Pete Sampras is considered the greatest American men's tennis player of all time, holding the record of 14 Grand Slam titles and being ranked number one for six consecutive years. Andre Agassi dethroned Sampras from the number one ranking in 1999 and won eight Grand Slams, also contributing to the popularity of tennis during a career downturn when he admitted to abusing drugs. Jimmy Connors was the top ranked player from 1974-1977, winning eight Grand Slams and 109 ATP singles titles.
2. Pete Sampras
• Sampras is arguably the
greatest tennis player of all-
time. Throughout his career he
won a total of 14 Grand Slams
which was the record until
Swiss master, Roger Federer
collected a total of 17 titles.
He does, however, still hold
the record for consecutive
years ranked number one with
six years.
3. Andre Agassi
• In 1999 it was Agassi that
dethroned Sampras from his
number one ranking. Though
he is considered to be one of
the greatest players of all time
with eight Grand Slam titles,
he is perhaps better known for
his contribution to the
popularity of the sport. During
a brief hiatus and downfall of
the the star in the late 1990s,
Agassi admitted to abusing
drugs.
4. John McEnroe
• Another player that is known
as much for his personality as
his play, McEnroe was
notorious for arguing with
referees, players and officials.
He won seven Grand Slams
during his time and is
currently a color commentator
during large tennis events.
5. Jimmy Connors
• Connors was easily the
greatest player during his
time, holding the number one
spot from the summer of 1974
to the summer of 1977. He
holds eight Grand Slam
championships and a record
109 ATP Single’s titles. Since
retiring he has worked as a
tennis commentator and
coach.
6. Andy Roddick
• The last great American tennis
player captured the hearts
and minds of tennis fans. He
reached five Grand Slam
finals and only won one, losing
the rest to Roger Federer.