In the world of professional tennis, there exists an elite group of players whose achievements evoke reverential awe. They demonstrate incredible resilience, skill, and the will to win over many years of an impeccable career. We are talking about legendary athletes who have played the most matches in the history of the ATP tour.
Recently, another illustrious tennis player joined this coveted list. Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one and one of the greatest players of the modern era, climbed to the third position in the list of players who have played the most matches in the entire history of the ATP in the Open Era. Now, he is only surpassed by two legendary figures – Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
The Serbian, who continues to dominate the sport even at 36, showcasing remarkable longevity, surpassed his arch-rival Rafael Nadal and secured the fifth spot in November 2023. Following his recent victory at the prestigious Indian Wells Open 2024, Djokovic rose yet another rank, sharing the third position with Ivan Lendl in terms of the number of ATP matches played.
As of now, Djokovic has contested 1310 official matches in the ATP tour. His staggering statistics include 1095 victories and only 215 defeats, constituting an impressive 83.6% winning rate. Throughout his brilliant career that began in 2003, “Nole” has claimed 96 singles titles, including a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam tournaments. His total prize money has reached an incredible $181,599,018 – an absolute record in the history of this sport.
In addition to his notable victories and titles, Djokovic is on the verge of catching up to his longtime rival Nadal in another crucial statistic. At present, the Serbian has 400 victories in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, trailing the Spaniard by just 6 triumphs. If you are into sports betting, be aware that Djokovic will have doubled motivation in his upcoming matches. For quality sports betting, you can use the mobile app of the bookmaker Mostbet – https://mostbetin.app/.
Top 10 tennis players who have played the most matches in ATP
Let’s take a look at who makes it to the top 10 tennis players by the number of matches played in the ATP tour in the entire Open Era:
Stan Smith (USA) – 1084 matches (779 wins – 305 losses)
The tall American, formerly the world’s third-ranked player, won 48 singles titles, including the 1971 US Open and the 1972 Wimbledon. His total prize money amounted to $1,774,811.
David Ferrer (Spain) – 1111 matches (734-377)
The former third-ranked player from Spain, an indefatigable competitor, clinched 27 ATP titles over his 19-year career and reached the French Open final in 2013. Prize money – $31,483,911.
Andre Agassi (USA) – 1144 matches (870-274)
The legendary American, a former world number one, won 60 singles titles, including 8 Grand Slam tournaments. Prize money – $31,152,975.
Ilie Nastase (Romania) – 1242 matches (908-334)
A former world number one, the charismatic Romanian won 64 titles and twice triumphed in Grand Slam tournaments – the French Open and the US Open. Prize money – $2,076,761.
Guillermo Vilas (Argentina) – 1248 matches (951-297)
The former second-ranked player globally, the left-handed Argentine dominated on clay courts, winning 62 trophies, including 4 Grand Slam titles. Prize money – $4,923,882.
Rafael Nadal (Spain) – 1291 matches (1070-221)
The “King of Clay” and former ATP ranking leader boasts impressive statistics with 92 titles, including a record 14 victories at the French Open. Prize money – $134,659,704.
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) – 1310 matches (1095-215)
The current world number one and one of the greatest tennis players in history. Holder of 96 ATP titles and a record 24 Grand Slam trophies. Prize money – $181,599,018.
Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic) – 1310 matches (1068-242)
A former world number one, the “steel Czech” won 94 titles, including 8 Grand Slam tournaments. Prize money – $21,262,417.
Roger Federer (Switzerland) – 1526 matches (1251-275)
The greatest contemporary tennis player with a record 103 titles in singles, including 20 Grand Slam trophies. Prize money – $130,594,339.
Jimmy Connors (USA) – 1557 matches (1274-283)
The absolute record-holder for the number of matches played in the ATP tour. The legend from the USA won the most titles (109) and 8 Grand Slams. Prize money – $8,641,040.
Thus, Novak Djokovic has firmly entered the immortal elite of the greatest workhorses in professional tennis, securing his place in the third position. It seems that the Serbian phenomenon has not exhausted his potential, continuing to strive for the summit of historical records in the ATP tour. Remarkable longevity and an insatiable thirst for victories are the main components of his cosmic success.
David Ferrer · Ivan Lendl · Jimmy Conors · Novak Djokovic · Rafael Nadal · Stan Smith
