A dominant force in tennis, winning eight Grand Slam singles titles and holding the number one ranking for 270 weeks. Known for his powerful forehand and innovative training methods.
Ivan Lendl, a tennis legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, dominating the sport with his aggressive baseline power tennis and pioneering the now-ubiquitous inside-out forehand.
Born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Lendl was born into a tennis family. His parents, top players in Czechoslovakia, instilled in him a passion for the game from a young age. His mother, Olga, was a talented player in her own right, ranked No. 2 in the country.
Lendl's impressive career was marked by an astonishing 270 weeks as the world's top-ranked singles player, a record that stood for decades. He amassed an incredible 94 singles titles, including eight major singles titles, and was runner-up 11 times. His remarkable consistency earned him a record eight consecutive US Open finals appearances.
Lendl's staggering statistics include a match-winning percentage of over 90% in five different years (1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1989), making him the only man in professional tennis history to achieve this feat. He also boasted a comfortable head-to-head winning record against his biggest rivals, including a 22-13 record against Jimmy Connors and a 21-15 record against John McEnroe.
Lendl's impact on the sport extends far beyond his impressive résumé. He pioneered a new style of tennis, built around his powerful forehand, hit with heavy topspin and aggressive baseline play. This innovative approach revolutionized the game, influencing generations of players to come.
His success in popularizing this style of play has earned him the moniker "The Father of Modern Tennis" and "The Father of the Inside-Out Forehand." Many top players, including Andy Murray, have credited Lendl's influence on their own playing styles.
After retiring from professional tennis, Lendl transitioned into coaching, guiding several players to achieve great success. Most notably, he helped Andy Murray win three major titles and reach the world No. 1 ranking. Lendl's coaching expertise has cemented his status as a tennis legend, both on and off the court.
Lendl's numerous accolades include five year-end championships and a record 39-10 win-loss record at the ATP Finals. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
In addition to his tennis achievements, Lendl is a devoted husband and father of five daughters. He holds dual citizenship of the Czech Republic and the United States, reflecting his global influence on the sport.
Ivan Lendl's influence on modern tennis is immeasurable. His pioneering style, coaching expertise, and unparalleled success have cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. As the game continues to evolve, Lendl's legacy remains an integral part of tennis history.
69 Years Old
A Swedish tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1970s, winning eleven Grand Slam singles titles, including a record five consecutive Wimbledon championships. He's an iconic figure in tennis history, known for his athleticism, style, and rivalry with John McEnroe.
66 Years Old
A tennis legend and outspoken commentator, known for his fiery temper and iconic matches, as well as his current work as a TV analyst and broadcaster.
73 Years Old
A tennis legend who won eight Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his fiery competitiveness and dominant playing style. He later became a successful coach and sportscaster.
55 Years Old
A dominant tennis player of the 1990s, winning eight Grand Slam titles and earning a reputation for his athleticism and flamboyant style. He's also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.
54 Years Old
A dominant force in tennis, winning 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven Wimbledon crowns, and holding the world No. 1 ranking for a record 286 weeks.
39 Years Old
A dominant force in men's tennis, winning a record 21 Grand Slam titles and holding the number one ranking for a record 275 weeks. Known for his intense playing style and athleticism.
44 Years Old
A tennis legend holding a record 20 Grand Slam titles, dominating the sport with his elegant playing style and enduring success.
38 Years Old
A Serbian tennis superstar who has dominated the sport for years, holding numerous records and winning countless titles, including a record nine Australian Open crowns.
