In the world of tennis, winning a Grand Slam title is often seen as the ultimate measure of greatness. Yet, throughout history, there have been exceptional players who reached spectacular heights but never quite captured that elusive major crown. Among the most debated figures in this category are Marcelo Ríos and Alexander Zverev — two players whose careers spark compelling discussions about talent, legacy, and what it truly means to be “the best to never win a Grand Slam.”

Marcelo Ríos, the Chilean maestro known for his graceful shot-making and razor-sharp court intelligence, achieved something few ever have: he ascended to the world number one ranking in 1998 without ever winning a Grand Slam title. This feat alone cements his place as a unique figure in tennis history. Ríos’ rise was meteoric; he combined cunning tactics with remarkable hand skills, dazzling fans with unpredictable shot selection and a style that often bewildered opponents. His only Grand Slam final came at the 1998 Australian Open, where he fell to Petr Korda in four sets, but it remains a career highlight that added an asterisk to his story—greatness without the sparkle of a major trophy.

Ríos’ dominance extended beyond the Slams — he captured 18 ATP singles titles throughout his career, including prestigious Masters Series events. Notably, he triumphed at the 1998 Canadian Open and was victorious in Monte Carlo a year earlier, showcasing his ability to thrive on both hard courts and clay. Beyond singles, Ríos also found some success in doubles, a testament to his all-around court intelligence. While his personality was often as much in the spotlight as his tennis — sometimes brash and controversial — his legacy as one of the sport’s most naturally gifted players remains uncontested.

Alexander Zverev’s career paints a contrasting but equally fascinating picture. The German powerhouse burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent, steadily climbing the ATP rankings with powerful baseline play, a strong serve, and an ability to grind out matches. Unlike Ríos, Zverev has been a constant fixture in tennis’s elite for nearly a decade, regularly ranked inside the top 10 and boasting a significant haul of 14 ATP titles, including multiple Masters 1000 victories such as in Rome and Canada.

Despite his steady climb and undeniable potential, Zverev’s best Grand Slam results have been semifinal appearances, at the US Open and recently Wimbledon, yet the major breakthrough of a title win has eluded him. His consistent presence in the latter stages of majors suggests a player on the brink of an even greater achievement, with many observers expecting him to finally capture a Slam trophy in the foreseeable future. Unlike the fleeting peak that characterized Ríos’ career, Zverev’s story so far has been one of persistence and gradual growth, fighting through injuries and the intense shadow cast by contemporaries like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Expanding beyond these two players, tennis history is dotted with greats who never secured a Slam despite remarkable careers. Players like David Nalbandian, who reached No. 3 in the world and famously beat the “Big Three” on multiple occasions but never won a major, or Johan Kriek, a two-time Australian Open winner who is sometimes overlooked in this context. Additionally, the Open Era has seen legends like Ivan Lendl, who struggled early in his career but ultimately won eight Grand Slam titles, proving that major success can sometimes arrive later despite early frustrations.

When weighing who deserves the title of the best player never to win a Slam, context matters. Ríos’ whirlwind career and brief dominance in the late 1990s was during an era marked by legendary champions—Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and later, the rise of the Big Three—making his ascent and achievements remarkable despite no Slam won. Zverev, meanwhile, has had to navigate the near-impossible task of breaking through amidst arguably the most competitive generation in tennis history. His consistency and mental resilience mark him as a player built for longevity and future triumph.

While their styles and careers differ, both Ríos and Zverev have left indelible marks on the sport. Marcelo Ríos delighted tennis fans with his artistry and flair, embodying the mercurial genius often associated with the game’s greats who live on in memory beyond titles. Alexander Zverev’s journey is still unfolding, offering a narrative of perseverance and the tantalizing promise of what could be.

As the tennis world shifts focus to upcoming tournaments and the chase for Grand Slam glory continues, these players serve as fascinating case studies for the complexity of greatness. Winning a major is a monumental challenge, and not securing one does not erase extraordinary talent and contribution to the sport. The legacies of Ríos and Zverev remind us that tennis is not solely about the hardware; it’s about the stories, styles, and spirit with which the game is played.

Whether Zverev will soon capture that long-coveted major crown remains to be seen. Until then, fans watch eagerly, appreciating the artistry of players like Ríos and the relentless ambition of Zverev—the best of the best, yet still chasing history.