11. Ken Rosewall
- Birth: November 2, 1934
- Career Span: 1957 – 1980
- Grand Slam Titles: 8
- Career Prize Money: $1,602,700
Ken Rosewall’s tennis journey spans the pre and post-Open Era, an Australian legend known for his quick and agile style. With eight Grand Slam titles and 15 Major Championships, Rosewall’s career began in the early 1950s and extended until his retirement in 1980. Remarkably, he secured his last Grand Slam title at the 1972 Australian Open at the age of 37, setting a record as the oldest Grand Slam winner—a testament to his enduring conditioning and mental toughness.
10. Andre Agassi
- Birth: April 29, 1970
- Career Span: 1986 – 2006
- Grand Slam Titles: 8
- Career Prize Money: $31,152,975
Andre Agassi burst onto the tennis scene in the late 1980s with his brash looks and powerful groundstrokes. Beyond his four Australian Open titles and Olympic Gold Medal in 1996, Agassi’s journey is a tale of transformation. From the rebellious youngster with long hair to a respected champion, Agassi’s career mirrors a remarkable evolution, both on and off the court. His contributions extend beyond tennis, with an impactful legacy of philanthropy alongside his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf.
9. John McEnroe
- Birth: February 16, 1959
- Career Span: 1978 – 1992
- Grand Slam Titles: 7
- Career Prize Money: $12,547,797
John McEnroe, often remembered for his fiery attitude and creative shot-making, is a tennis maverick who left an indelible mark on the sport. With seven Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon triumphs, McEnroe’s on-court theatrics sparked both love and hate among fans. His epic battles with rivals Jimmy Connors and a memorable five-set loss to Bjorn Borg in the 1980 Wimbledon final contribute to a legacy that transcends statistics, defining an era of captivating tennis.
8. Jimmy Connors
- Birth: September 2, 1952
- Career Span: 1972 – 1996
- Grand Slam Titles: 8
- Career Prize Money: $8,641,040
In the mid-1970s, few dominated tennis as thoroughly as Jimmy Connors. His astounding 99-4 record in 1974 and victories in three Grand Slam tournaments showcased his unmatched prowess. Connors’ relentless aggression on the court, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a force to be reckoned with. Despite his peak in the ’70s, Connors sustained an impressive career, retiring in 1996 with a record 109 ATP tour titles, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
7. Ivan Lendl
- Birth: March 7, 1960
- Career Span: 1978 – 1994
- Grand Slam Titles: 8
- Career Prize Money: $21,262,417
Ivan Lendl, the stoic Czech with a powerful serve, stood as the dominant force in the 1980s. His incredible conditioning, powerful groundstrokes, and a topspin forehand set him apart. Ranked as the world’s top player for four years and holding the number one ranking for 270 weeks, Lendl’s approach was in stark contrast to his more outspoken peers. Rather than relying on words, he let his game do the talking, leaving an enduring legacy that emphasizes substance over style.
6. Bjorn Borg
- Birth: June 6, 1956
- Career Span: 1973 – 1983
- Grand Slam Titles: 11
- Career Prize Money: $3,655,751
Bjorn Borg, the long-haired Swede with an ice-cold demeanor, carved his name into tennis history in the late 1970s. Known for his killer ground game, Borg’s dominance at Wimbledon—winning five consecutive titles from 1976 to 1980—solidified his place among the greats. Despite retiring at the age of 26, Borg’s 11 Grand Slam titles, all at Wimbledon and the French Open, make him the first player of the modern era to achieve such a feat. His early departure from the sport leaves fans to wonder what more he could have achieved had he continued.