The most famous players in tennis are those that achieve the highest rankings, breaking records and setting themselves apart from the rest of the field. Past champions have become legends through their amazing skill and record number of grand slam titles. Today’s active famous tennis players, female and male alike, have brought a new level of competition to the game. Many at the top are still trying to break through for their first grand slam wins, but it’s only a matter of time before they take their own place in tennis history. Let’s take a look at some of these competitors from the past and present to see what makes them great.
Here are is a quick list of current, past, and grand slam champions that have all become famous tennis players in their own right. Follow the links to see more detailed information about specific players and their achievements.
Famous Female Tennis Players
Today’s women’s tennis is both extremely competitive and fun to watch. The WTA tour has grown over the years in depth and talent. While there may not be any one single dominant player currently on the women’s side, the dynamic makes for very interesting and wide open slam events.
Take a look at some of today’s top famous female tennis players.
Famous Male Tennis Players
The ATP tour has been dominated for years by the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. These famous tennis players have already cemented their names in grand slam history, and they aren’t even ready to retire. Novak Djokovic is another promising player that is sure to have considerable success throughout his budding career.
Check out all of these current famous male tennis players.
Famous Tennis Players of the Past
Tennis has a long and rich history filled with all kinds of exciting and legendary players. Famous tennis players of the past include greats like Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, and Bjorn Borg.
Learn more about these near-mythical grand slam tennis champions.
Grand Slam Tennis Title Standings
Want to see how all you’re favorite players stack up against each other? The quickest way to measure professional tennis success is the number of grand slam titles. While it isn’t an end all, the true tennis champions are able to find another gear and bring out their best game when the pressure is on.
Male All-Time Grand Slam Tennis Titles
- Roger Federer – 16
- Pete Sampras – 14
- Roy Emerson – 12
- Bjorn Borg – 11
- Rafael Nadal – 10
- Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi – 8
- John McEnroe, Mats Wilander – 7
- Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker – 6
- Rod Laver, John Newcombe – 5
- Ken Rosewall, Guillermo Vilas, Jim Courier, Novak Djokovic – 4
- Jan Kodes, Arthur Ashe, Gustavo Kuerten – 3
- Stan Smith, Illie Nastase, Johan Kriek, Sergi Bruguera, Patrick Rafter, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Lleyton Hewitt, Marat
- Safin – 2
Female All-Time Grand Slam Tennis Titles
- Margaret Court – 24
- Steffi Graf – 22
- Helen Wills Moody – 19
- Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova – 18
- Serena Williams – 13
- Billie Jean King – 12
- Maureen Connolly Brinker, Monica Seles – 9
- Suzanne Lenglen, Molla Bjurstedt Mallory – 8
- Venus Williams, Maria Bueno, Evonne Goolagong, Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers, Justine Henin – 7
- Nancye Wynne Bolton, Louise Brough Clapp, Margaret Osborne duPont, Doris Hart, Blanche Bingley Hillyard – 6
- Pauline Betz Addie, Daphne Akhurst Cozens, Lottie Dod, Althea Gibson, Martina Hingis, Helen Jacobs, Francoise Masson, Alice Marble, Charlotte Cooper Sterry – 5