Feel free to disagree, but these are the top ten tennis players, hands down.
Pete Sampras- Holds the record for most Grand Slam singles championships, 14, of which a record seven were won at Wimbledon. With a big serve and cutting volley he dominated the men's professional tennis tour during the '90's. Not only did he have superior tennis skills but had a tremendous heart and will to win, two intangibles that set him apart from everyone else.
Rod Laver- Nicknamed the "Rocket," Laver was part of the Australian tennis dominance the 1960's and '70's. He's the only player in tennis history to win a calendar Grand Slam twice, winning the Australian, French, Wimbledon and U.S Open all in the same year, both as an amateur in 1962 and as a professional in 1969. He is considered by John McEnroe to be the greatest player of all time.
Roger Federer- This Swiss born player is known to have the best forehand in the game today. When he stops playing he will definitely be regarded as the greatest tennis player that ever lived. His total 13 Grand Slam titles are just one shy of Pete Sampras.
Steffi Graff- Considered to be the greatest woman tennis player of all time by many experts, this former number one, who held the sport for a record 377 weeks, had one of the most amazing years in tennis history. In 1988, she became the third woman and fifth player overall to win the calendar Grand Slam, as well as the Olympic gold medal at the Seoul games. Her feat is known as the "Golden Grand Slam."
Bill Tilden- The dominate player of his time. An extremely gifted and talented player, his lanky physique provided him with the ability to hit what he called a "cannonball" serve. Between 1920 and 1927, he led the U.S to the Davis Cup title for seven consecutive years.
Martina Navratilova- Between 1982 and 1984, she lost a total of six singles matches. Known for her extensive fitness routine, she owns the record for most career titles, 167, best among men or women. Winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, a record 9 Wimbledon titles and a record 31 Grand Slam doubles titles.
Pancho Gonzales- Pancho dominated tennis from 1954 to 1962, holding the number one ranking for seven consecutive years. Self-taught, he had a tremendous serve and could cover the court like a cat, even with his 6'3" frame. He turned pro at the age of 19 in 1949 and, because of his professional status, wasn't eligible to participate in any of the Grand Slam events, which weren't open to professionals until 1968 and the beginning of the "open era."
Bjorn Borg- One of the best base liner players in tennis history who captured six French Open titles and 5 Wimbledon championships between 1974 and 1981. Borg had an 89.8 winning percentage in his Grand Slam singles matches that he played in during this period, a men's open era record.
John McEnroe- One of the best servers and volleyers ever to play the game, he compiled seven Grand Slam titles along with 70 career titles at doubles. He's mainly known for his on court antics and angry outbursts directed at umpires. His best line, "You can not be serious!" is still quoted till this day.
Billy Jean King- Was known for her aggressive style of rushing the net as well for her court speed. Between 1966 and 1975, she won the majority of her Grand Slam titles, including six Wimbledons and four U.S Opens. She is best remembered for winning the "Battle of the Sexes" match played against Bobby Riggs in September of 1973 at the Houston Astrodome.
0 comments:
Post a Comment