The Top Ten Tennis Players of All Time
November 20th, 2006 by Michael Stephens
A correspondent from the Sports Truth recently caught up with Boris Becker in Dallas, Tx., where the three-time Wimbledon winner was visiting on business. Becker gratefully endured an impromptu discussion (and photo session) with our staffer, who proclaimed the big-serving German one of tennis’ all-time greats.
Although he enjoyed a good-natured laugh when our reporter expressed his happiness that Ivan Lendl never won Wimbledon, Becker wouldn’t say if he considered himself among the 10 greatest players in history. But this brush with greatness got the Sports Truth editorial board thinking. Who are the top 10 players of all time? Where would Becker and Lendl rank among them? We set out to answer that.
This experiment proved extraordinarily difficult and more than a little subjective, but here’s the list we came up with. The Sports Truth’s Top 10 Tennis Players of All Time:
10 (tie). John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Mats Wilander, Stefan Edberg. Okay, we realize it’s a cop out to have a four-way tie at #10. But these standouts deserve recognition, albeit a step below the nine we’ve ranked higher. Had they played in different decades, and not taken several titles away from each other, all may have compiled even more exceptional records.
Their record in Grand Slam finals is eerily similar: Becker 6-4; Edberg 6-5; McEnroe 7-4; Wilander 7-4. Of the four, only Wilander won the French Open and failed to win Wimbledon. Few enjoyed the All-England Club stage more than Becker, a seven-time finalist and three-time winner. McEnroe’s heroics (and bad-boy antics) in winning four U.S. Opens from 1979-1984 made him a legend at America’s Grand Slam event. Edberg coolly revolutionized the serve-and-volley style.
9. Jimmy Connors. The outrageous lefty edges out the fearsome foursome above by virtue of winning eight slams, but also due to his longevity. He won his last major in ‘83, but a bunch of Connors’ epic performances came many years later. His back-to-back U.S. Open quarterfinal duels with Andre Agassi in the U.S. Open quarterfinals (’88-’89) marked a true changing of the guard, while his unseeded run to the semis (’91) at age 39 was one of the most amazing stories in U.S. Open history. Connors also played for so long that he won the Open on three surfances: clay, grass and hard courts.
8. Bill Tilden. It’s hard to compare a man who’s been dead 53 years to the players of today, but we’ll award Tilden the #8 spot as a tribute to my grandfather, an avid tennis player who - all the way until his death in 1997 at age 89 - insisted Bill was the greatest ever. The 10 majors he won from 1920-1930 certainly support that claim.
Tilden is quite possibly the most paradoxical figure in sports history: A flamboyantly gay man who almost single-handedly changed the image of tennis from that of an elitist, country club activity to a major sport played by world-class athletes, and a fierce competitor whose regimen consisted of smoking heavily and three enormous meals of steak and potatoes daily.
7. Andre Agassi. The greatest statesman, not to mention returner of serve, that tennis has ever known. After bursting on the scene as a teenager with more style than substance, Agassi went on to become one of only five men’s singles players in history to win all four majors. All told, he won eight Grand Slam titles, finished second in seven others, and had countless near misses. Wilander, a Hall of Fame player himself, has said that no one has done more for tennis than Andre. His influence extends beyond the court as well, with countless millions donated to charitable endeavors.
6. Bjorn Borg. Having amassed 11 majors, the Swedish master of clay and grass could easily earn a place in the top three. Had he won just one time in Australia or New York, or not burned out at age 26, we would probably have him there as well. Still, with his blend of power and spin from the baseline, the “Ice Borg” is often credited with developing the style of play that has come to dominate tennis today.
5. Ivan Lendl. The most underrated player of the Open Era, Lendl competed in a record 19 Grand Slam singles finals, winning eight. He held the world #1 ranking for an incredible 270 consecutive weeks at a time when half a dozen chief rivals were Hall of Fame caliber. He played in eight straight U.S. Open finals (1982-1989) and twice lost in finals at Wimbledon, the only major he failed to win.
Lendl wasn’t the most talented player of his time, but he was the best. His success can be attributed to a relentless work ethic, a scientific approach to preparing for and playing the game, and unwavering desire to win every time out. With this professional attitude common in 21st Century stars, Lendl was ahead of his time. A power player in a finesse game, he outworked and overwhelemed adversaries on the way to 94 career wins.
4. Roy Emerson. The six-foot serve-and-volley specialist not only won 12 Grand Slam titles - a record that stood for 33 years until Pete Sampras surpassed him in 2000 - he added 16 more in doubles. He’s the only player to win the career Slam in both categories. Emerson and his counterpart, ranked just above him on our list, dominated the sport in the 1960s and spawned multiple generations of Australian standouts.
3. Rod Laver. Ranking Laver ahead of Emerson is questionable. Both were so talented and successful that distinguishing their greatness is impossible. Emerson won 12 majors, Laver 11. Both won all four majors at least once and enjoyed tremendous Davis Cup success. But one achievement gives Rod the nod in my mind: The true Grand Slam. He won it. Twice. Seven years apart. In 1962 and 1969, Laver swept the majors. Incredible. Despite a modest build and stature, the Aussie boasted the most technically flawless, complete game of his generation - reminiscent of Roger Federer today.
2. Pete Sampras. The seventh-ranked player on our list, Andre Agassi, has said that even if he played perfectly, he had no shot against Pete Sampras if he also played to his potential. That level of talent is simply a cut above, and Sampras backed it up with a 15-year career full of incredible performances. With a record 14 majors and seven Wimbledon crowns, he is undeniably the greatest American player of all time.
What was truly amazing about Sampras was his ability to find another gear, even in the face of extreme pressure and fatigue. As the best player over the course of a decade, competitors always raised their games against him, yet he found a way to muster a big return on break point, an outstretched volley to save a point, or one more booming serve down the middle. A true legend and a marvel to have followed over his entire career.
1. Roger Federer. Five winning streaks of 20 or more. A 242-15 record from 2004 on. Six consecutive Grand Slam finals. The Swiss stalwart may not yet have the resume to claim the title of best player in history, but with nine majors under his belt and the #1 ranking for 146 weeks (and counting), he looks likely to attain it. And he is only 25 years old.
Roger Federer’s serve is powerful and difficult to read. He hits all fundamental shots extremely well, and is an adept volleyer and an excellent baseliner who can dictate play with either style. His footwork, balance, and court coverage are exceptional, and he can alter his game better than anyone in the last 30 years. Not unlike his friend Tiger Woods, the man’s game has no weakness, and mentally, he has the makeup of a champion.
If he wants it badly enough, he will surpass Sampras’ record. The only question is by how much.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:56 am
In terms of pure talent, here’s my top ten of lesser known players from about 1985 until now :
The top 9 (no particular order):
Feliciano Lopez
Henri Lecomte
Goran Ivanisevic
Ivan Lujbicic
Fabrice Santoro
Peter Korda
Cedric Pioline
Marat Safin
Olivier Rocchus
and the #1… Marcello Rios
June 3rd, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Was just surfing the web and noticed this article. What a crock to have Roy Emerson on here. Obviously someone doesn’t know much about there tennis and the “open” era. Roy played against no one of any significance when he was winning his slams and if you recall was a complete flop at the professional level. Pancho Gonzalez drilled Roy when they played and was clearly the most dominant tennis player ever but didn’t even make your top 10. Pretty surprising. If he had not turned pro early he would have won close to 20 slams experts predict and Roy would have been left with virtually nothing. At least you had Rod #3 but his record is also dubious. His first slam was again not against the best players and Lew Hoad for heavens sakes won 39 straight sets from the guy. And why is Andre in your top 10? Never #1 and most of his slams were at the weak Australian.
June 13th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I agree with Rich (above comment) Roy Emerson?? come on, even Bill Tilden?? you can’t even compare him from that era, the game was totally different back then with those ’sticks’ they called raquets, they didn’t even have to go 6 or 7 matches to win a tournament like today. Totally different era, totally different players. Just imagine Emerson or Tilden playing Becker, Johnny Mac or Edberg today, they should easily be above them in the top 10. Thanks.
June 13th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Oh ya, forgot to mention, got to give Jim Courier and Michael Chang a mention for amazing talent as well.
July 8th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I have to disagree with Rich in regards to Andre Agassi. You can’t fault Agassi for never reaching #1 because he had to play during the most dominant years of Pete Sampras. As for the Australian Open being “weak” I think that is a rather dated notion. The Australian Open was very weak in the 1980s when it was held in December and many great players decided to skip it. By the time Agassi won his titles in Australia (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003) the tournament was again worthy of being called a Grand Slam because all of the best players in the world showed up for it. Also, do not underestimate just how incredible winning the career Grand Slam really is. Agassi was an amazing player and deserves to be in the top ten.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:37 am
Don’t pay attention to me though, cause I’m an idiotic poofter.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Yeah, you heard me. Laugh all you want, imbeciles.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Sampras is clearly the greatest player of the modern era, and probably any era, though Pancho Gonzalez and Roger Federer would likely give him a very strong run for his money. It is virtually a fact that nobody ever played better under pressure than did Pete. How many times do you remember him making an incredible SECOND serve down break point or double break point in a crucial moment of a big match? That is where you see the real pressure come: down break point second serve coming. There has never been (and probably never will be) another player that could so consistently rise to the occasion at such moments. I strongly believe that if Sampras and Federer were to play each other in their primes on either a grass or hard court Sampras would find a way to win. He just would.
Also, I disagree with McEnroe being ranked so low. He should be above Becker, Edberg, Connors, Lendl, Wilander, and probably Agassi as well. I think he would beat all of those guys if they were to play him at their peak and he at his.
July 11th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
thankyou for remembering “big bill”. bill tilden
July 11th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
i dissagree with placing edberg in the company of willander, becker and mcenroe. he was a step below them, and probably should be palced at number 11 or 12. other than that, your list is exactly how i would make it.
July 15th, 2007 at 5:12 am
THUUUUUUUUUUUUU
July 15th, 2007 at 5:16 am
YOU RASCAL
July 27th, 2007 at 7:56 am
“And why is Andre in your top 10? Never #1 and most of his slams were at the weak Australian.”
Andre Agassi was world #1 on two seperate occasions; April ‘95 - November ‘96 and he also finished ‘99 as world number one after winning the end of season finale.
Personally, I’d have Sampras at number one for his record of Major victories and Agassi at number two as being the only man to have won all of the Majors on different surfaces. While I think Federer will surpass them both, that’s speculative and not a “here and now” assessment.
I would also see Connors, McEnroe and Becker in the top ten but I’m not sure exactly where they’d fit. Bjorn Borg, incidentally, would be just above all of them.
Funnily enough, you couldn’t leave out an Australian but mine wouldn’t be either of those mentioned here - mine would be Lleyton Hewitt. Not only has he won Majors on seperate surfaces, he’s held the #1 spot and exudes the type of warrior spirit that has been missing since Connors himself.
I think that’s me up to about eight, but I couldn’t decide between all the others that have already been mentioned as they’re all good choices. To summarise, then:
1) Pete Sampras.
Lleyton Hewitt.
2) Andre Agassi.
3) Roger Federer.
4) Bjorn Borg.
5) Jimmy Connors.
6) Boris Becker.
7) John McEnroe.
9) [All those previously mentioned]
And as for number ten, there can be no question…
Tim Henman(!)
July 29th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
My list
1]Roger Federer
2]Rod Laver
3]Jimmy Connors
4]John McEnroe
5]Andre Agassi
6]Bjorn Borg
7]Patrick Rafter
8]Pete Sampras
9]Ivan Lendl
10]Roy Emerson
July 31st, 2007 at 7:49 am
Sixth Circle, you put Agassi before Federer, that’s simply absurd. Agassi himself said that Federer is the greatest player he ever faced. I think Federer beat Agassi 8 times in a row…
Also, Steve said that Sampras is the best under pressure with his second serve, etc. First of all, saving break points because of your nerves or second serve isn’t the most important thing in tennis. Anyway, I disagree that Sampras was significantly better than Federer under pressure… did you watch the Wimbledon final this year? Fifth set, remember? Also, how about Federer having a much more complete game, especially his backhand. How about winning 5 Wimbledons in a row? How about the longest winning streak on grass (and hard courts I think)? How about his reputation of being the best striker of the ball in tennis history? That’s what I thought when I saw him at Wimbledon in 2003, and it’s also John McEnroe’s opinion. How about Federer’s incredible winning percentage in the last 4 years (near 95%), which is way better than Sampras at any time during his career? (and it would be even higher if it wasn’t for Nadal, clearly the greatest clay court player ever, and who’s lucky enough to be a lefty so he can naturally hit crosscourt and pound his forehand with tons of spin on Federer’s backhand).
August 15th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
There is much speculation who is the greater player, Sampras or Federer. The only time the two met was at Wimbledon. Roger Federer beat Sampras on that occasion in 5 sets at age 19. He ended Sampras’s 4 year Wimbledon winning streak. Who would have thought later that Federer himself would go on to win 5 in a row and counting. Federer is the more complete player of the two. One example is that Federer is a great clay court player. Only Nadal has stopped Federer from winning the French open on 3 seperate occasions. Once in the semi-finals and twice in the finals. Sampras in his entire career never once made it to the French open final. Federer is a great player on any surface.
Bjorn Borg should be the only other player in this conversation. Borg won 11 grand slam titles by the age of 26. 6 French opens and 5 Wimbledon titles. He clearly was a champion on both slow clay courts and lightning fast grass courts at the same time. No other player since Borg has won the French open and Wimbledon combo in the same year. Borg did it 3 consecutive years. Remarkable! Many people forget how great a player he was. He also made it to 4 U.S. open finals. He never entered the Austrailian open. Had Borg played longer or even made an effort at the Austrailian open he would have surpassed Sampras’s 14 grand slam titles easily.
My top 10 are :
1) Federer
Agassi
2) Borg
3) Sampras
4) Laver
5) Lendl
6) McEnroe
7) Connors
9) Edberg
10)Becker
August 19th, 2007 at 12:16 am
The question today has been who is the best player of all time.Your list is based on the recent performance of Federer and Sampras.The top ten list does not include Pancho Gonzales who was the number one player for over eight years.The old man has wins over Connors and Borg when he was over 40.Why the the lack of respect. I understand Gonzales did not win the grand slams because he turned pro before the open era of tennis.Also Gonzales was not well liked by fans,peers,press and promoters.Call me the next time a 40plus player beats the world number 1.
August 19th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I totally agree that Federer is the most talented and versatile Tennis player. See the alround performance, court coverage, Intelligent ball placing, Borg-like-Ice-cool temparament… He can speak so many languages effortlessly.. Doing Charities.. No controversies..No Player is accusing him anything..Can make humour.. Candid interviews.. Even he is dominant and winning so much.. still people expect him to demolish egoistic players like Nadal.. His near competitor is Agassi.. He was real entertainer.. He had all shots in the book..Sampras was really a good player..His only strength was Serve & Volley .. Having a wooden face always… People like players like Steffi,Federer,Agassi,Hingis.. who has charming but intelligent play.. always put opponents in wrong directions…
August 21st, 2007 at 2:03 am
None of these lists above has any rational basis. What’s your criteria? None are mentioned. I’ve done this properly (I think), run my criteria past an alltime great tennis writer and came up with a list of the GREATEST OF ALL TIME based strictly upon season by season excellence. Only players who finished #1 for a whole season (or disputed #1) get considered which, interestingly, immediately excludes Roy Emerson. Wake up folks, Roy was NEVER world #1. He was the amateur champ when ROSEWALL, GONZALES and HOAD ruled the pro ranks. After tennis went Open in’68, Roy even offered to retire from playing to help coach
the injured Hoad back to the top of his game. This list includes TILDEN, GONZALES, ROSEWALL and LAVER. I won’t say who comes out on top. Don’t waste my time adding open slams with amateur slams - abject rubbish - or comparing tourament titles that handicap the great pro players who were banned from contesting them pre 1968. As to the guy poking fun at considering an old guy like Tilden, Tilden was rated by some of his peers as still the best player in the world for one set when he was past 50! Genius knows no one era.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:17 am
What the heck. The GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME, based on time at season ending #1 also happens to be the ONLY player I can think of who was ranked #1 in the world as a junior, as an amateur, as a professional, as an open player and as a veteran at various age groups. The Doomsday Stroking Machine, with the greatest backhand ever seen. KEN ROSEWALL. For those of you who add up Majors, if you’re going to include second tier amateur Majors pre 1968, maybe - just out of fairness - you might include the first tier pro Majors (noting that there were only three - the French, British (Wembley) and US Pro. And in the politicised early 1970s, the WCT Final in Dallas was more a Major than the Majors. ROSEWALL won AUSTRALIA 4 times - twice as an amateur and twice in open comp. ROSEWALL won the FRANCE 10 times (oh yes he did!) - once as an amateur, 8 times as a pro and once in open comp. ROSEWALL won the British pro title at Wembley a record 5 times (Laver won it 4 times)when he was banned from Wimbledon. And ROSEWALL won the US title 4 times - once as an amateur, twice as a pro and once in open comp (and didn’t bother to defend his title the next year!). Oh, and he won the first two WCT Finals in Dallas, defeating Laver both times, including the 1972 match then described as the greatest match ever seen. 23 Majors and 2 more virtual Majors. Only Laver comes close, with 19. There’s another world of data out there, if you care to look.
August 25th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
for all of those who said Agassi never reached No 1. you are wrong he was ranked 1 in the world in 1995.
My top 10 list from the open era.
1. Roger Federer
2. Bjorn Borg
3. Rod Laver
4. Pete Sampras
5. Ken Rosewall
6. Andre Agassi
7. Jimmy Connors
8. Michael Chang
9. John McEnroe
10. Novak Djokovic
August 26th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
There can be as many top 10 lists as there are people. But not many of them can put forth half an objective analysis as you did here. To most, they start with their favorite player as #1. Only a true tennis fan, who has all these players as his favorites, can truly rank them.
To that end, you have done a great job. I do think McEnroe deserves to be a bit higher because of his 77 singles, 77 doubles, and his stellar Davis Cup record.
Many players have both beaten and lost to Pete and Roger. Agassi, Henman, Moya, Safin, Hewitt, Roddick, etc.
Agassi’s comments about Pete above are interesting. The same Agassi after playing Federer several times in big matches said something like - With Pete there is a place you can go to, but no where to go against Roger. That’s very telling.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:46 am
While all these arguments are noteworthy, you all are missing so important facts. All categories need to be addressed when looking at the greatest of all time. Rankings, era played, strengths and weaknesses of game, standout shots, titles won, grand slams won, masters series titles won, and a few more. While Agassi only holds the record for master’s series titles won, you can’t fault him throughout his career for having other focuses. You can praise Sampras for focusing solely on tennis and thereby dominating for six consecutive years. But Agassi shouldn’t be penalized for his other endeavours. Who knows how many more tournaments and grand slams he would have won, had he stayed focused and played his best his whole career. Also, how many less would Sampras have because of that. Also, how would this have affected the rankings for Sampras and others. Plus, many people don’t realize this, but Agassi boycotted Wimbledon for a few years at the beginning of his career, because they wouldn’t allow him to wear colors. He also didn’t play at the Australian Open until 1995 (which he won), and he turned pro in 1986. That’s 9 years of not playing in what was his best grand slam. There is so much debate. I will not rank them right now, but my top ten would include these players;
Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Laver, Emerson, Borg, Lendl, Becker, Connors, McENROE, and others could be listed, as ties, with some of these players.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:47 am
While all these arguments are noteworthy, you all are missing so important facts. All categories need to be addressed when looking at the greatest of all time. Rankings, era played, strengths and weaknesses of game, standout shots, titles won, grand slams won, masters series titles won, and a few more. While Agassi only holds the record for master’s series titles won, you can’t fault him throughout his career for having other focuses. You can praise Sampras for focusing solely on tennis and thereby dominating for six consecutive years. But Agassi shouldn’t be penalized for his other endeavours. Who knows how many more tournaments and grand slams he would have won, had he stayed focused and played his best his whole career. Also, how many less would Sampras have because of that. Also, how would this have affected the rankings for Sampras and others. Plus, many people don’t realize this, but Agassi boycotted Wimbledon for a few years at the beginning of his career, because they wouldn’t allow him to wear colors. He also didn’t play at the Australian Open until 1995 (which he won), and he turned pro in 1986. That’s 9 years of not playing in what was his best grand slam. There is so much debate. I will not rank them right now, but my top ten would include these players;
Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Laver, Emerson, Borg, Lendl, Becker, Connors, McENROE, and others could be listed, as ties, with some of these players.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:48 am
George(August 25th)….how can u put Novak Djokovic in ur top ten and not Nadal? neither of them are far enough into there carreer to make the top 10 yet but Nadal is a better player than Djovokic
September 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Steve, referrring to an earlier comment of yours: Sampras and Federer did indeed play against eachother in the first Wimbledon final that Federer won. I believe it was in 2003. So, at least in my belief, if Federer can continue playing and surpassing Sampras’ records he is in fact the greatest (or at least better) player.
Furthermore I feel many of the upper rankings are tainted with national or personal preferences. Agassi as number 2? You cannot honestly be serious. Now Borg, HE is worth giving a number 1,2 or 3. The top 3 players, in my opinion, are Borg, Sampras and (if he keeps it up) Federer. Which one is at the top? I don’t believe you can evaluate that fairly.
September 7th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Top Ten:
1)Federer
2)Sampras
3)Borg
4)Laver
5)Lendl
6)Emerson
7)Connors
8)McEnroe
9)Becker / Agassi
Edberg would slot in at 11.
Regarding the Agassi question, he is my favorite player. He certainly added much to the game via his persona, but tennis-wise he simply does not have the record or skill to justify putting him any higher. On a side note, he would definitely lead my list for best service return or best footwork.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
This is NOT written by me, TennisMasta.
Whoever is posting, please be careful to insert your own Name and Mail address. Thanks.
24. TennisMasta Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 10:46 am
September 22nd, 2007 at 3:00 pm
1. Roger Federer
2. Pancho Gonzalez
3. Pete Sampras
4. Rod Laver
5. Bjorn Borg
6. Ken Rosewall
7. Ivan Lendl
8. Don Budge
9. Jimmy Connors
10. Lew Hoad
Notable Mentions: Outside Top 10:
(These would be next few)
Bill Tilden, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I think that putting Federer at 1 is a mistake because he is playing in the easiest generation of tennis ever. Agassi did get beat by him but was close every time. But Andre was ten years older and almost beat him and before 2004 did beat him. I think that Pete should be number 1 followed by Agassi,McEnroe and Laver. I don’t even have Federer in my top ten even if he wins 20 slams. If Federer was in any other decade he would be lucky to have half of the slams he has. Sampras almost beat Federer in 2001 even though he was almost ten years older. I would say Marat Safin is actually the best active player even though he’s crazy.
October 8th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
1) MARCELO RIOS.
John McEnroe.
2) Pete Sampras.
3) Andre Agassi.
4) Roger Federer.
5) Bjorn Borg.
6) Jimmy Connors.
7) Boris Becker.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Borg rocks!!
1. Bjorn Borg
2. Edberg
3. Bjorkman
4. sampras
5. faderer
6. Agassi
7. Ivan Lendl
8. Boris Becker
9. John McEnroe
10.Rafter
October 30th, 2007 at 2:03 am
i kind of agree with the top list, but heres mine.
1. Roger Federer
2. Pete sampras
3. ivan lendl
4. Bjorn borg
5. jimmy connors
6. andre agassi
7. John Mcenroe
8. rafael Nadal
9. Bill tilden
10. Roy emerson
November 11th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I don’t like comparing era’s ever because if the old timers had update equipment and training they would of been better themselves. How would some of these players today do with those wooden little rackets.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Louis Martin, you brought interesting topics, but I think it’s a little too much to consider Nadal the best player ever in clay court. Only in a few years ago I can consider Gustavo Kuerten to be at least as dominant as Nadal is, and in a tougher era. Also, you think Nadal is already better than Borg, who won Roland Garros six times?
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:57 pm
What’s with the notion that Roger Federer is a complete player? They say he can serve/volley, yet he rarely does - just because you can, doesn’t mean you do. Besides Rafael Nadal, who isn’t on the same level as Agassi, which current players can give Federer a run for his money?
Modern day tennis has been on a decline for awhile. Racquet technology ruined a great sport. Alot of former pros/commentators would probably tell you the same thing.
In an era where there is little competition, Roger Federer, though great, is largely overrated.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
What the hell are you guys talking about. Andre has reached number 1 more than once. And for a good amont of time.
January 13th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I think the real ranking should be the following if we consider the all time greats from 1970 afterwards:
1. Pete Sampras
2. Roger Federer
3. Bjorn Borg
4. Ivan Lendl
5. Jimmy Connors
6. Andre Agassi
7. John Mcenroe
8. Mats Wilander
9. Stefan Edberg
10. Boris Becker
11. Jim Courier
12. Guillermo Vilas
13. Rafael Nadal
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
1. Roger Federer(For the sheer talent)
2. Rod Laver(The real grandslam man)
3. Bjorn Borg(He achieved everything before he quit
at 26)
4. Pete Sampras(No less than the top three)
5. Pancho Gonzalez(Probably the best serve n vollyer ever)
6. Ivan Lendl(Grasses are left for the best 5)
7. John McEnroe(For his record against the fellow greats he shared the rectangle with)
8. Jimmy Connors(Oh’ man he is as crazy as a tennis player can get)
9. Roy Emerson(Probably the record brings him here)
10.Boris Becker/Andre Agassi
(Both are die-hard fighters,nearly best on their own games)
March 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
1. Pete Sampras
2. Roger Federer
3. Bjorn Borg
4. Andre Agassi
5. Rod Laver
This is my opinion of the 5 greatest male tennis players of all time as of March 4, 2008…If Roger Federer wins the French Open or passes the all time grandslam mark than you have no choice but to put him at #1….Then my top five will be:
1. Roger Federer
2. Pete Sampras
3. Bjorn Borg
4. Andre Agassi
5. Rod Laver
March 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
1.rod laver
2.pete Sampras
3.Roger feder
4.john Mceroe Don’T Foret he retired Borg amd davis cup matches and doubles
5.Bjorn Borg
6.Roy emerson
7.Jimmy Conners
8.Ivan lendal
9.Boris becker- Edberg
10.Arther Ashe
March 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
1.Rod Laver
2.Jimmy Connors -won the US open on clay, grass & hardcourt (5 US open titles)
3.Pete Sampras
4.John Mcenroe
5.Bjorn Borg
6.Roger Federer
7.Roy Emerson
8.Stefan Edberg
9.Boris Becker-Agassi
10.Jim Courier/Thomas Muster-greatest clay court player/Ivan Lendl
April 16th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
In my opinion the two most naturally talented players of all time were John McEnroe and Boris Becker. They had the flaw that so many great geniouses have: They lacked the discipline and consistency that made Sampras, Federer, Lendl etc. because more successfull.But I am conviced and haev seen it many times a Boris Becker and a John McEnroe at their best by any other player at his best.
May 19th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Agree Boris Becker was without a doubt the most naturally gifted player’s of all time. Was also the most unluckiest not to improve on his grand slam winning performance on grass if it wasn’t for Pete. Otherwise, he would of surpassed Borg’s tally.
1.Pete Sampras
2.Roger Federer
3.Bjorn Borg
4.John Mcenroe
5.Boris Becker
6.Ivan Lendl
7.Jimmy Connors
8.Stefan Edberg
9..Andre Agassi
10.Rod Laver
—————
Rafael Nadal (will break into top 10 in a few years)
May 19th, 2008 at 8:27 am
sorry that was me!
May 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
A lot of people think that Rodger Federer is good. And he is but not even close to Andy Roddick or Pete Sampras
June 13th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
There seems to be some agreement here that Stefan Edberg belongs in the top 10. I don’t see it at all. Grand Slam titles alone can be misleading. Never a dominant player and four of his six Slams were on grass. A great player to be sure and his win over Sampras at the US Open in 1992 was enormous. Just not a legend. What is the case for ranking him above Agassi, who won more times on more surfaces?
June 27th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Altough you may think it is not me, I am Roger Federer and believe that the following players are (Excluding myself):
1. Sampras
2. Laver
3. Borg
4. Lendl
5. Connors
6. Agassi
7. Mcenroe
8. Becker
9. Edberg
10.Wilander
11. Courier
12. Radal
13. Vilas
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Best all time player is Sampras - no doubt.
I have had the joy of watching him throughout his career and considering the competition that was around at the time compared to now, he is in my mind the best.
Regardless of whether or not Federer breaks his record of GS wins, Sampras at his best was unplayable. Even Federer would have little chance.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Post no. 44 proves my point.
Sampras’s era had many great players that were capable of winning. Namely players like Becker, Agassi, Courier to name a few and many big hitters also.
This modern game posseses few players of exceptional talent and the disparity between the top two (Federer and Nadal) and the rest is too large. In short, I believe there has been a distinct lack of talent since early 2000’s lending towards Federer’s records.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Again, person at post 36 has summarised what I have been trying to say in that in the modern era where as he says, racket and ball technology have ruined the sport and slowed down tennis.
Federer is the only real talent (Nadal is not much more than a clay court specialist) against a cureent top 20 of distinctly average players compared to the golden era (90’s)
July 6th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
If Roger keeps on doing what he is in 2008, he’s sure gonna be out, but anyway HE ROCKS.Quoting Nadal “He’s the world no 1 and probably the toughest i’ve faced.”
Sampras was superb so #1. I’m speechless about sampras and Borg, quoting McCnroe ‘My blood boils when I play Bjorn”
TOP 5
1. Sampras
2. Federer
3. Borg
4. Lendl
5. McCenroe
July 12th, 2008 at 6:46 am
None of you seem to rate Rafael Nadal very highly. Now, post-Wimbledon 2008, would anyone like to take a crack at motivating this? What parts of the game are Nadal missing, do you think, that keeps him out of the top-10 list?
August 4th, 2008 at 10:01 am
RODGER FEDERER WILL ROAR AGAIN PATRIK.QUATING
NADAL,”NO MATTER,IF HE WINS 14 OR 13 OR EVEN 12,HE IS THE GREATEST EVER!”
August 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Federer is the undisputed king of tennis in the 21st century. and if anyone thought he’s got no challenge youre wrong at all. He’s got young talents like nadal, ferrer, djokovic, roddick and many. even though his performance has been bad he rocks!
my top ten are
1. sampras
2. federer
3. borg
4. lendl
5. connors
6. becker
7. laver
8. nadal
9. agassi
10.djokovic
August 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am
i completely disagree with people who think nadal is bad. not at all. he’s very good. hes got talent, style, thought, technique, everything. roger is excellent and nadal is too. now dont think roger is bad cause he isnt. though his performance in 208 was not upto the mark.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:52 am
1. NADAL 2. NADAL 3 NADAL 4 NADAL 5. NADAL 6 NADAL 7 NADAL 8 NADAL 9 NADAL 10 NADAL IYe is oozing with SEX
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:41 am
roger federer the best ever tennis player in the history of tennis.he will remain the best now and for ever.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:15 am
I can only judge from about 1985 onwards and my favourite players are Edberg & Federer. Sampras was amazing but it was during the dominant period of the boring power serve and volleyers like him, Stich, Ivanisevic, Phillopousis etc. Agassi was always appreciated during these times as he had a more all round game. Its always better when there are players around who can compete on all surfaces unlike Sampras’ era when it was either one or the other. Federer’s disadvantage is that he is perhaps too dominant which is why people say he is overrated because of a lack of good competition. For this reason it is good that players such as Nadal and Djokovic are coming to the fore. But let’s not forget very good players such as Roddick and Hewitt whose careers have been totally frustrated by Federer. Indeed, it was Roddick who was tipped to become Sampras’ successor and Federer just blew him away. My subjective top five since 1985 is:
1. Federer
2. Sampras
3. Agassi
4. Edberg
5. Lendl
September 18th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I don’t think that federer will dominate tennis now as he did in the past few years, with the rise of nadal, djokovic and even murray. But I still think he will win a minimum of one slam a year, which will take him past sampras’ record of 14 slams. That will surely seal the argument of who is the greatest in a few years time - Federer!