An all-time top 50 ranking of tennis players, combining the men's and women's games, has been compiled to compare the biggest stars across eras. The list, which goes back to before the start of the Open Era, places Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams toe-to-toe for the top spot.
Comparing Eras in Tennis
Tennis fans have been spoiled in the 21st century, with some of the greatest to ever play the sport showing what they are capable of. However, when ranking the best of the best, it's important not to forget those who came before.
Another year of Grand Slams is in the history books, with some members of the current crop showing why many fans already talk about them in the same breath as those who conquered all before them in years gone by. Still, as we close in on 60 years of the Open Era, greats of yesteryear still hold their own towards the top of the all-time rankings.
Players Ranked 50 to 47
Of course, it can be tough to compare those of this era with those who played against a different calibre of rival or with different equipment at their disposal. That hasn't stopped the ranking from being attempted. The list includes Jennifer Capriati at number 50, who turned pro at 13, reached the semis of three different Slams before her 16th birthday, and ended up with two titles in the Australian Open and one at Roland Garros, as well as Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992.
Naomi Osaka sits at 49, with four Slams under her belt at the age of 28, two in Australia and two at the US Open. A relative lack of other titles keeps her from a higher ranking, but there's still time. Jim Courier is at 48, having reached seven Grand Slam singles finals between 1991 and 1993, winning four of those as part of an impressive tally of 23 ATP singles titles over the course of his career.
Ashleigh Barty is ranked 47. Barty only won three majors but stepped away at the peak of her powers when more would surely have been on the way. In doing so, she became just the second woman to quit while holding the world No.1 ranking.
The full list continues to reveal which player earned the top spot.
