Top 10 tennis players of all time

EXCLUSIVE

The sportstruth magazine has rated the top 10 tennis players of all time their results are as follows,

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: 11 Grand Slam Titles6. 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.