Top five youngest ATP Finals winners

Stan Smith was the winner in the inaugural edition of the ATP Finals in 1970.

The ATP Finals has been on the tour since 1970 and has very few young players dominate the event. Most of the lists in tennis are dominated by the ‘Big Three’. For two decades, the names of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were synonymous with records being mended and titles being won. However, the list of top five youngest ATP Finals winners doesn’t include the names of any of those superstars.

The event has a rich history as various legends have won the titles. Over the years, it has taken various names and has also seen technologival advancements on the court.

The season ending championships began in 1970 and was named the Masters Grand Prix. Few years later in 1990, it was renamed as ATP World Tour Championships. Nine years later, it was changed to Tennis Masters Cup. Then in 2009 it was known as ATP World Tour Finals and in 2017 it was renamed as ATP Finals.

Let us now take a look at the top five youngest ATP Finals winners in tennis history:

5. Boris Becker: 21 years and eight days

After finishing as a runner-up twice, in 1985 and 1986, against the same opponent, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker got the breakthrough in 1988, after he took down the Czechia icon 5–7, 7–6(7–5), 3–6, 6–2, 7–6(7–5) in an uphill battle. Becker later won two more titles in 1992 and 1995. Interestingly, Becker has played eight season-end finals, the fourth highest in history.

4. Lleyton Hewitt: 20 years, eight months and 16 days

Former Australian tennis ace Lleyton Hewitt won his maiden ATP year-end title in his home ground, Adelaide with a straight-sets victory over Frenchman Sébastien Grosjean. Aged 20, the Aussie also won the US Open title earlier that season defeating American icon Pete Sampras in the final.

Lleyton Hewitt defended his title next season. He was drawn to his group Red in 2002, where he defeated Marat Safin and Albert Costa. In the semifinals, he took down Swiss maestro Federer before he folded Juan Carlos Ferrero in a memorable summit clash.

3. Andre Agassi: 20 years, six months and 13 days

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi was 20 years and six months old when he won the ATP Finals in 1990. He recorded a resounding victory over defending champion Stefan Edberg in Frankfurt, 5–7, 7–6(7–5), 7–5, 6–2. However, it was Agassi’s first and only ATP Finals title. He’s one of the 15 tennis stars who have won the year-end championship only once.

Also Read: ATP Finals: Full list of title winners

2. Pete Sampras: 20 years and 3 months

Another American tennis legend, Pete Sampras was a complete superstar in every aspect. From pace to variety, the 14-time Grand Slam champion offered a brilliant skill set on the tennis court. He was only 20 years old when he stunned veteran Jim Courier to win the ATP Finals 3–6, 7–6(7–5), 6–3, 6–4 in 1991.

Seeded sixth, Sampras won two matches in John Newcombe’s group and defeated Ivan Lendl in the semifinals. The former American tennis star won four more Finals, with his last title coming in 1999, where he took down compatriot Andre Agassi 6–1, 7–5, 6–4.

1. John McEnroe: 19 years, 10 months and 22 days

Former American tennis star John McEnroe defeated compatriot Arthur Ashe to win the ATP Finals in 1978 in a three-set thriller 6–7(5–7), 6–3, 7–5 at the age of 19. The title in New York City was a huge breakthrough for McEnroe as he went on to win four titles at Flushing Meadows.

The American tennis legend won two more season-end titles in 1983 and 1984, defeating Ivan Lendl on both occasions. McEnroe is the only player to win the title before turning 20, and his record is expected to remain untouched for at least a few more years.

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