Who are the players that defeated the reigning world number ones the most times but never reached the top spot themselves?

As the new season approaches, two seasoned players have declared that the next season will mark their final year, namely the French veteran Monfils and the Swiss veteran Wawrinka.

Unlike Monfils, whose best Grand Slam achievement is just reaching the semifinals, Wawrinka has won three Grand Slam championships, which is significantly more impressive. He triumphed over top players in three finals to claim the titles, making his performance stand out. He also ranks prominently on the list of players who have defeated the world number one the most times without ever becoming number one themselves. The overall ranking is as follows:

Del Potro 10 times

When selecting the greatest one-time Grand Slam players in history, the Argentine, along with Roddick and Murray, has always been a top contender. He is also the only player to have beaten the world number one ten times without ever claiming the world number one ranking himself.

After stunning victories over Nadal in 2009 and ending Federer’s five-year US Open streak, the Argentine was plagued by a long battle with injuries. Although his later achievements fell short of expectations, managing to defeat the world number one ten times and winning both a Grand Slam and a Masters title is already a remarkable accomplishment.

Chang 7 times

Krajicek 7 times

These two legendary players each defeated the world number one seven times, closely following behind. Chang famously won the Indian Wells title at just 19, still holding the record as the youngest male Grand Slam singles champion, a feat even Nadal’s academy can’t match. Krajicek was a Wimbledon champion and the top Dutch player of his era, competing fiercely alongside Sampras and others.

Larsson 5 times

Ivanisevic 5 times

Ferrer 5 times

Wawrinka 5 times

Thiem 5 times

Looking further down the list, there are quite a few players with more than five wins against the world number one. The top three among them might be less familiar to recent fans, but Djokovic’s former coach Ivanisevic proved his worth by storming through a Challenger event with a wildcard to claim the title, showing it was no fluke.

Ferrer, a steady player who often ran alongside the Big Three, reached his best Grand Slam result as a French Open finalist. Although he rarely defeated Federer, he had a decent record against Del Potro and Nadal, and managed to win a Masters title during his career.

Besides winning three Grand Slam finals against Del Potro, Wawrinka also claimed the Monte Carlo Masters title by defeating Federer, a tournament regarded as a key indicator for the French Open.

Thiem, who retired not long ago, is especially regrettable. Fearless against the Big Three, he played with great determination but was unfortunately plagued by injuries, leading him to retire in his early thirties while still at his peak.

Among the matches where these players challenged the world number ones, which one left the deepest impression on you?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)