Tim Henman picks his five best male tennis players of all time

Follow us on Google Discover

The greatest men’s player of all time debate is one that has been roaring for some time, and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon.

And it has now reemerged at the 2025 French Open, which just said goodbye to one of the best players ever in Rafael Nadal.

Nadal was given a fitting farewell on day one at Roland Garros, having won the Grand Slam a record 14 times.

He was joined on court Philippe Chatrier by several other legends, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Nadal thanked Djokovic, Federer and Murray for being a part of his farewell ceremony, during which he was left very emotional.

Rafael Nadal features in Tim Henman’s five best male players ever

Unsurprisingly, the Big Three have now featured in Tim Henman’s list of the top 5 best male players of all time.

Sharing his list with TNT Sports, former British number one Henman commented: “Fifth place is Rod Laver.

READ MORE: Many tennis fans are in agreement over what the French Open should do next to honour Rafael Nadal after his ceremony

“I think for someone to win the career… the calendar Grand Slam on two occasions, just absolutely phenomenal. He’s a real icon, ambassador of our sport, so he is my fifth.

“In fourth place I would say Pete Sampras. He was someone that I played against many, many times. Seven Wimbledon titles, 14 Grand Slams in total, an incredible career.

“In third place I would go for Roger Federer. Winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, eight Wimbledons, played so well on every surface, just how easy he made the game look with his footwork, but also his technique. That one-handed backhand was always a pleasure to watch.

“In second place I would go Rafa Nadal. He won 22 Grand Slams, 14 French Opens. We often talk about records are there to be broken, but I’m convinced that 14 singles titles at Roland Garros will never be broken.

“Greatest male player of all time is Novak Djokovic. What he’s done, winning every Grand Slam a minimum three times. He’s won 24 majors, going for his 25th here in Roland Garros. He’s the best player that I’ve ever seen.”

Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Grand Slam titles

Henman unfortunately never got over the line in terms of Grand Slam success, with his world-class rivals undoubtedly playing a key role in that.

The Briton reached the semi-finals of three of the four tournaments, with only the fourth round of the Australian Open reached.

READ MORE: Pat Cash picks what was better to watch between Rafael Nadal at the French Open and Roger Federer at Wimbledon

But he was constantly competing against some of the greatest players that the game has ever seen, the like of which it may never see again.

Only Djokovic remains from Henman’s best-ever players, with the Serbian currently chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title.

He remains a real threat on the ATP Tour, but young stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been making it hard for him and indeed anyone else to impress.

The duo shared the Grand Slam titles in 2024, with Sinner winning the Australian Open and US Open as Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon.