Tennis is one of the most prominent sports to undergo significant evolution due to technological progress. Everything from trainers to rackets or court surfaces has progressed over the last few decades, allowing a new breed of tennis stars to break countless records spectators never thought would be possible in the 20th century.
The top tennis players nowadays benefit from high-quality and scientifically led nutrition alongside comprehensive analysis of their game and numerous other advantages. The fact that several of the best players in history have emerged since 2000 is no surprise. Fans have enjoyed the likes of Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic as a result.
These stars have made predicting the outcome of tennis matches much easier than ever before, playing right into betting enthusiasts’ hands. As wagering on big tournaments such as Wimbledon or the US Open gets more popular, punters are increasingly looking for advantageous strategies. Check out platforms like The Punters Page for free betting tips to enhance your success.
Being knowledgeable about modern tennis is also a crucial way to gain more success while betting. It also furthers fans’ enjoyment as they get fully immersed in the iconic global sport. With this in mind, stay with us for five of the best 21st-century tennis stars.
Novak Djokovic
Nobody envisioned anyone breaking the grip Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had on men’s tennis during the late 2000s and early 2010s, but then along came Novak Djokovic. The dexterous Serb won his first Grand Slam at the 2008 Australian Open, winning 20 more since then. One of the best all-rounders in history, he’s famed for relentless returns and exceptional athleticism.
Djokovic is currently chasing Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams. His Australian visa ban was recently overturned, and the Serb is now the favorite to win the 2023 Australian Open in January. Undoubtedly one of the best players in the sport’s history, we wouldn’t be surprised if Djokovic made good on the predictions.
Ashleigh Barty
Despite her shock early retirement, Ashleigh Barty is still one of the best women’s players of the 21st century. The nimble Australian didn’t let her small size get in the way on the court, producing some of the most inventive and tactically astute tennis we’ve ever seen. She won the Australian Open in 2022, the French Open in 2019, and Wimbledon in 2021. We’ll never know if Barty would have lifted the US Open trophy, as she retired in 2022.
She was only the second player to retire with the No. 1 WTA ranking, saying in an interview, "I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent”. Many fans hope Barty will return one day. Considering she’s still only 26, there’s still a significant chance of this happening.
Serena Wiliams
Tennis players don’t get more iconic than Serena Williams, an undisputed legend of women’s tennis. Her career spans four decades, with countless Grand Slam titles since her first at the 1999 US Open. Together with her sister Venus, Serena Williams dominated the WTA tour during the 2000s and 2010s, winning seven Wimbledon and Australian Open titles.
Although the American superstar finally retired in 2022, she has since claimed she would join a legacy league for tennis greats making a comeback. Whatever happens in the future, Serena Williams will go down as arguably the best female player of the early 21st century. Films such as the recent King Richard starring Will Smith further defines her legacy.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal burst onto the scene as a sprightly teenager in the early 2000s, establishing an unbreakable grip on Roland Garros from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2014. The tenacious Spaniard has won a record 14 French Opens and 22 Grand Slam titles overall. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had one of the greatest rivalries in sporting history over the past two decades, going toe-to-toe at various ATP tour tournaments.
We’re unsure if any player will ever match Nadal’s pure determination and ferocity on the court. Competitors are regularly exasperated by his ability to keep running no matter what. Meanwhile, his devastating topspin forehand is one of the most formidable weapons in men’s tennis. Nadal recently came back from a potentially career-ending set of injuries to win the French Open and Australian Open in 2022, further solidifying his status as one of the best 21st-century tennis stars.
Roger Federer
Roger Federer has left an exceptional legacy and retires as possibly the best male tennis player in history. The elegant Swiss hitter glides across the court with truly ethereal energy, making shots other people could only dream of. He was untouchable on the ATP tour for a couple of years before Nadal and Djokovic entered the fray, racking up countless accolades in the early days.
Wimbledon was Federer’s favorite tournament by far, winning it a record eight times. If there is one 21st-century tennis player fans will never forget, it’s Roger Federer.
