Tennis is a popular sport around the world and some of the best tennis players have been able to excel on grass courts. Grass courts are the traditional surface for tennis, and they offer a unique challenge for players.
The surface requires a great deal of skill and finesse to play successfully. Here, we will look at some of the best tennis players to ever grace a grass court. From the legends of the past to the current stars, these are the players who have mastered the grass court.
1. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career. He is currently ranked world No. 2 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Djokovic has held the ATP world No.
1 ranking for a record total of 389 weeks, and has achieved this ranking in a record 12 different years. This is an impressive feat as it demonstrates his consistency and longevity in the tennis world. Additionally, Djokovic has finished as the ATP year-end No.
1 a record seven times, once again displaying his commitment and success. His accomplishments are remarkable and have earned him a place among the greatest tennis players of all time.
2. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a legendary figure in the world of tennis. He is a Swiss former professional tennis player who held the prestigious title of world number one for 310 weeks, breaking the record of consecutive weeks at number one with 237 weeks.
He also finished as the year-end number one five times, the most of any player in the history of the sport. His achievements in tennis have been unparalleled and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Federer’s skill on the court has been a source of awe and admiration for fans and players alike, and his success has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.
His natural talent, dedication and hard work have enabled him to reach the highest levels of the sport and be an inspiration to aspiring tennis players all over the world.
3. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal Parera is an acclaimed Spanish professional tennis player who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. He has been ranked as the world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals for a total of 209 weeks and has been the year-end No.
1 five times. This is an impressive feat that highlights his ability to remain at the top of the sport. Nadal has also won an astonishing 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles.
This is an incredible achievement that cements Nadal’s status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His success has not only earned him the admiration of tennis fans around the world but has also helped to increase the popularity of the sport.
4. Andy Murray
Sir Andrew Barron Murray OBE is a British professional tennis player who has achieved much success in his career.
He has been recognized by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for his outstanding performance, becoming the world number one in singles for 41 weeks and finishing as the year-end number one in 2016.
This impressive amount of time spent at the top of the rankings demonstrates his impressive skill and dedication to the game. Murray has been playing tennis since a young age, and his hard work and commitment to the sport have been rewarded.
His 41 weeks spent at the top of the ATP rankings is a testament to this, as it is an incredibly difficult feat to achieve.
His success in 2016, when he finished as the year-end number one, is a clear indication that he has the potential to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Murray is also recognized as a philanthropist, having done much to help those less fortunate than himself.
He is a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to tennis and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2012. Murray has achieved much success in his professional tennis career, and his 41 weeks at the top of the rankings as well as his year-end number one ranking in 2016 are clear indicators of this.
He is a highly respected figure in the world of tennis and is an inspiration to many aspiring players.
5. Marin Čilić
Marin Čilić is an elite tennis player who represents Croatia on the world stage. He is a professional tennis player who has achieved remarkable success, having won 20 ATP Tour singles titles over the course of his career.
His greatest accomplishment to date is his victory at the 2014 US Open, where he became the first Croatian player to win a major title. The tournament was highly competitive but Čilić managed to defeat his opponents to take home the trophy.
He displayed a level of skill and determination that earned him the respect of fans around the world and established him as one of the top tennis players of his generation. As a result of Čilić’s success, he has gained recognition and admiration from tennis fans and critics alike.
His strong performance during the 2014 US Open has inspired many aspiring tennis players, and his impressive record is a testament to his dedication and hard work.Čilić’s career is a remarkable accomplishment, and it is clear that he has made a lasting impact on the sport of tennis.
His success has been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
6. Pete Sampras
Petros “Pete” Sampras is widely considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His professional career spanned 14 years, beginning in 1988 and ending at the 2002 US Open, where he defeated his longtime rival Andre Agassi in the final.
During his career, Sampras reached the No. 1 ranking in the world, a feat he achieved on six separate occasions. Sampras was known for his aggressive baseline style of play, often utilizing his powerful serve to gain the upper hand.
He was also known for his relentless fitness, a trait that allowed him to stay at the top of the game for many years.
Sampras’s success on the court was unprecedented in men’s tennis, winning fourteen Grand Slam singles titles, tying the record set by fellow American, and former rival, Roy Emerson. He was also successful in doubles, winning five Grand Slam titles.
Sampras’s rivalry with Agassi was one of the most celebrated in tennis history. The two players first met in 1989, at the US Open, where Agassi emerged victorious. From then on, the two proved to be equals on the court, producing some of the greatest matches in tennis history.
In the 2002 US Open final, Sampras finally earned his revenge, beating Agassi in four sets to win his 14th Grand Slam title. Petros “Pete” Sampras’s career left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis.
His success, both on and off the court, is something that will continue to be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
7. Björn Borg
Björn Rune Borg is a legendary Swedish tennis player who was the first man to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era. He achieved this incredible feat between 1974 and 1981, with six of those titles coming from the French Open.
Even more impressive, Borg won four consecutive French Open titles and is undefeated in the French Open finals, having never lost a single match. This is an incredible record and one that many aspiring tennis players may never come close to matching.
Borg is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and his record speaks for itself.
8. John McEnroe
John Patrick McEnroe Jr. is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He is best known for his impressive shot-making and volleying abilities, as well as his intense and fiery rivalries with fellow tennis professionals Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors.
His confrontational attitude on the court often led to disagreements with umpires and the tennis governing bodies. McEnroe’s volleying and shot-making skills garnered him plenty of success in the world of tennis.
He reached a career-high singles ranking of number one in the world in 1980 and took home the Wimbledon title on three separate occasions.
He also earned four Grand Slam singles titles, nine Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title.McEnroe was also noted for his intense rivalries with Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors.
His rivalry with Borg was particularly famous, with the two even playing an epic match at the 1980 Wimbledon final. McEnroe was known to be a fierce competitor, and his rivalry with Connors was also legendary.
The two competed against each other more than 80 times, with McEnroe winning 49 of those matches.McEnroe’s confrontational attitude on the court was also well-known. He was often seen arguing with umpires and tennis authorities, leading to multiple fines and suspensions.
His tendency to lose his temper was seen as a double-edged sword, as it often got him into trouble, but also made him a crowd favorite. Overall, John Patrick McEnroe Jr.
was a legendary tennis player whose shot-making and volleying skills, as well as his intense rivalries and confrontational attitude, made him one of the most successful and well-known players of his era.
9. Boris Becker
Boris Franz Becker is a legendary German former world No. 1 tennis player. He achieved a remarkable feat at a very young age of 17 when he won the gentlemen’s singles Wimbledon Championships title in 1985, making him the youngest-ever winner in the history of the tournament.
This incredible accomplishment put him in the international spotlight and made him an instant star. His success on the court made him an icon in the tennis world and cemented his place in history as one of the greatest players ever.
Becker achieved a level of fame and success that few players ever attain in their lifetime, and his legacy continues to this day.
10. Jimmy Connors
James Scott Connors is one of the most accomplished tennis players of all time. He is an American former world No. 1 tennis player.
Connors achieved a record-breaking achievement by holding the top Association of Tennis Professionals ranking for a total of 160 consecutive weeks from 1974 to 1977. This feat was not surpassed until 2017, making Connors the longest-standing No. 1 player in ATP history.
His career total of weeks spent as No. 1 was 268, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Connors was known for his aggressive playing style and his dedication to the game.
His incredible success is a testament to his hard work and talent.
11. Goran Ivanišević
Goran Ivanišević is a renowned former professional tennis player from Croatia who is now a coach. He is a unique individual in the tennis world because he is the only player to have ever won the prestigious Wimbledon men’s singles title as a wild card.
In 2001, Ivanišević became the wild card winner of Wimbledon while he was only ranked world number 125. Prior to his victory in 2001, Ivanišević was a runner-up in Wimbledon in 1992, 1994, and 1998, making him a formidable competitor in the sport.
His accomplishment of winning the Wimbledon title as a wild card is an extraordinary feat that has never been repeated.
12. Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton Glynn Hewitt is an Australian former professional tennis player who has earned himself the esteemed title of world No. 1.
He is renowned for being the most recent Australian man to win a major singles title, which he achieved in 2001 at the US Open and 2002 at Wimbledon Championships. Hewitt was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1981 and began playing tennis at the age of three.
His career skyrocketed when he won his first major singles title at the US Open in 2001, where he defeated Pete Sampras in straight sets.
He further cemented his place in tennis history when he won his second major singles title at the Wimbledon Championships in 2002, where he became the lowest-ranked player to ever win the prestigious event. Hewitt’s impressive career didn’t stop there, as he continued to rack up titles, including two Davis Cup championships for his country, and in 2015 he was the first ever recipient of the ATP’s Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award.
His success on the court has earned him the Australian honor of Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the sport. Hewitt has long been known for his fierce competitive spirit, and his determination and passion for the game made him a fan favorite.
His career, which spanned more than 20 years, was marked by numerous accomplishments and is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.
13. Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams is an American former professional tennis player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Her accomplishments in the sport are testament to her incredible talent and dedication to the game.
She has achieved numerous titles throughout her career including 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.
In addition, Williams has won four Olympic gold medals, which ties her with the record for most gold medals won by any tennis player. At her peak, Williams was ranked world No.
1 in singles and her success in the sport has earned her numerous accolades, including being named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 2015 and the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year in 2016.
Williams’s influence on the sport has been immense, inspiring generations of young female players to take up the game. Her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time will remain with us for many years to come.
14. Tsvetana Pironkova
Tsvetana Kirilova Pironkova is an incredibly talented Bulgarian tennis player, with a unique playing style that has earned her recognition throughout the sport.
She is widely regarded as one of the best grasscourt players of her generation, due to her exceptional ability to think ahead and anticipate her opponent’s moves.
Her “cerebral” approach to the game has allowed her to have a great deal of success on the surface, and her impressive achievements include reaching the semifinals at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.
Pironkova is a highly skilled player, with the ability to outwit her opponents with her tactical play. She also possesses an impressive serve, which she uses to great effect to set up her points.
Her skill and determination have seen her rise to the top of her sport, and she has gained a great deal of respect for her accomplishments.
15. Tommy Haas
Thomas Mario Haas is a German former professional tennis player who had a career that spanned over two decades. He began his career on the ATP Tour in 1996 and continued to compete until 2017 when he officially retired from the sport.
Throughout his time on the Tour, Haas was highly regarded as one of the top players in the world, winning 15 singles titles and four doubles titles.
He also reached the semifinals in the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon twice each, and was a regular fixture in the top 10 rankings for a number of years.
Furthermore, Haas represented his country in the Davis Cup and Hopman Cup and was a member of the German Olympic team in 2000. His accomplishments throughout his career have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest German tennis players of all time.
16. Venus Williams
Venus Ebony Starr Williams is an incredibly accomplished and successful tennis player, having achieved great success in both singles and doubles. She was once ranked number one in the world in both categories and has since won an impressive seven Grand Slam singles titles.
Five of those titles were won at the iconic Wimbledon tournament, and the other two were earned at the US Open. Her exceptional talent and incredible achievements have earned her a place in the pantheon of all-time greats in the sport.
Williams is an inspirational figure to many, having achieved such a high level of success in the face of adversity. She is a symbol of strength and perseverance, and her contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come.
17. Marion Bartoli
Marion Bartoli is a highly accomplished French tennis player who had a successful career on the WTA Tour. She is best known for her victory at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, which she won after having been the runner-up in 2007.
She also made it to the semifinals at the 2011 French Open. In addition to her major successes, Bartoli won eight WTA Tour singles titles and three doubles titles.
Her impressive career highlights her skill on the court and her tenacious spirit that enabled her to achieve impressive victories. Bartoli was able to make a lasting impact on the sport, and her victories will be remembered by tennis fans for years to come.
18. Agnieszka Radwańska
Agnieszka Roma Radwańska is a world-renowned professional tennis player who made a lasting impact on the sport. Born in Poland, she started her career in 2006 and quickly established herself as a capable player.
Radwańska was able to win a total of 20 singles WTA Tour titles, and two doubles titles, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 on 9 July 2012.
This was a remarkable accomplishment, and she was only able to achieve this through her hard work and dedication to the sport. Radwańska’s success was not limited to her singles titles.
She also won two doubles titles during her career, which is a testament to her skill and consistency in the sport. Her career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 on 9 July 2012 was further proof of her prowess on the court.
Radwańska retired from professional tennis in 2018, but her legacy in the sport lives on. She was a talented player who was able to achieve major success in her chosen sport, and she will be remembered for her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Her 20 singles titles, two doubles titles, and a career-high ranking of world No. 2 will remain a testament to her skill and commitment to the game.
Conclusion
The best tennis players in grass have always been a topic of debate, with some players being consistently in the top spots over the years. However, it is clear that grass-court tennis requires a certain level of skill, athleticism, and tactical know-how to excel.
As such, the best tennis players in grass are those that have the right combination of these qualities that allows them to compete at the highest level.
This includes the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams, who have all proven to be incredibly successful on grass courts.
