The Greatest Tennis Players Who Lacked 20 Grand Slams in Their Career
Tennis fans often debate who the greatest player is in the history of the sport, with a particular emphasis on the number of Grand Slams won. However, several formidable athletes never managed to break the 20 Grand Slams barrier, despite their illustrious careers. This article explores some of these incredible tennis legends and their unique stories.
Mats Wilander: The Master of Hard Courts
Mats Wilander, the Swedish tennis player, managed to win the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open in 1988, but he failed to lift the trophy at Wimbledon during that year. Despite his strong finish, Wilander was unable to capture the coveted title at the All-England Club. His journey from 1988 to 1989 is a testament to his hard/workihg nature and came close to winning the Grand Slam, which is a monumental achievement in itself.
The Lendl Factor: Laid Back and Elite
Ivan Lendl, one of the most consistent players in the Open Era, was remarkable in his entire career. Lendl excelled at Wimbledon, but he faced tough competition from grass-court specialists like Pat Cash, Mats Wilander, and John McEnroe for five years from 1986 to 1990. He made it to the finals or semifinals numerous times, but his inability to win Wimbledon slightly dented his case for achieving a career Grand Slam. Lendl played a staggering seven semifinals, including the 1983 and 1984 Wimbledon finals, yet fell short of the ultimate title.
Ken Rosewall: Australian Legend
Ken Rosewall, an all-Australian tennis player from the pre-Open Era, is a name that brings pride to the country. Rosewall captured eight Grand Slam titles, but his journey was fraught with the desire to win Wimbledon. He played four finals and two semifinals at Wimbledon from 1953 to 1957, yet couldn't triumph in the English grass-courts. Additionally, he made a couple of finals and semifinals in the Open Era from 1968 to 1972 but failed to clinch the title each time.
Axel Borg: The Era's Finest Athlete
Axel Borg, a champion from the 1970s, is often overlooked when it comes to the greatest players. Borg holds the most impressive win/loss record in Grand Slam finals, even after nearly 40 years since his retirement. He retired at the height of his career at 26 years with 11 Grand Slam titles. Considering that he did not play the Australian Open for most of his career due to the challenges of travel back then, it's believed that if he had competed in all four Grand Slams and continued playing until his mid-30s like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, he could have achieved a total of 20 or even more Grand Slam titles.
Celebrity Crossovers: Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova both won 18 Grand Slam titles and were incomparable in their own right. Had they not played against one another during their prime, either would have undoubtedly won 20 or even 25-27 Grand Slams. Their rivalry was intense and significant, pushing each to new heights, which might explain why they fell short of the 20 title mark.
Rod Laver: The True Legend
When discussing the historical debate about greatness, Rod Laver stands out. Laver, a legend with 11 Grand Slam titles to his name, including the Unpeated Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, came close to 20 Grand Slams. Had he played in Australia during his career and continued playing until his mid-30s, he would have won 24 or more Grand Slams. This fact raises questions about the current debate on the greatest players based purely on Grand Slam titles. Players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal are exceptional all-rounders, but the debate should consider their entire careers rather than just their Grand Slam records.
These athletes are testament to the undulating nature of competitive tennis and the significance of specific matches and seasons in shaping their legacies. Despite not reaching 20 Grand Slams, their exceptional performances remain a source of admiration and inspiration in the world of tennis.