✕
When you think about tennis certain player names will come to your mind right away. You might even have a favorite player who you believe is the greatest of all time. This ranking presents the best tennis players of all time in a new light. Stunning pictures from IMAGO’s archive show unforgettable moments that have defined tennis and captivated fans around the world.
The top 10:
10. Jimmy Connors
Jimmy Connors, the left-handed powerhouse from Belleville, Illinois, is a tennis legend whose fiery spirit redefined the sport. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Connors claimed an unmatched 109 titles, setting a benchmark in tennis history. Known for his aggressive play and unmatched resilience, he won five US Open titles across three surfaces - a testament to his adaptability. Connors dominated the 1970s, holding the year-end World No. 1 ranking for five straight years. With his iconic left-handed strokes and relentless drive, he played 400+ tournaments, securing 1,274 victories, the most in the men’s game. This saves him a place as one of the best tennis players of all time.
IMAGO / Claus Bergmann | Jimmy Connors serves during the Gerry Weber Open 1995.
9. John McEnroe
John McEnroe is one of tennis’ most controversial yet brilliant figures. Born in West Germany and raised in the U.S., McEnroe turned pro in 1978 and quickly made waves with his extraordinary skill and fiery personality. As a seven-time singles Grand Slam champion, he dominated the US Open from 1979 to 1981, becoming the first man since Bill Tilden to win three consecutive titles. Known for his intense rivalries, particularly with Björn Borg, McEnroe’s artistry on the court was unforgettable. With 77 singles and 78 doubles titles, he remains a true legend of the game.
IMAGO / Bildbyran | John McEnroe during the men's singles at French Open 1986.
8. Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi, the “Rebel of Tennis,” was a trailblazer both on and off the court. With his flashy wardrobe, mullet hairstyle, and aggressive baseline game, Agassi became a media sensation while challenging tennis traditions. An eight-time Grand Slam champion, he achieved the rare "Career Grand Slam," winning all four majors on three different surfaces—a feat cemented by his 1999 French Open victory. Known for his powerful forehand and charismatic presence, Agassi claimed 61 career titles, including Olympic gold in 1996. His storied rivalry with Pete Sampras captivated fans worldwide, and his transformation from rebel to legend earned him a place in the Hall of Fame in 2011.
IMAGO / PCN Photography / Paul J. Sutton | Andre Agassi serves during the French Open 1990.
7. Ivan Lendl
Ivan Lendl was a powerhouse of precision and determination, dominating tennis in the 1980s with his baseline brilliance. Winning eight Grand Slam titles—including three French Opens, two Australian Opens, and three US Opens—he reached 19 major finals, the third-most in history. Known for his heavy topspin and unparalleled fitness, Lendl’s modern approach to the game, including customizing racquets to his exact specifications, set him apart. He held the World No. 1 ranking for 157 consecutive weeks, a testament to his consistency and competitive drive. With 94 career titles, Lendl’s influence on modern tennis is undeniable.
IMAGO / Sven Simon | Ivan Lendl serves during the US Open 1985.
6. Björn Borg
Björn Borg, known as the "Ice Man" for his calm demeanor under pressure, is one of tennis’ most iconic champions. The Swedish legend achieved an extraordinary 11 Grand Slam titles in just seven years, including a record-breaking five consecutive Wimbledon championships (1976–1980) and six French Open victories, four of them in a row. Renowned for his heavy topspin forehand and two-handed backhand, Borg revolutionized modern tennis with his athleticism and precision. Despite retiring abruptly at just 26, his legacy saves him a place as one of the best tennis players of all time, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
IMAGO / Colorsport | Björn Borg in action during the Wimbledon All England Tennis Championships 1981.
5. Rod Laver
Rod Laver, the only player in history to achieve two calendar-year Grand Slams in singles (1962 and 1969), is a true legend of the game. Known as "The Rocket", the Australian dominated tennis with his relentless attacking style, excelling both at the net and from the baseline. Laver’s powerful topspin strokes set a standard for modern tennis, and his 200 singles titles remain unmatched. As a winner of four consecutive Wimbledon championships and 20 major titles across singles, doubles, and mixed, he also led Australia to four Davis Cup victories. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981, Laver’s influence on the sport stays forever.
IMAGO / United Archives International | Rod Laver in action during his match against Manuel Santana in the men's quarterfinal of the 1962 All England Lawn Tennis Championships.
4. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras, one of tennis' most accomplished players, defined excellence with his incredible all-around game. With 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record seven Wimbledon championships, he was the dominant force in men’s tennis until Roger Federer surpassed his record in 2009. Known for his overpowering serve, ferocious forehand, and superb court coverage, Sampras was world No. 1 for six consecutive years, a record still standing. His relentless focus and quiet determination led him to win 64 singles titles, including five US Open and two Australian Open victories. Sampras remains a benchmark for modern tennis greatness. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
IMAGO / Ray Giubilo | Pete Sampras ready to hit the ball in the air during the All England Championships 1996.
3. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history, definitely deserves a spot among tennis’ all-time greats. With a record 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slam singles victories, Nadal holds numerous records, including the most wins at ATP Masters 1000 events. Known for his signature forehand and his fighting spirit, he completed the career Grand Slam twice, with a historic victory at the 2009 US Open. Nadal’s dominance extended beyond the French Open, having won Wimbledon in 2008 and Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2016 - a true sports legend. His 209 weeks as World No. 1 and unmatched success on clay define his illustrious career and save him a place in the top 3 of the best tennis players of all time.
IMAGO / Paul Zimmer | Rafael Nadal celebrates laying on the court after winning the All England Championships 2008.
2. Roger Federer
Roger Federer, regarded as one of the most complete players in tennis history, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With 20 Grand Slam titles, Federer was the first male player to reach that milestone, showcasing his exceptional all-around game. Known for his fluid movement, pinpoint forehand, and composure on the court, he held the World No. 1 ranking for 310 weeks, including an incredible 237 consecutive weeks. Federer’s legendary rivalries, particularly with Rafael Nadal, entertained fans worldwide. He also won a men’s doubles Olympic gold in 2008 and led Switzerland to its first-ever Davis Cup victory. With 103 career titles and a legacy of sportsmanship, Federer’s influence on tennis is undeniable. That is why he is listed as the second best tennis player of all time in this list.
IMAGO / AFLOSPORT | Roger Federer poses with his trophy after winning the men's Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 2017.
1. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT), has redefined tennis with his unparalleled achievements. With a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, Djokovic holds the most major titles in history, surpassing his peers in both consistency and longevity. Known for his exceptional return game and mental toughness, he has spent a record 428 weeks as World No. 1, including an unprecedented eight years finishing as the top-ranked player. Djokovic’s achievements include ten Australian Open titles, a career Golden Grand Slam, and victories across all nine ATP Masters 1000 events, with a total of 40 titles. His dominance on the court, highlighted by a 43-match winning streak and his Olympic gold in 2024, cements his place as the GOAT in tennis history.
IMAGO / Paul Zimmer | Novak Djokovic celebrates during Wimbledon 2022.
As we reflect on the incredible careers of these tennis legends, it’s clear that each player has left a unique mark on the sport. From record-breaking achievements to unforgettable matches, their stories continue to inspire both fans and future player generations. IMAGO’s incredible archive of pictures and videos lets their careers live on even if they have already retired. The legacy of these tennis greats will forever resonate in the history of the sport, reminding us why tennis remains one of the most captivating games in the world.
