I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. Separation anxiety is starting to set in… * * * Novak Djokovic [SRB] Born: 22 May 1987 Career: 2005-present Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (2011) Peak Elo rating: 2,470 (1st place, 2016) Major singles titles: 21 Total singles titles: 91 * … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 4, Novak Djokovic
I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. If this is your favorite player, Congrats! (or: I’m sorry.) * * * Roger Federer [SUI] Born: 8 August 1981 Career: 1999-2022 Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (2004) Peak Elo rating: 2,383 (1st place, 2007) Major singles titles: 20 Total singles titles: … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 5, Roger Federer
I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. If this is your favorite player, Congrats! (or: I’m sorry.) * * * Rafael Nadal [ESP] Born: 3 June 1986 Career: 2003-present Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (2008) Peak Elo rating: 2,370 (1st place, 2009) Major singles titles: 22 Total singles titles: … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 8, Rafael Nadal
I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. Beware of GOATs. * * * Pete Sampras [USA] Born: 12 August 1971 Career: 1988-2002 Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (1993) Peak Elo rating: 2,319 (1st place, 1994) Major singles titles: 14 Total singles titles: 64 * * * Pete Sampras … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 21, Pete Sampras
In 2022, I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. With luck, we’ll get to #1 in December. Enjoy! * * * Andy Roddick [USA] Born: 30 August 1982 Career: 2001-12 Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (2003) Peak Elo rating: 2,181 (1st place, 2003) Major singles titles: 1 Total singles … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 80, Andy Roddick
In 2022, I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. With luck, we’ll get to #1 in December. Enjoy! * * * Budge Patty [USA] Born: 11 February 1924 Died: 4 October 2021 Career: 1940-60 Played: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (1950) Peak Elo rating: 1 (1954) Major singles titles: 2 … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 81, Budge Patty
In 2022, I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. With luck, we’ll get to #1 in December. Enjoy! * * * Goran Ivanišević [CRO] Born: 13 September 1971 Career: 1989-2004 Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand) Peak rank: 2 (1994) Peak Elo rating: 2,185 (3rd place, 1993) Major singles titles: 1 (2001 Wimbledon) … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 111, Goran Ivanišević
In 2022, I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. With luck, we’ll get to #1 in December. Enjoy! * * * Rosie Casals [USA] Born: 16 September 1948 Career: 1962-83 Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Peak rank: 3 (1970) Peak Elo rating: 2,274 (3rd place, 1971) Major singles titles: 0 Total singles … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 115, Rosie Casals
In 2022, I’m counting down the 128 best players of the last century. With luck, we’ll get to #1 in December. Enjoy! * * * Ashley Cooper [AUS] Born: 15 September 1936 Died: 22 May 2020 Career: 1952-63 Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Peak rank: 1 (1957, 1958) Peak Elo rating: 2,164 (1st, 1958) Major singles titles: 4 … Continue reading The Tennis 128: No. 122, Ashley Cooper
Expected Points, my new short, daily podcast, highlights three numbers to illustrate stats, trends, and interesting trivia around the sport. Up today: Ilya Ivashka posts another career-best performance in a losing effort, Barbora Krejcikova has risen the ranks with unusually good clutch play, and Jannik Sinner suffered a dose of his own medicine. Scroll down … Continue reading Expected Points, June 15: The Man Who Almost Beat Both Federer and Nadal