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Groundbreaking records -

Over the past two decades, tennis has given sports fans everywhere a thrilling game to watch. Iconic players turned legends have not only set groundbreaking records on and off the court, but have redefined the sport for generations to come.

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Pushing boundaries -

The sheer level of athleticism that these icons have brought to the game has pushed the physical and mental boundaries of the sport.

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Influencing on and off the court -

Many of these legends are known not just for their time on the court, but their influence outside the sport. Important discussions on gender and mental health have occurred with the leadership of several known players.

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Roger Federer -

Swiss legend Roger Federer has undeniably redefined the sport. His humility in interacting with people on and off the court has inspired players of all levels to exercise grace and sportsmanship, cultivating a refined approach to the game.

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Serena Williams -

One of America’s most well-known players, Serena Williams, continues to demonstrate her influence to young girls everywhere. With 23 Gram Slam singles titles, she has overcome major health issues, as well as gender and racial bias, to show the world that with determination, everything is possible.

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Novak Djokovic -

Novak Djokovic has demonstrated the physical preparation and mental fortitude necessary to take the sport to the next level. One of the greatest players in history, his resilience has greatly contributed to his success in tennis.

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Rafael Nadal -

Rafael Nadal, also known as the ‘King of Clay,' has exhibited passion throughout his career. Announcing his retirement in October 2024, the admirable reaction of colleagues and fans demonstrates his dominance in the sport.

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Naomi Osaka -

Japanese-American Naomi Osaka has centered mental health as a critical element in becoming a tennis star. By prioritizing her well-being, she has paved the way for athletes of all sports to publicly speak about their struggles, while still working towards an ambitious and successful career.

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Andy Murray -

Despite numerous injuries, including a spinal cyst, Andy Murray has inspired players of all levels to build resiliency throughout their careers. A strong advocate for women’s tennis, he has consistently spoken about unfair pay gaps and sexism in the sport.

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Venus Williams -

Venus Williams, Serena William’s older sister, has been a trailblazer for women in all sports. The seven-time Grand Slam champion says her sister forbids her from retiring, so she continues to play in a few events per year, despite being in recovery from injuries.

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Mentorship -

The inspiring relationship between tennis legends and rising stars is one of mentorship.

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Defining the path for young players -

Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have demonstrated not only exceptional skills, but also sportsmanship. Their accomplishments have defied the limits of what is realizable, defining prospects for younger players.

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Valuable lessons -

For rising stars, these icons are role models whose careers offer valuable lessons in discipline, work ethic, and resilience.

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Guiding emerging stars -

Federer and Nadal have offered guidance to younger players during tournaments. The Williams sisters have openly shared their experiences to help guide emerging stars like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. Beyond bridging eras, newbies are encouraged to forge their own paths.

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Next wave of tennis players -

These next wave of players, while not yet household names, are displaying the drive and talent that suggest they could break through to the top levels of the sport in the coming years.

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Carlos Alcaraz -

Only 20 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has won two Grand Slam titles and is considered the next big tennis star. His powerful and tactical game, in conjunction with his stamina, is often compared to tennis icon Rafael Nadal.

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Coco Gauff -

Coco Gauff defeated icon Venus Williams at just 15 years old, winning the 2023 US Open a few years later. Her explosive game combined with her composure cements what will likely be a successful career for years to come.

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Jannik Sinner -

Italian rising star Jannik Sinner is already known for his aggressive play. His rapid improvement demonstrates strong potential to break into the top ranks of men’s tennis.

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Emma Raducanu -

Despite facing a number of unfortunate injuries, Emma Raducanu remains a fearless and resilient player. Raducanu was the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977.

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Holger Rune -

Holger Rune has already claimed multiple titles and continues upward through the rankings. The Dane has frequently been featured in the news due to coaching issues and injuries, but remains at the top of his game.

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Yosuke Watanuki -

Yosuke Watanuki is an emerging talent from Japan. His speed and aggressive style, coupled with his strong defensive skills, have marked him as someone to watch out for.

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Clara Tauson -

Known for her exciting performances, Danish Clara Tauson has already won two WTA titles. With a powerful serve, opponents are aware of her potential to become the next tennis star.

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Felix Auger Aliassime -

Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime is the youngest player in the top 25 ranking for men’s tennis. Making waves in the sport, he is coached by Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle.

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Iga Swiatek -

Polish star Iga Swiatek enjoyed the world number one spot for over a year. Between her serve, forehand, and mental resiliency during matches, she has made a name for herself in the sport.

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Ons Jabeur -

Celebrated Tunisian Ons Jabeur’s positive attitude, compliments her demeanor on the court. Nicknamed ‘Minister of Happiness,’ Jabeur has achieved five titles and is one of the top 10 players in the world.

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Understanding tennis -

Professional tennis is comprised of a global network of governing bodies, as well as tours and tournaments at different levels.

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Governing bodies -

The sport’s governing bodies are comprised of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

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Grand Slam tournaments -

There are four Grand Slam tournaments. The Australian Open, which is played on hard courts. The French Open, also referred to as Roland Garros, which is played on challenging clay courts. The oldest and most prestigious, Wimbledon, which is played on grass. The US Open, which is the last Grand Slam of the year, is played on hard courts.

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Points and rankings -

Between Grand Slams, there are a number of ATP and WTA tournaments, where players accumulate points and obtain prizes throughout the year to establish their ranking.

Sources: (Sky Sports) (The Independent) (Essentially Sports) (MSN) (Tennis Tonic) (BVM Sports) (Men’s Health)

See also: How does tennis scoring actually work?

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