The 21st century has witnessed incredible athleticism and breakthroughs in tennis, with players setting records, creating rivalries, and thrilling fans worldwide. Here, we showcase the greatest tennis players of the 21st century, whose careers have shaped the modern game with their exceptional skill, determination, and achievements.
Let’s see the Top 10 Greatest Tennis Players of 21st Century:
10. Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton Hewitt’s impact on tennis was undeniable, especially in the early 2000s. He won two Grand Slam titles and spent a total of 80 weeks as the World No. 1. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, Hewitt was known for his aggressive playing style, exceptional court coverage, and fighting spirit. His 2001 US Open win and 2002 Wimbledon victory cemented his place in tennis history, as he became the youngest player to ever reach the World No. 1 ranking at the time.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Australia | 2-time Grand Slam champion, 1-time World No. 1 |
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9. Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka’s career has been defined by his ability to perform in the biggest moments. With three Grand Slam titles to his name, including an epic win over Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, Wawrinka earned respect as one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century for his remarkable power and one-handed backhand. Despite playing in an era dominated by the Big Three, his resilience and clutch performances secured his spot as one of the top players in modern tennis.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 3 Grand Slam titles, 1 Masters 1000 title |
8. Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick may not have as many Grand Slam titles as some of his contemporaries, but his impact on American tennis was significant. Roddick’s explosive serve and determination saw him win the 2003 US Open and reach three Wimbledon finals. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, Roddick’s resilience, especially during his rivalry with Roger Federer, established him as one of the best players of his era, contributing to tennis’ global popularity.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| United States | US Open winner (2003), 3-time Wimbledon finalist |
7. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras was the epitome of tennis excellence in the 1990s, and his achievements carried over into the early 2000s. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, with 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record seven Wimbledon titles, Sampras was known for his aggressive serve-and-volley game. He also spent a total of 286 weeks as World No. 1, a record at the time. His dominance during his peak years made him one of the most respected players in tennis history.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| United States | 14 Grand Slam titles, 7 Wimbledon titles |
6. Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz’s rapid rise has captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. By the age of 22, Alcaraz had already claimed four Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon titles. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, his incredible speed, all-court game, and maturity under pressure have made him one of the most exciting young talents in the game, and his future in tennis looks incredibly bright as he continues to break records.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Spain | 4-time Grand Slam champion, 2-time Wimbledon winner |
5. Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi is one of the most iconic figures in tennis, and his accomplishments in the 2000s only added to his legacy. Known for his powerful groundstrokes and charismatic personality, Agassi won eight Grand Slam singles titles, including four Australian Open championships. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, his career was marked by a dramatic transformation in the 2000s, where he regained top form, cementing his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| United States | 8 Grand Slam titles, 4 Australian Open titles |
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4. Andy Murray
Andy Murray is widely regarded as one of the best players of the 21st century, thanks to his three Grand Slam singles titles and two Olympic gold medals in singles. His historic 2013 Wimbledon win was the first by a British man in 77 years, and his victories at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics made him a true national hero. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, Murray’s tenacity, work ethic, and ability to compete with the best of his era helped him become one of tennis’ most respected figures.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 3-time Grand Slam champion, 2-time Olympic gold medalist |
3. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is often regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history, but his achievements go far beyond that. With 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record-breaking 14 French Open wins, Nadal has been a force to be reckoned with on all surfaces. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, his aggressive baseline play, physical fitness, and never-say-die attitude have made him one of the toughest competitors in tennis, and his rivalry with Federer and Djokovic is legendary.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Spain | 22-time Grand Slam champion, 14 French Open titles |
2. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has dominated men’s tennis like few others in history. With a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam singles titles and 422 weeks as World No. 1, Djokovic is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century. His incredible mental toughness, relentless work ethic, and ability to adapt to different playing surfaces have made him a versatile and formidable player. Djokovic’s achievements, including historic wins at Wimbledon and the US Open, have solidified his place in tennis history.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Serbia | 24 Grand Slam titles, 422 weeks as No. 1 |
1. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is often considered the most graceful and talented tennis player in history. With 20 Grand Slam titles and eight Wimbledon victories, Federer has elevated the game to new heights. As one of the greatest tennis players of 21st century, his effortless playstyle, composed demeanor, and unmatched versatility on all surfaces have earned him a massive fan base around the world. Federer’s longevity in the sport is remarkable, and his continued success into his late 30s has made him a true legend of the game.
| Country | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 20-time Grand Slam champion, 8 Wimbledon titles |
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