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Tennis

Top 10 men's singles players with most Grand Slam matches

Published at :February 15, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Modified at :February 15, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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Novak Djokovic tops the list of playing most Grand Slam matches, he achieved this feat in Australian Open 2025.

Tennis is a sport that witnesses four major championships every year, which constitute Grand Slams- the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. At the end of a player’s career, their success is determined by the number of slams they won during their tenure. Winning the Slam is equivalent to winning the World Cup in cricket or football, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Many tennis players who have been on the ATP circuit for decades have been unable to get their hands on silverware, primarily due to the Big Three. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have together won 66 Grand Slam titles in the last two decades.

Also Read: Top six best individual seasons in tennis men’s singles

In the second round of the Australian Open 2025, the Serbian triumphed over Portugal’s Jaime Faria to become the player with the most Grand Slam matches, going past Roger Federer’s record of 429. As a 24-time Grand Slam winner, the 37-year-old Serbian legend’s incredible performances are a result of his incredible fitness standards and longevity.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 players who have played the highest number of Grand Slam matches.

10. John McEnroe – 206 matches

One of America’s finest players, John McEnroe won 7 Grand Slam singles trophies including 4 US Open and 3 Wimbledon championships. With a win-loss record of 167 to 38 games, McEnroe boasts an impressive 82% success rate in the sport’s toughest competition. In 1984, the American created a unique record, by winning 11 consecutive match victories without losing a set.

9. Stefan Edberg – 224 matches

Stefan Edberg is one of the few players who reached the final of all four Grand Slam tournaments, highlighting the Swedish icon’s versatility and unique ability to adjust to all types of courts. Edberg advanced to 11 Grand Slam finals but managed to win only 6, triumphing twice in all Grand Slams barring the Roland Garros.

Also Read: Top five youngest men’s singles players to achieve Career Grand Slam

8. Pete Sampras – 241 matches

Arguably America’s finest tennis player, Pete Sampras is a legend of the game. The 14-time Grand Slam singles title holder, has seven Wimbledon titles, two Australian Open and five US Open titles to his name. Sampras started his professional career in 1988 at the tender age of 16 and finished the year in the top 100.

The American’s dominance and excellence on the grass courts of Wimbledon is well known, as he holds the distinction of being the second-highest Wimbledon trophy winner. Between 1997 and 2001, the American legend embarked on a remarkable streak of 31 consecutive victories. Sampras possessed a booming serve, exquisite volleying skills, and an unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

7. Andy Murray – 257 matches

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Andy Murray (Credits: Getty Images)

Andy Murray is one of Britain’s all-time great tennis players who would have easily won more Grand Slam titles had it not been for the Big Three. He eventually finished his career with 2 Wimbledon and 1 US Open trophy, before calling time in 2024.

Murray reached his first Major and final at the 2008 US Open, where he lost in the final to Roger Federer in straight sets. He played his second Major final at the 2010 Australian Open, again losing to Federer in straight sets. At the 2011 Australian Open, Murray’s third Major final appearance ended in another straight sets defeat, this time at the hands of Novak Djokovic. The British reached a total of 11 GS finals but were able to convert only 3 into accolades.

6. Ivan Lendl – 270 matches

Ivan Lendl is a veteran of the tennis sport, who advanced to his maiden Grand Slam final back in 1981 at the French Open. The former Czech-American legend played 19 GS finals but managed to scalp just 8 triumphs. Lendl’s battles with McEnroe, Edberg and Jimmy Connors were a delight to witness and are regarded as one of the most fascinating rivalries in tennis history.

Also Read: List of singles players to achieve Career Grand Slam

5. Andre Agassi – 279 matches

Andre Agassi won 224 Grand Slam matches out of 279 matches played, which symbolizes his evolution from a dashing youngster to a seasoned champion. Known for his powerful groundstrokes and philanthropic contributions off the court, Agassi’s eight Grand Slam titles are a testament to his enduring legacy.

One of America’s all-time greats, Agassi lost just five matches in 53 outings in Melbourne and finished his impressive career with 4 Australian Open, 2 US Open titles and 1 title each at Wimbledon and the French Open.

4. Jimmy Connors – 282 matches

An embodiment of tenacity, Jimmy Connors’ 233 Grand Slam match wins reflect his gritty playing style. Connors’ remarkable longevity and aggressive baseline play earned him eight Grand Slam titles and a place in tennis history. Before the emergence of the Big Three, Jimmy Connors held an impressive Grand Slam match wins tally that some thought was unbeatable.

The incorrigible Connors won eight major singles championships, including five US Opens (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983), two Wimbledon Gentlemen Singles Championships (1974, 1982), and one Australian Open (1974).

Also Read: Top six ATP players with highest winning percentage as World No. 1

3. Rafael Nadal – 358 matches

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Rafael Nadal (Credits- Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal will always be recognised as a player who never gave up. With 22 Grand Slam victories, the Spaniard is the second most successful GS winner (among men). The “King of Clay” boasts a formidable record of winning the Roland Garros 14 times.

During his peak, beating the Spaniard on clay was arguably the toughest task in the sport. The Spaniard consistently thwarted even the legendary Roger Federer who failed to beat Nadal even once at the French Open, while Djokovic managed to accomplish the task twice, but these wins came during the fag end of Nadal’s career.

Also Read: List of Grand Slams Rafael Nadal has missed due to injuries

2. Roger Federer – 429 matches

Five opponents Roger Federer has faced most in Grand Slam finals
Roger Federer (@atptour/ Twitter)

Arguably the most loved and respected tennis player, reputed for his aesthetic gameplay, the Swiss maestro redefined tennis. With 20 Grand Slams and holding the record for most Wimbledon championship titles, Roger Federer continues to command the same attention and the spotlight as he did during his days of competitive tennis, even after retirement.

Roger Federer reached 31 Grand Slam finals in his career and conjured up many memorable encounters with his peers in his career spanning over two decades. His iconic battles against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray made several spectators from across different parts of the globe fall in love with the game.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s five best Australian Open matches of all-time

1. Novak Djokovic – 430 matches

Novak Djokovic's Dominance Stat: Serbian tennis ace enjoys head-to-head superiority against ATP top 25 players
Novak Djokovic (Credits: Getty Images)

The most successful man with the highest number of Grand Slam titles (24), along with the most at the Australian Open (10), Novak Djokovic has already ‘completed tennis’. While he strives to surpass Margaret Court and win his 25th slam, along with a 100th career title, Djokovic edged Federer to become the player with the highest number of Grand Slam matches during the 2025 Australian Open.

The Serbian remains the only active player from amongst this list. His longevity and fitness are commendable. Moreover, the 36-year-old is set to end his career with a favorable head-to-head record against the Big Three, leading 31-29 and 27-23 over Nadal and Federer, respectively.

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