Choosing the all-time greatest tennis players is a fascinating but challenging exercise. Much like the monumental faces immortalized on Mount Rushmore—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—some tennis players have carved their own indelible legacy into the sport’s history. But who exactly deserves a spot on a hypothetical “Mount Rushmore” for tennis?

This question inevitably opens a spirited debate among fans, experts, and historians alike. The obvious starting point for many is the so-called Big Three: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Their dominance in men’s tennis over the last two decades has reshaped the sport in unparalleled ways. Between them, they have amassed an astonishing number of Grand Slam titles—Djokovic and Nadal both have over 20 majors to their names, and Federer retired with 20. Their longevity, skill, and consistency at the highest level of competition have made them household names and arguably the most influential trio in tennis history.

Federer, often called the “Maestro,” was known for his elegant style, supreme footwork, and a seemingly effortless shot-making ability. He won his first Wimbledon title in 2003 and held the world No.1 spot for a record 310 weeks. Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay,” revolutionized the game with his incredible topspin, stamina, and fighting spirit. His unprecedented 14 French Open titles stand as a testament to his dominance on that surface. Novak Djokovic has been the most complete player of them all, with the ability to excel on all surfaces, combined with mental fortitude and extraordinary defensive skills. Djokovic’s achievements also include a double Career Grand Slam and holding all four major titles simultaneously, a feat known as the “Djokovic Slam.”

But limiting the Mount Rushmore to these three giants would exclude other transformational figures in tennis history. For example, what about players from earlier eras who laid the foundation for the sport?

Rod Laver is a prime candidate for such recognition. The Australian legend is the only male player to have won two calendar-year Grand Slams, achieving the feat in both 1962 and 1969. This was during a time when the sport was on the cusp of the Open Era, making Laver’s accomplishments even more extraordinary given the limited opportunities and adversities he faced. Laver’s powerful left-handed game and remarkable agility helped modernize tennis and inspire generations.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams stands out as perhaps the most dominant force in the history of tennis. Her aggressive style, unmatched athletic prowess, and mental toughness led her to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player—male or female—in the Open Era. Serena’s impact transcends tennis; she transformed the sport culturally and drew attention to diversity and equality. Her rivalries and partnerships with her sister Venus have created some of the most memorable moments in tennis history. Including a female player on a tennis Mount Rushmore is vital to capturing the full scope and impact of the sport across genders.

Björn Borg is another legendary name who deserves consideration. The Swedish player dominated the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning 11 Grand Slam titles, including five successive Wimbledon championships—a record at the time. Borg represented a shift toward a more physically demanding and strategic brand of tennis, and his calm demeanor under intense pressure earned him the nickname “Ice Man.” Borg’s cool and calculated style captivated fans and paved the way for the modern baseline player.

Looking beyond the greats themselves, the history of tennis includes important storylines that contributed context and depth to their achievements. The transition from amateur to professional status marked a turning point in the sport during the late 1960s with the onset of the Open Era in 1968. This change allowed all players—professional or amateur—to compete in Grand Slam tournaments, resulting in a more open, highly skilled, and competitive environment. The Open Era elevated tennis into a global professional sport and laid the groundwork for the era of competition that today’s stars inhabit.

For modern players coming up behind the legends, the climb is steep. Take Casper Ruud, a rising Norwegian talent, as an example. At just 27 years old, Ruud has steadily climbed the rankings and established himself as a top contender on the ATP Tour. His strong baseline game and clay-court prowess have earned him several ATP titles and a career-high ranking inside the top 10. However, when faced with the Big Three, Ruud’s record shows the challenge of breaking through the old guard. He has struggled against Federer and Nadal, both now retired (Federer retired in 2022 and Nadal in 2024), and holds only a 1-5 record against Djokovic. This underscores how rare and remarkable the dominance of the Big Three has been and how much future generations must reach to join their ranks.

The constantly evolving nature of tennis raises interesting questions about who will be remembered as all-time greats in years to come. While it’s tempting to fixate on numbers and titles, the influence players have on the sport’s culture, innovation of playing styles, and ability to inspire future generations also matter deeply.

So, who would you choose on your Mount Rushmore of tennis players? Would you opt for the three titans of recent decades? Include pioneers from the past? Make room for a female tennis legend? The choices reflect not just personal preferences but also an appreciation of how tennis has evolved over more than a century, shaped by unforgettable personalities who made their mark on and off the court.

The conversation continues, and the beauty of tennis lies not just in knowing who the greatest might be, but in witnessing new chapters being written in real time. Your “Mount Rushmore” might just be as dynamic as the sport itself. Feel free to share your picks and reasons—because the debate is as exciting as the game.