
- Country: Australia
- Born: 2 November 1934 (age 89)
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Turned pro: 1956
- Retired: 1980
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$1,602,700
- Ranker.com Votes: 4,670
Ken Rosewall is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, known for his exceptional skills in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
He won eight Grand Slam singles titles, including the Australian Open (1953, 1955, 1971, 1972), the French Open (1953, 1968), and the US Open (1956, 1970).
Despite being only 5’7″ and weighing 145 pounds, Rosewall was incredibly quick and energetic on the court. His consistency allowed him to remain competitive, winning the Australian Open at the age of 38.
Remarkably, he captured three Grand Slam titles after turning 35, showcasing his longevity and skill in the sport.
8. Björn Borg
- Country: Sweden
- Born: 6 June 1956
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Turned pro: 1973
- Retired: 1984, 1993
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$3,655,751
- Ranker.com Votes: 4,714
Bjorn Borg is a legendary tennis player who dominated the sport in the late 1970s. He was Known for his epic rivalries with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. He won an impressive five consecutive Wimbledon titles.
One of his most iconic moments came in 1980 when he faced McEnroe in a memorable Wimbledon final, often considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
Borg became world number one at the US Open in 1981 and retired at just 26, with a total of 11 Grand Slam titles, all earned at Wimbledon or Roland-Garros.
Borg’s influence on tennis is immense. He was celebrated for his athleticism, calm demeanor, and stylish play, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
7. Stefan Edberg
- Country: Sweden
- Born: 19 January 1966 (age 58)
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Turned pro: 1983
- Retired: 1996
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$20,630,941
- Ranker.com Votes: 4,803
Stefan Edberg was a renowned tennis player. He achieved the rare distinction of being ranked number one in both singles and doubles simultaneously.
Edberg won six Grand Slam singles titles, including the Australian Open (1985, 1987), US Open (1991, 1992), and Wimbledon (1988, 1990), but he finished as a runner-up at the French Open.
One of his major rivalries was with Boris Becker, facing him three times in a row at Wimbledon from 1988 to 1990, winning two of those matches. He also excelled in doubles, winning titles alongside Anders Jarryd.
He was Known for his graceful playing style and sportsmanship and had exceptional footwork that enabled him to reach seemingly unreachable balls. After retiring in 1996, he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and commentator.
6. Rod Laver
- Country: Australia Australia
- Born: 9 August 1938 (age 86)
- Height: 173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
- Turned pro: 1963 (amateur tour from 1956)
- Retired: 1979
- Plays: Left-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$1,565,413
- Ranker.com Votes: 8,364
Rod Laver is the only player to have won all four Grand Slam singles titles in a calendar year twice, in 1962 and 1969.
With 11 Grand Slam titles and a seven-year run as the world’s top-ranked player from 1964 to 1970, Laver is considered one of the greatest tennis players ever.
His most notable achievement, winning the Grand Slam twice, remains unmatched. Had he not been barred from Grand Slam events during the mid-1960s, his record might have been even more impressive.
Laver’s incredible skill and success on the court have solidified his legacy, inspiring and influencing players today while ensuring his place in tennis history.
5. John McEnroe
- Country: United States
- Born: February 16, 1959 (age 65)
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Turned pro: 1978
- Retired: 1994
- Plays: Left-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$12,552,132
- Ranker.com Votes: 8,711
John McEnroe is a legendary tennis player known for his remarkable victories and fiery personality. His competitive nature and occasional unsportsmanlike behavior made him a polarizing figure, but his talent is undeniable.
McEnroe revolutionized tennis with his unique playing style, amassing over 150 singles and doubles titles, a record that still stands today.
His intense rivalries, especially with Jimmy Connors, and his unforgettable five-set loss to Bjorn Borg in the 1980 Wimbledon final have solidified his status as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Despite his controversial demeanor, McEnroe’s impact on the sport remains significant.
4. Novak Djokovic
- Country: Serbia
- Born: 22 May 1987
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Turned pro: 2003
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$184,480,269
- Ranker.com Votes: 9,025
Novak Djokovic made a major impact in tennis by defeating Roger Federer in the 2014 Wimbledon final, becoming the first player to beat Federer at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
He won the 2016 Roland-Garros, completing a career Grand Slam and joining an elite group of players.
Djokovic has a remarkable total of 24 Grand Slam titles. Despite a tough 2017 season and injury struggles in early 2018, he turned his career around by defeating Rafael Nadal in the 2018 Wimbledon semi-final and went on to win the tournament.
His continued success, including wins at the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open, solidified his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a formidable competitor on the court.
3. Pete Sampras
- Country: United States
- Born: August 12, 1971 (age 53)
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Turned pro: 1988
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$43,280,489
- Ranker.com Votes: 9,656
Pete Sampras is best known for his legendary victory at Wimbledon in 2000, one of the most memorable matches in the tournament’s history. Despite facing challenges on clay courts, his determination and hard work helped him become one of tennis’s greatest players.
With a record of 14 Grand Slam titles, Sampras showcased remarkable skill, particularly on hard and grass surfaces. His dominance in these areas solidified his status as a top player, even though clay was not his strong suit.
When he retired in 2002, Sampras was widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. His impressive achievements and exceptional abilities on other surfaces firmly establish his legacy among the sport’s all-time greats.
2. Rafael Nadal
- Country: Spain
- Born: 3 June 1986 (age 38)
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Turned pro: 2001
- Retired: 2024
- Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Prize money: US$134,946,100
- Ranker.com Votes: 9,670
Rafael Nadal is widely regarded as the greatest clay court player in tennis history, winning an incredible 14 titles at Roland-Garros.
He is known for his aggressive playing style. He has faced injuries but still achieved 22 Grand Slam titles, 2nd more than any other male player at that time.
His remarkable skill was evident during the 2022 Roland-Garros, and his thrilling five-set victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2008 remains memorable.
With wins at Roland-Garros in 2022, Nadal has solidified his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, inspiring many aspiring athletes.
1. Roger Federer
- Country: Switzerland
- Born: 8 August 1981
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Turned pro: 1998
- Retired: 2022
- Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
- Prize Money: US$130,594,339
- Ranker.com Votes: 12,401
Roger Federer is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players ever, holding the title of world’s best player for many years. He made headlines at just 19 by defeating Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001.
Federer has an impressive record of 20 Grand Slam titles and a remarkable 310 weeks as world No. 1, including a streak of 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008—an unbroken record.
Even with the rise of new players, Federer maintained high performance, winning the 2018 Australian Open at age 36 after a successful 2017 season. His career has also made him one of the richest athletes globally.
On September 24, 2022, Federer played his final match at the age of 41, teaming up with his rival Rafael Nadal in doubles at the Laver Cup. He concluded a remarkable 25-year career, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of tennis.