Tennis is a very popular sport globally and is gradually becoming widely popular in Vietnam, the world’s top tennis players are always followed and loved by a large number of fans. If you’re a tennis fan, you’ll definitely want to know about the top 10 most popular men’s tennis players of the last decade and the highlights of their playing styles. In this article, Bestsoccertips.com will learn about the 10 most outstanding best male tennis player in the list of world-famous tennis players!
Who is the best male tennis player of all time?
1. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras’ place in tennis history is truly a story that deserves comprehensive and fair evaluation. Though he only captured three out of a total of four Grand Slam titles throughout his career, Sampras’ excellence on hard courts and grass is an undeniable reality. With his versatile play and lightning-fast serves, Sampras attracted the adoration of fans and the respect of opponents.
When Pete Sampras stepped off the court in 2002, he was regarded as one of the greatest male tennis players of all time, though this remains a debated topic in tennis circles. Holding the world number one position for six consecutive years and owning a total of 14 Grand Slam titles, Sampras set a record that cannot be denied. Legendary matches with Andre Agassi turned the ’90s into a memorable decade in tennis history, solidifying Pete as an unbreakable icon.
By leading with a victory at the 2002 US Open, his final Grand Slam in his career, Pete Sampras proved that even in the twilight of his career, he retained his strength and talent, leaving a lasting mark not only in the hearts of fans but also in the annals of this sport.
However, to truly understand Sampras’ position and contribution in tennis history, one needs to look beyond just the numbers and titles he achieved, but also at how he changed people’s perception of playing and winning. Sampras was not just a technically skilled athlete but also a leader in changing the game style and strategy, from optimizing the power of serving to flexibility in counterattacks. These are factors that cannot be measured by numbers alone but are crucial in defining Sampras’ place in tennis history.
2. Novak Djokovic
Considering Novak Djokovic as one of the top tennis players is no longer surprising. At the age of 30, and in his career, Djokovic has the potential to win even more Grand Slam titles. When his career ends, he could become one of the greatest male tennis players of all time. However, in the fiercely competitive tennis environment, there is also the possibility that he will face intense competition and the risk of missing out on opportunities at his peak. In 2016, Djokovic was ranked in the top 8 players with numerous Grand Slam titles.
At Wimbledon, a painful defeat to Sam Querrey ended Djokovic’s successful streak, placing him fourth among players with the most Grand Slam titles. 2017 was also not a successful year for Novak, with many challenges and setbacks. However, with his strength and talent, Djokovic promises to come back stronger than ever to prove that his time at the top is far from over and to attract massive support from fans worldwide.
Despite facing failures and obstacles on his journey, with willpower and determination, Djokovic can overcome any challenge to become a legend in tennis. With what he has achieved so far, there is no doubt that Djokovic will be one of the greatest athletes in the history of this sport.
3. Rod Laver
It’s truly a significant challenge to place Rod Laver in the debate for the number one position against modern players. It’s hard to argue with the record-breaking “Rockets” like him. He held the world number one position for seven consecutive years (from 1964 to 1970) and possessed a number of career championship titles (200), surpassing anyone in tennis history. Rod Laver is also the only player to win 4 Grand Slam titles consecutively twice. This is a record that few young players could achieve in the open era.
The first time was in 1962 when he was still an amateur player. The second time was in 1969, after officially becoming a professional player. If Laver hadn’t been excluded from Grand Slam tournaments during the five-year period in the 1960s, we couldn’t know what achievements he would have accomplished.
With his impressive performances on the court, Rod Laver was not only a great player of his time but also an icon in tennis history, opening up an undeniable and insurmountable journey for future players.
4. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, also known as “Rafa,” is not only one of the top tennis players globally but also a vibrant symbol of perseverance and determination in the tennis world. Born and raised in Manacor, a small town on the island of Mallorca, Spain, Nadal showcased strong character and talent early in his childhood. His determination stemmed from the early days when he began training at the Tennis Club established by his uncle, laying the foundation for his later great career.
With rapid progress and impressive performances on all types of courts, Nadal quickly became a formidable opponent in tennis history. With powerful shots and an energetic playing style, he marked his territory with a series of significant titles, including Grand Slam victories, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Beyond on-court success, Nadal is known for his humility and social responsibility. He always dedicates time to charitable activities and demonstrates team spirit on every occasion. Nadal’s patience and determination not only inspire young players but also serve as a living testament to the power of human will.
5. Roger Federer
It’s undeniable that Roger Federer has etched his name in history as a great icon of tennis. With a collection of 20 Grand Slam titles, he has conquered peaks and set records that speak volumes about his strength, perseverance, and talent.
Especially at the age of 36, Federer continues to maintain dominance in tennis, showcasing his timeless power and extraordinary resilience. Holding the world number one position for a total of 302 weeks, including 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008, is not only impressive but also a record that is difficult to surpass in the tennis world.
Federer’s influence extends beyond his on-court achievements. He is not only a great athlete but also an icon of sportsmanship and ethics. His humility, respect for opponents, and team spirit have earned him admiration and honors not only from fans but also from fellow athletes.
As a source of inspiration, Federer has instilled inspiration and belief in the younger generation of tennis players. His influence is not only on the court but also in various other aspects of life. This is the clearest evidence of greatness not only in his career but also in the life of Roger Federer.
6. Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem, a rising star in the world of tennis, is not only a talented player but also a symbol of dedication and courage. Born and raised in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, Thiem began his tennis career at a very young age and quickly demonstrated innate talent. Determination and perseverance have always been outstanding qualities of his, from his early days training at local tennis clubs to becoming one of the top stars in the world of tennis.
With a powerful and steadfast playing style, Thiem has gradually conquered major tournaments and contributed to creating classic matches on the court. The diversity in his playing style, from solid defense to powerful attacks, has made him a formidable opponent for any player. With titles at ATP Masters 1000 events and steady progress in Grand Slam tournaments, Thiem has affirmed his position in the world of tennis and is one of the top contenders for the throne in the future.
Beyond on-court success, Thiem is also known for his humility and dedication to fans. He always takes time to interact and engage with fans, and readily expresses gratitude for their support. Thiem’s passion and relentless effort are not only a source of motivation for himself but also an inspiration for other young people on the path to achieving their dreams in the world of sports.
7. Marin Cilic
Hailing from Eastern Europe, Marin Cilic has made a mark in the world of tennis by clinching the title at the US Open in 2014, defeating Kei Nishikori from Japan in an impressive final match with set scores of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Marin Cilic was born into a family with roots in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he began his professional tennis career in 2004, participating in youth tournaments organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). He showcased his talent by winning the French Open for juniors in 2005, after defeating Andy Murray in the semifinals and Antal van der Duim in the final.
Cilic’s most notable achievement to date is his victory at the US Open in 2014, one of the biggest tournaments in a tennis player’s journey. This was also the first time he claimed a Grand Slam title in his career. Since 2006, Cilic has maintained a high ranking among Croatian players, demonstrating his strength and stability on the international stage.
In 2014, Cilic overcame all challenges to win the US Open, elevating his name in the tennis world. The final match against Kei Nishikori witnessed Cilic’s control and confidence, with consistent set scores of 6-3. He further proved his prowess by defeating Andy Murray to win the Cincinnati Masters in 2016.
8. Kei Nishikori
Nishikori, who was born on December 29, 1989 in Matsue, Shimane, is a Japanese tennis player. He is the only Asian in history to reach the ATP top 5, reaching the No. 4 position in March 2015. Nishikori has won 12 singles titles and is the U.S. runner-up. By 2021, he was the only Asian athlete to reach a Grand Slam final and participated in the ATP World Tour Finals, reaching the semifinals in the 2014 and 2016 seasons. He also won the Bronze Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, defeating Rafael Nadal from Spain, helping Japanese tennis get its first Olympic medal in 96 years of participation.
Nishikori won the championship in 2004 at the Riad 21 held in Rabat. He also reached the quarter-finals at the 2006 French Open for the young tennis player and later, he joined Emiliano Massa in doubles to win the men’s doubles title. He also won the 2007 Luxion Cup held at the Sony Ericsson Open after defeating Michael McClune. In the youth event, he has a record of 73 wins and 37 losses in the men’s singles, as well as 53 wins and 31 losses in the men’s doubles, having held the 7th position in the world ranking in the men’s doubles in July 2006.
9. Stan Wawrinka
Stanislas “Stan” Wawrinka, born on March 28, 1985, in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a professional tennis player from Switzerland. His highest ranking was world number 3, achieved on January 27, 2014. Wawrinka has won three Grand Slam singles titles: the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open, and the 2016 US Open. He has also won titles at the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters and reached the finals of the Rome Masters (2008), Madrid Masters (2013), and Indian Wells (2017) as part of the ATP Masters 1000 series. Wawrinka, alongside Roger Federer, won the gold medal in men’s doubles at the 2008 Summer Olympics, and they were also awarded the Swiss Team of the Year in the same year.
He has represented the Swiss Davis Cup team since 2004, with his current record standing at 22 wins and 24 losses. Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli participated in the longest doubles match in Davis Cup history against the Czech Republic team.
Wawrinka is one of the few players to have reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and is one of three players (alongside Tomáš Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) to have defeated all members of the Big Four (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray) in Grand Slam events.
He is known for his powerful one-handed backhand, described by John McEnroe as one of the most potent shots in tennis history. He is also highly regarded for his ability to play well on all surfaces, particularly clay courts, and his powerful serve, which has been recorded at speeds of up to 232 km/h. His forehand, previously considered a weakness, has significantly improved and is now one of his major weapons on the court.
10. Gael Monfils
Gael Monfils a professional tennis player from France, was born on September 1, 1986. He reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of number 6 on November 7, 2016. His career highlights include two appearances in the semifinals of Grand Slam tournaments at the 2008 French Open and the 2016 US Open, as well as three appearances in the finals of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events at the Paris Masters in 2009 and 2010 and the Monte-Carlo Masters in 2016. Monfils is currently the number 2 French player and ranks 10th in Europe. He was honored as the ATP Newcomer of the Year in 2006. Throughout his time on the ATP Tour, Monfils has won a total of 6 titles across all levels despite reaching 25 finals. He has also reached at least one final at every level and has recorded at least one victory against the top 10 players each year since 2005.
Gael Monfils has been impressive in the current season. The 33-year-old French player has won 12 consecutive matches and claimed two ATP titles in Montpellier and Rotterdam. However, in the Dubai Championship semifinals today, February 28, Monfils will face his biggest challenge yet: Novak Djokovic – the world number one player, who has won all 16 of their previous encounters, including their most recent match at the ATP Cup last month. The French player hopes to cause an upset, similar to what Vitas Gerulaitis did when he ended Jimmy Connors’ 16-match winning streak. After that victory, Gerulaitis famously said, “And let that be a lesson to you all. Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row!”
Conclude
Above, we have introduced the best male tennis player, I hope this article has given you an overview of famous figures in the international tennis industry. Stay tuned to us and other major tennis tournaments for more information and the latest updates on the world of tennis. We hope that you will find joy and excitement in following these exciting events with us!
See more: List of the top 10 female Tennis players of all time
