The image below presents a strength hierarchy of male players from the Open Era, categorizing them into five ranks based on their accomplishments and historical impact. The main factors are Grand Slam victories, weeks at world No. 1, and event dominance. The following explains each tier’s significance.

1. THE GOATS (Greatest of All Time)

This group consists solely of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal—the “Big Three” in tennis.

Together, they have won 66 Grand Slam singles titles, dominating men’s tennis for nearly two decades and holding most major Open Era records (such as Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slams, Federer’s 310 weeks at No. 1, and Nadal’s 14 French Open titles). They are universally recognized as the top players in tennis history.

2. LEGENDS

This category includes Borg, Laver, McEnroe, Wilander, Sampras, Agassi, Connors, Roddick, and Alcaraz, among others.

These players often hold multiple Grand Slam titles or dominated specific eras (for example, Sampras’s 14 Grand Slams, Agassi’s career Grand Slam, and Alcaraz’s rise as a new generation leader). They set the benchmark in their respective times. Alcaraz is placed here mainly due to expectations of winning more Grand Slams.

3. ELITE CLASS

Includes Becker, Vilas, Wawrinka, Kuerten, Edberg, Murray, Sinner, Khachanov, Newcombe, and others.

Most are Grand Slam winners (like Wawrinka’s 3 Slams and Murray’s 3 Slams) or have excelled in Masters or Olympics, considered “near-legend” level.

4. WORLD CLASS

Includes Hewitt, Nastase, Rosewall, Roddick, Ashe, Kafelnikov, Laver, Del Potro, Safin, and others.

Many have 1-2 Grand Slam titles or have reached world No. 1 (such as Roddick and Hewitt). They are strong competitors on tour but lack the dominance and achievements of higher tiers.

5. FANTASTIC PLAYERS

Includes Ferrero, Medvedev, Moya, Chang, Rios, Muster, Zverev, Cilic, and others.

Many have won Grand Slam singles titles (like Chang’s French Open and Medvedev’s US Open) or maintained long stints in the world top ten but have fewer Grand Slam wins and shorter peak periods.

Zverev is an exception here, as he has not yet won a Grand Slam. However, he has twice won the ATP Finals, earned an Olympic gold medal, and claimed seven Masters titles. The omission of Thiem in the image is a mistake.

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