Imagining the possibility of bringing one tennis legend out of retirement invites us on a thrilling journey through the sport’s rich history. The question isn’t simply which player dominated the scoreboard, but whose return would electrify the game and capture the imagination of fans worldwide once more. From powerful baseline titans to graceful net-rushers, every tennis icon leaves behind a legacy etched in shifting play styles, groundbreaking achievements, and captivating rivalries.

To start, it’s impossible to overlook Steffi Graf when discussing the pantheon of tennis greats. Graf’s remarkable career spanned from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, a period during which she revolutionized women’s tennis with her aggressive forehand, lightning footwork, and mental toughness. She remains the only player in history to achieve the “Golden Slam” — winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal in a single calendar year (1988). Over her career, she spent a staggering 377 weeks as world No. 1, a record that highlights not just brilliance but sustained excellence. She secured 22 Grand Slam singles titles, a mark only recently surpassed by Serena Williams, whose 23 titles themselves testify to an era-defining career.

Graf’s dominance was characterized by an uncanny ability to blend power with finesse. Her forehand was feared for its penetrating velocity, while her footwork allowed her to transition seamlessly from defense to offense. Yet, her career was not without rivalry drama. Battles with Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and later Monica Seles added unforgettable layers to tennis history. Graf’s resilience showed again after her tragic stabbing in 1993, which interrupted her career but also highlighted her indomitable spirit when she returned to win more titles.

Speaking of Navratilova, her name commands awe as one of the most versatile players ever. Navratilova redefined athleticism in women’s tennis, combining incredible endurance with tactical mastery. Her serve-and-volley style, rare in the modern baseline-heavy game, made her a unique and formidable opponent. Over a career that began in the 1970s and extended well into the 1990s, she amassed 18 Grand Slam singles titles and an astonishing 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, showcasing her unparalleled all-around skills. Navratilova spent 332 weeks as the world No. 1—evidence of her dominance spanning multiple years. Beyond titles, she pushed the boundaries of fitness and longevity, competing at a high level into her late 40s, a feat unheard of back then.

Another undeniable choice would be Serena Williams, whose impact transcends tennis alone. Serena reshaped the women’s game with her formidable serve, explosive groundstrokes, and unyielding competitive fire. Emerging in the late 1990s, Serena’s career includes 23 Grand Slam singles titles, making her the most decorated female player in the Open Era. Her rivalry with her sister Venus Williams and other contemporaries transformed the sport, drawing unprecedented global attention. Serena also broke social and cultural barriers, inspiring a new generation of athletes beyond tennis. Her physicality and mental resilience set new standards in an era increasingly defined by powerful baseline play.

In exploring who to revive, we might also consider Monica Seles, a player whose raw talent and aggressive two-handed strokes mesmerized fans in the early 1990s. Seles won eight Grand Slam singles titles by the young age of 19 and was world No. 1 before her promising career was tragically interrupted by a stabbing incident in 1993. Her comeback journey highlighted remarkable courage, making her an inspiring figure beyond her statistics.

Then there’s Chris Evert, whose elegance and precision on the court produced 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Known for her consistency, especially on clay courts, Evert’s baseline game was a beacon of reliability and tactical intelligence that contrasted with more aggressive styles. Her peaceful demeanor and sportsmanship also helped popularize tennis in the United States during the 1970s and ’80s.

Beyond the individual brilliance, the history of tennis legends is also a story of evolution. Players like Navratilova brought serve-and-volley tactics to prominence, while Graf and her contemporaries introduced athleticism and speed that transformed the women’s game. The enduring legacies of these champions lie not just in numbers but in how they pushed tennis into new realms—whether through technique, athletic training, or cultural impact.

The idea of bringing one legend out of retirement is more than a fun hypothetical; it’s a chance to reflect on what makes tennis so compelling. Each player brought a distinct flavor to the game: the strategic brilliance of Navratilova, the relentless baseline power of Serena, the graceful versatility of Graf, or the determined resilience of Sharapova. In a sport that constantly reinvents itself, these icons serve as touchstones, reminding us how passion and excellence on the court can resonate far beyond the game.

So, who would you bring back? Would it be Steffi Graf, whose Golden Slam still stands unrivaled? Martina Navratilova, who led the fitness and longevity revolution? Or Serena Williams, who broke records and barriers alike? Whatever your pick, it’s clear that tennis history is sprinkled with stars that could light up today’s courts anew. After all, in tennis—as in life—it often comes down to how well you serve up the moment.