Top 10 Male Tennis Players of All Time

For the better part of the last century, this has been an unending debate. From the open era, to the ‘big four’ and everything in between, many talents have stepped forward to lay claim to the title ‘greatest’. 

How does one even begin to decide who is the ‘greatest’? Do you position the open era against everything before? How much weight do Grand Slams have? This is our take on the top 10 male players to step onto a tennis court. 

10. Andy Murray

Andy Murray of Great Britain//Getty Images

This is a pick which will likely split opinion…Andy is without a doubt the most influential player in British Tennis history, but does he belong in the top 10? We certainly believe so.

Andy Murray was part of the ‘big four’ which dominated for a little over a decade. He went hammer and tong at legends on the court, and slowly etched his own name in history. He was the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936, the first to win Olympic titles back-to-back, and at the risk of being too biased, We think his career wasn’t really a true reflection of his ability. 

He deserves this tenth spot.

9. Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi//Getty Images

This is a player who needs no introduction, and no top ten list is complete without his name on it. Agassi arrived on the tennis scene in the 80s, complete with a rock ‘n roll look and feel. He is another who divided opinion, but his talent could never be questioned. 

His game was near complete, but it was his ability to return serve that was truly his point of difference and what kept him in some of histories fiercest battles. 

8. John McEnroe

John McEnroe//Getty Images

Has there been a better tennis player on hard courts and fast surfaces? The American is known for his creative shot-making, a fiery attitude and every now and again Tennis’ ‘Bad Boy’. 

You either loved and adored him, or absolutely hated him. What cannot be denied though is that he was a competitive athlete, unapologetic about wanting to always win and whilst his emotions were likely his Achilles heel, he was a true tennis talent. 

7. Ivan Lendl

Ivan Lendl//Getty Images

The Czech with the big serve – Ivan was a dominant force in the 80s, and really reimagined what fitness and conditioning was for an athlete. Ivan Lendl held the top male spot in tennis for 270 weeks (a record at the time) and unlike many other players of that time, preferred to let his game do all of the talking. 

Ivan was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001.

6. Bjorn Borg

Bjorn Borg//Getty Images

The name which was first synonymous with Wimbledon, Borg was the first to win the title five consecutive times between 1976 and 1980. The Swede Killer crushed opponents with his ground game and absolute composure.

Retiring at the tender age of just 26, Bjorn Borg still managed to lift 11 Grand Slam titles and was the first to break the proverbial ‘gate’ to winning ten slams for an individual. There is no doubt that he solidified his place in history. 

5. Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras//Getty Images

In our opinion, Sampras is worthy of holding this mid-table placing. He is a household name, and a dominant presence in the open era, however some might point to the fact that he never earned a spot in a French Open – let alone make a final. 

Nevertheless, holding first place for six consecutive years and winning 14 Grand Slam titles speak for themselves. 

4. Rod Laver

Rod Laver//Getty Images

Yes, he is the only addition to the list from before the Open Era, but there is nobody more deserving. Laver was already 30 years old when professionals were allowed to play in major tournaments. Now, when you consider that he lifted 74 tour titles in his illustrious career, he truly is Australia’s crown jewel.  

3. Roger Federer 

Roger Federer//Getty Images

We suspect this won’t go down well with everyone, but in the world of tennis where the very word tennis is interchangeable with Federer – we think he is a worthy number three. The 20-time Grand Slam Champion absolutely obliterated all that came before him in the 2000’s, his most notable feat is arguably the five consecutive Wimbledon titles – but if you ask him we’re sure he will say something different. 

His calm demeanour – at least in the later stages of his career – his competitive spirit whilst ensuring his sportsmanship is never undermined and his likeability is what endears him to adoring fans around the world. 

2. Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal//Getty Images

In the world of sport, it's hard to imagine we'll ever see anyone be as good at anything as Nadal was at playing tennis on the clay! He holds 14 titles at the French Open, but more so it is the record of 112 wins and just three losses! It’s just simply ridiculous. 

Nadal’s consistency away from the red stuff is also worth noting though. He has won each slam at least twice, boasts 22 Grand slams and is rightly positioned in this number two spot.