With a win today at Wimbledon, Roger Federer would set the record for career Grand Slam titles at 15. But does that make him the greatest male tennis player of all time?
The Denver Post conferred last week with a group of local tennis experts, and the answer was a resounding yes.
Closing in on his sixth Wimbledon title, Federer has reached the semifinals in 21 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.
And the speed with which he could set the Grand Slam record is nothing short of amazing. Pete Sampras took 12 years to win his 14 majors, including his final one at the 2002 U.S. Open when he was 31. Federer has needed half that, winning his first Slam in 2003 at Wimbledon.
“You know, I would have been happy winning a couple tournaments and maybe collecting Wimbledon,” Federer told reporters after Friday’s win. “It’s quite staggering.”
And there are plenty of Federer fans out there. More than a quarter-million fans are registered members of his website — .
The 27-year-old from Switzerland held the top spot for a record 237 consecutive weeks until being knocked off in August 2008 by Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from Wimbledon because of tendinitis in his knee. Federer will move back to No. 1 with a win.
“Federer is a magician out there,” said Stephanie Hagan, a longtime local pro and member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame. “So effortless and can hit winners from anywhere.”
Wooden-racket warriors
No. 1 Rod Laver
Laver was No. 1 from 1964-70 and is the only player to have twice won all four Grand Slams in the same year (he won 11 total). He was without peer at the serve-and-volley game, and his backhand was the best in the game. And, though only 5-feet-8, he had a powerful groundstroke. Laver added eight Grand Slam doubles titles. Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981.
“An unbelievable left- handed stroke, which was unheard of in his time.” Stephanie Hagan
No. 2 Bjorn Borg
The “Iceman” is considered one of the best in the sport’s history and one of the best clay- court players. From 1974-81, he won 11 of the 27 Grand Slams he entered (including four consecutive Wimbledons). He holds the record of six French Open titles.Known for his mental game and footwork, and for a deadly two- handed backhand. Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.
“Was one of the fastest of his time and had one of the best groundstrokes.” Stephanie Hagan
No. 3 John McEnroe
Won seven Grand Slam singles titles, nine doubles Grand Slams and one mixed doubles title (1999). He is known for his shot-making artistry. His rivalries with Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg were legendary. After 12 years of retirement, he returned to top-level doubles competition, in which he won Wimbledon and became the oldest man to win a tournament in 30 years. Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999.
“Greatest volleyer of all time.” Cory Ross
No. 4 Roy Emerson
His 28 total Grand Slam titles (12 singles, 16 doubles) are the record for men. He was a member of a record eight Davis Cup- winning teams (1959-67). In 1964, he won 55 consecutive matches and 109-of-115, including three Grand Slams. He was known for his intense training methods and was primarily a serve-and-volleyer. Inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame in 1982.
“Incredible competitor and also was in the best shape of anyone of his time.” Stephanie Hagan
No. 5 Ken Rosewall
Considered one of the best players of his era. Won eight Grand Slam titles over two decades. His first singles Slam title was the 1953 Australian; his last was the ’72 Aussie, when he was 43. Stayed in the top 20 for 26 years. Biggest rival was Rod Laver. Rosewall was small (5-7, 135 pounds) but had a powerful and effective backhand. His serve was accurate but not very hard. Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1980.
“Dynamite in a small package.” Andy Zodin
The panel
How it was done: We picked five top tennis pros in Colorado and asked them to rank the top five players from the modern-day and wooden-racket eras out of a list of 10 from each.
Stephanie Hagan: Tennis pro at Colorado Athletic Club; member of Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame
Andy Zodin: Head tennis pro at Green Gables Club; hosts weekly tennis radio show on 1510 AM
Art Quinn: Head pro at Glenmoor Country Club; assistant coach at Cherry Creek High School
Cory Ross: Tennis pro at Cherry Hills Country Club; two-time state champ at Kent Denver
Tomi Winnig: Tennis pro at Colorado Athletic Club at Monaco
Modern-day marvels
No. 2 Pete Sampras
In his 15-year career, he won a record 14 Grand Slam titles, a record Federer is about to break. Seven of Sampras’ titles came at Wimbledon. His record in singles matches: 762-222. He held the year-end No. 1 ranking a record six consecutive years (1993-98) and spent a record 286 weeks at No. 1. He had a powerful serve, helping make his second serve even more dangerous.
“Combined big serve and forehand skills with his clutchability under pressure made him great.” Art Quinn
No. 3 Andre Agassi
Agassi spent time at No. 1 in the world but was consistently overshadowed by Sampras. Agassi won eight Grand Slams in a 20-year career. He totaled a record 831 singles wins. He was well-known for his service return; nicknamed “The Punisher” for running his opponents around the court. He holds the Australian Open finals record with a 4-0 mark. In 1995, Agassi won a career-best 72 matches. He is one of only six men to achieve the career Grand Slam.
“Best returnist of all time.” Cory Ross
No. 4 Rafael Nadal
At 23, Nadal already has won six Grand Slams, as well as the 2008 Olympic gold medal. He holds the record for No. 2 ranking, where he was behind Federer for 160 weeks until finally gaining the top spot, which he currently holds. Nadal is considered the best clay-court player in history. He won four consecutive French Opens before this season. Known for his incredible forehand and speed.
“Potentially will end up as the best of all-time.” Andy Zodin
No. 5 Jimmy Connors
Connors was part of the crossover between generations of those using wooden and modern-day rackets. He held the No. 1 spot for 160 consecutive weeks and 268 weeks total and won eight Grand Slams (five U.S. Opens on three surfaces). He played in more tournaments (401) and won more matches (1,337) than any other man. Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1998.
“Considered greatest of all-time, having won Grand Slams in his teens, 20s and 30s.” Andy Zodin
