Top five tennis players with lowest number of mid-match retirements

Roger Federer’s stunning stat is unlikely to be broken ever.

Tennis players fight two battles on the court, one against their opponent and the other against their body. In this test of longevity and endurance, many end up on the wrong end, leading to early retirements or lengthy absences from the sport.

One such testimony to a player’s commitment and dedication is the number of times they have withdrawn in between matches. Many times, players enter a match with existing niggles, or sickness, which hampers their progress, forcing them to forfeit.

Here we take a look at the top five players who played for almost two decades, and yet top the list for the lowest number of mid-match retirements.

Tennis players with lowest number of mid-match retirements-

Boris Becker – 6

Boris Becker is one of the all-time legends of the sport and finished his career with six Grand Slam singles titles. Out of the 927 matches he featured in during his career, there were just six mid-match retirements.

One significant instance was at the 1997 Monte Carlo Masters, where he retired against Thomas Muster due to a wrist injury. Another came at the 1999 Australian Open, when he was forced to stop against Nicolas Escude because of a back problem.

Becker’s low retirement count, despite his aggressive and injury-prone play, underscores his toughness and commitment to the sport.

Also Read: List of players with 100 or more match wins at Grand Slam events

Bjorn Borg – 5

11-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg’s era-defining composure and stamina are reflected in his mere five mid-match retirements, out of 794 matches he has contested. One of the most notable was at the 1978 Stockholm Open, where he retired against John McEnroe due to illness.

Borg’s rare withdrawals were almost always due to unavoidable physical issues, and his ability to endure marathon matches at the French Open and Wimbledon became a hallmark of his greatness.

Andy Murray – 4

Andy Murray is an unexpected entrant in this list, as the Brit has been consistently affected by injuries, missing several major events during his prime. Despite his struggles, Murray withdrew just four times mid-way. One notable instance was at the 2011 Cincinnati Masters, where he retired against Mardy Fish due to a right quadriceps injury.

Another came at the 2019 Cincinnati Masters against Richard Gasquet, as he was still recovering from hip surgery. These rare retirements reflect not only the toll of his physical battles but also his deep sense of responsibility to compete whenever possible.

Also Read: Top five fastest serves in Grand Slam history men’s singles

John McEnroe – 1

John McEnroe, a 7-time Grand Slam winner, retired just once mid-match, having featured in 1073 singles matches throughout his 15-year-long career. His solitary retirement came at the 1986 US Open, when he was forced to stop due to a stomach virus during his fourth-round match against Paul Annacone.

The rare incident highlighted McEnroe’s never-say-die attitude, as he was known for fighting through adversity and emotional swings to finish what he set.

Roger Federer – 0

Roger Federer holds many records in tennis, but one unique record stands out. He has played 1,154 matches in his career, the most for any active player, and has not retired mid-way even once out of those many contests.

The Swiss legend’s incredible fitness and ability to remain on court and give his 100%, fighting through physical injuries, make him special. While he may not have the highest number of slams or titles, Federer is arguably the most loved player, mainly for the way he carries himself both on and off the court.

Playing a complete match and not throwing in the towel mid-way is something fans appreciate, as they pay huge bucks to watch tennis players compete in tournaments. This record will never be broken anytime soon!

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