In tennis, Grand Slams are the pinnacle, the Holy Grail that defines the greatest of all time. But what about those players whose skill and passion made their names unforgettable, even though they never lifted one of those coveted trophies?
They are the “almost” champions, the ones who, for one reason or another, saw their dreams of glory slip away in the final set, at the decisive point. David Ferrer, Marcelo Ríos, Alexander Zverev… figures who left their mark in every match.
Although they are legends without a Grand Slam, they have a legacy that goes beyond titles. Their stories of bittersweet greatness remind us that in tennis, greatness is not always measured by trophies.
David Nalbandian
David Nalbandian of Argentina shows his dejection after learning of his disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct during his mens singles final round in the AEGON Championships in 2012. (Source: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
David Nalbandian, considered one of the most talented tennis players in history, was one of Argentina’s greatest tennis figures. Throughout his career, he reached world No. 3 and came close to winning several major titles.
His best Grand Slam result was the Wimbledon final in 2002, where he lost to Lleyton Hewitt. In addition to his technical prowess, he was known for his ability to defeat top players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Despite his great talent, he never managed to win a Grand Slam, though he did win the ATP Finals in 2005. His lack of a Grand Slam title is often attributed to his inconsistency during the decisive moments of major tournaments.
David Ferrer
David Ferrer of Spain shows his frustration after a point during his quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day ten of the Australian Open 2008. (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
David Ferrer, one of the most tenacious and admired players of his generation, was known for his resilience and relentless effort on the court. The Spaniard reached world No. 3 in 2013, and his career was defined by his solid playing style and ability to reach the final stages of major tournaments.
His best Grand Slam result was the 2013 French Open final, where he lost to Rafael Nadal. He also made the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2011. Despite his great consistency and being one of the most respected players, he never won a Grand Slam. However, he earned respect from fans and peers alike, making him one of the best players of his era.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns a shot against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day nine of the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open. (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a player with a vibrant personality and spectacular playing style, was known for his powerful forehand and ability to perform under pressure. Throughout his career, he reached No. 5 in the world and was a finalist at the 2008 Australian Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
He also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and the French Open twice. Despite his popular playing style, he never won a Grand Slam, though he had several opportunities throughout his career. His combination of charisma and talent made him a fan favorite, but the lack of a Grand Slam title marked his career.
Dinara Safina
Dinara Safina of Russia in action against Vera Zvonareva of Russia during the Sony Ericsson Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 25, 2011. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)
Dinara Safina, the younger sister of the also successful Marat Safin, was one of the standout players of her generation. In 2009, she reached No. 1 in the world, and over her career, she came close to winning a Grand Slam on several occasions.
Her best Grand Slam result was reaching the final of the 2008 French Open and the 2009 Australian Open, but she lost both matches. Despite being one of the best players of her era, she never won a Grand Slam. Her achievements include several WTA titles, but the lack of a major title in her career is often discussed.
Vera Zvonareva
Vera Zvonareva of Russia serves against Ons Jabeur during day two of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on February 15, 2022. (Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Vera Zvonareva was a Russian player who reached world No. 2 in 2010. Her career was marked by consistency and the ability to compete at the highest level. She reached the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open in 2010, but she couldn’t win either of them.
She also made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Roland Garros. Despite her impressive career and ability on the court, she never won a Grand Slam, a subject often discussed in relation to her career.
Agnieszka Radwanska
Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland celebrates victory after her Ladies Singles third round match on day six of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 2017. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Agnieszka Radwanska, the Polish player known for her tactical game, reached No. 2 in the world in 2012 and was one of the smartest players on the WTA tour. She reached the final of Wimbledon in 2012 and was a semifinalist at the Australian Open twice.
Despite her impressive ability to read the game and her technical prowess, she was never able to win a Grand Slam title throughout her career. She was highly respected on tour, and her unique style made her a favorite among fans.
Francisco Clavet
Francisco Clavet of Spain plays Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina during the Pegaso Open in 2002. (Source: Craig Jones/Getty Images)
Francisco Clavet, a Spanish player with a solid career, was known for his tenacity and consistency. He reached a notable level in the ATP, winning eight titles and reaching seven final stages.
Though he never won a Grand Slam title, he was highly respected on tour for his ability to compete at the highest level for many years. His career unfolded in an era with many top competitors, which made it difficult for him to secure the coveted Grand Slam title. Still, he earned a place in tennis history.
Tomas Berdych
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic returns a shot against Andy Roddick of the United States during the men’s final of the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Tomas Berdych, a Czech tennis player known for his powerful serve and strong baseline game, reached world No. 4 and was a fixture in the top 10 for many years. His best Grand Slam result was reaching the final of Wimbledon in 2010, where he was defeated by Rafael Nadal.
He also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2014. Despite his consistent success in major tournaments, he was unable to secure a Grand Slam title. His powerful game and consistency on the ATP tour made him one of the most respected players of his generation.
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in action in his match against Jurgen Melzer of Austria during day five of the ABN AMBRO World Tennis Tournament on February 12, 2010. (Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Nikolay Davydenko, a Russian tennis player with an exceptional return game and quick footwork, was one of the most consistent players on the ATP tour. He reached No. 3 in the world and was known for his ability to compete against top players consistently.
His best Grand Slam result came at the 2005 US Open, where he reached the semifinals. Though he was often a contender in major tournaments, he was never able to secure a Grand Slam title. His lack of a major win in his career remains a significant point of discussion among tennis fans.
Alex Corretja
Àlex Corretja of Spain competing in the men’s tennis at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, 21st September 2000. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Alex Corretja, a Spanish player who reached world No. 2, was known for his versatility and ability on all surfaces, especially on clay. He reached two French Open finals in 1998 and 2001 but was unable to claim victory in either.
He was also a finalist at the 2003 Australian Open. Despite his impressive results in Grand Slam tournaments, he never won a major. He had a highly respected career and was a key figure in Spanish tennis during his era.
Marcelo Rios
Marcelo Rios of Chile makes a double backhand return to Andrei Pavel during their Men’s Singles second round match at the US Open Tennis Championship in 2001. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Marcelo Rios, a Chilean tennis player known for his incredible talent and flair on the court, reached world No. 1 in 1998. His best Grand Slam result was reaching the final of the Australian Open in 1998, where he lost to Petr Korda.
He was known for his exquisite shot-making, but despite being one of the most gifted players of his era, he never won a Grand Slam title. His inability to win a major, despite his skills, is often discussed when looking back at his career.
Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates winning match point against Alex De Minaur of Australia during the Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on Day 11 at Roland Garros in 2024. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Alexander Zverev, a German tennis player who has reached the ATP top 5, is considered one of the best young talents in modern tennis. He reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open in 2020, where he lost to Dominic Thiem.
He has also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and the French Open, but he has yet to win a Grand Slam. He is known for his powerful game and exceptional skills, and many tennis experts believe that he still has the potential to win a major title in the future.
