Top 10 Most Enduring Tennis Stars

1. Boris Becker (Germany)

Known to many as the youngest player to conquer Wimbledon, Boris Becker was a gifted player. Six Grand Slam wins include three Wimbledon singles titles, one U.S. Open title, and two Australian Open titles.

2. Billie Jean King (USA)

By the end of her career, Billie Jean King had won 39 Grand Slam victories (12 Singles, 16 Ladies’ Doubles and 11 Mixed Doubles). King’s contribution to Tennis did not end with her incredible achievements on the court. King is well remembered for defeating Bobby King 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the match now popularly referred to as the “Battle of the Sexes”.

3. Steffi Graf (Germany)

Steffi Graf is an acknowledged legend, and several believe her to be the greatest female player of the 20th Century. Steffi ranked as the No. 1 for 377 weeks, won an unbelievable 22 Grand Slam tournaments, including all four Grand Slams in a single year (1988), 2 Olympic Gold medals. Unrelenting knee problems caused her to retire at just 30.

4. Bjorn Borg (Sweden)

Bjorn Borg was a genius on both grass and clay. Having won only two of the four Grand Slams, he contributed to the sport in terms of style and dedication. So it came as a major shock to fans and followers when he retired at just 26. Some are of the opinion that he might have won those two too.

5. Jimmy Connors (USA)

One of the most enduring players, Jimmy Connors held the No. 1 seed for 160 straight weeks, out of the full 268 career weeks. He won 8 Grand Slams – 2 Wimbledon titles, 5 U.S. Open titles and 1 Australian Open title. Unfortunately, the French Open eluded him too.

6. Andre Agassi (USA)

One of the few champions to prove their mettle on all surfaces, Andre Kirk Agassi won eight Grand Slam singles tournaments and one Olympic Gold singles title. Andre retired at the age of 36 after a successful and cherished tennis career.

7.  Rod Laver (Australia)

Australia has produced some of the finest tennis players and Rod Laver undoubtedly leads all of them. Even before the Open era began, Laver was known for his magnificent court play. Eventually Laver went on to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including the French Open.

8. Rafael Nadal (Spain)

If there is one player who can surpass Federer’s greatness today, it has to be Nadal. The Spaniard is known for his incredible physical stamina and strength and his rivalry with Federer often reminds fans of the Sampras- Agassi days.

9. Roger Federer (Switzerland)

Whatever one says about the greatness of Roger will always remain an understatement. The Swiss tennis star has already created history in the sport and is widely recognized as the greatest player ever. With 14 titles, a record 237 weeks and as of July 2009, another Wimbledon final, for Federer even sky is not the limit.

10. Pete Sampras (USA)

With 14 Grand Slam titles, equalled now by Federer, Sampras is perhaps top on this list not because of his records, but because of his game. The fierce rivalry that he shared with Andre Agassi uncovered his full calibre on many occasions over his 15 years in tennis. With a number of records still unbroken, Sampras can be safely called the most enduring player ever yet.