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The 20 Most Charismatic Figures in Tennis History

Tennis has always been a stage for larger-than-life personalities, and some players just have that special spark that sets them apart. Whether it’s their flair on the court, their confidence in interviews, or their ability to connect with fans, these tennis stars have charisma in spades.

From fashion icons to passionate competitors, this list celebrates the players who made the sport feel bigger, bolder, and more entertaining. These are the 20 most charismatic figures to ever swing a racket.

20. Gaël Monfils

Sep 4, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Gael Monfils of France serves to Matteo Berrettini of Italy in the quarterfinals on day ten of the 2019 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images

Monfils plays tennis like he’s starring in his own action movie, and the fans love every second of it. His trick shots, acrobatics, and sense of humor always steal the spotlight.

19. Coco Gauff

Jul 1, 2025; Wimbledon United Kingdom; Coco Gauff (USA) reacts after winning a point against Dayana Yastremska (UKR)(not pictured) on day 2 of The Championships, Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Gauff has a magnetic presence and a confidence far beyond her years. Whether she’s speaking her mind or dominating on court, she exudes star power every step of the way.

18. Carlos Alcaraz

Jul 6, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain returns a shot during his match against Andrey Rublev on day seven at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Alcaraz radiates joy every time he steps on the court, playing with a smile and a fearless energy. He’s young, dynamic, and already captivating audiences around the globe.

17. Gustavo Kuerten

Gustavo Kuerten : 43 weeks at No. 1 gustavo kuerten
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

“Guga” lit up Roland Garros with his electric smile and wild curls. His warm personality made him a fan favorite no matter where he played.

16. Frances Tiafoe

Jul 2, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Frances Tiafoe (USA) reacts after winning a point against Cameron Norrie (GBR)(not pictured) on day three of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tiafoe brings infectious energy and personality to every match he plays. Whether he’s pumping up the crowd or dancing between points, he keeps things fun.

15. Billie Jean King

Jun 1974; Hilton Head, SC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Billie Jean King during 1974 Family Circle Cup Tournament at Hilton Head.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

King’s presence was magnetic, both on the court and in the fight for equality. Her leadership and confidence made her a force in every arena.

14. John McEnroe

Sep 13, 1981; New York City, New York, USA: FILE PHOTO; John McEnroe (USA) hits a backhand groundstroke against Bj rn Borg (SWE) (not pictured) during the 1994 US Open Men's Final at the USTA National Tennis Center. McEnroe defeated Borg (4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3).
Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY Network

McEnroe’s fiery attitude and razor-sharp wit made him impossible to ignore. He made tantrums feel theatrical and turned post-match interviews into must-see TV.

13. Venus Williams

Aug 6, 2018; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Venus Williams of the United States hits a forehand against Caroline Dolehide of the United States (not pictured) in the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Stade IGA.
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Venus has always carried herself with grace, style, and strength. She’s a quiet storm—commanding respect with every move and word.

12. Stan Wawrinka

May 26, 2024; Paris, France; Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns a shot during his match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on day one of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Stan the Man has an underdog charm and a cool swagger that draws people in. He’s intense, funny, and always a bit unpredictable.

11. Goran Ivanišević

Goran Ivanišević
MacKrys, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Goran was all emotion, all the time—one minute flying high, the next in despair. That rollercoaster energy made every match feel like a thrill ride.

10. Martina Hingis

Mar 28, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Martina Hingis hits a forehand next to partner Sabine Lisicki (not pictured) against Sania Mizra and Cara Black (both not pictured) during a women's doubles semi final at the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Hingis played with flair and a mischievous grin that hinted she always knew something her opponent didn’t. She had confidence for days and never shied away from a little drama.

9. Nick Kyrgios

Mar 21, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) hits a ball out of the stadium in frustration after losing a point against Karen Khachanov (not pictured) on day four of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Love him or hate him, you can’t take your eyes off Kyrgios. He’s tennis’s ultimate wildcard with a rock star vibe and zero filter.

8. Serena Williams

Jun 29, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA) reacts during her match against Margarita Gasparyan (RUS) on day one of The Championships Wimbledon at the AELTC.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Serena commands a room with one look and inspires with every step. Her intensity, power, and poise have captivated fans for over two decades.

7. Boris Becker

Jul 21, 2008; Toronto, ON, Canada; Boris Becker (GER) celebrates a point against Daniel Nestor (CAN) (not pictured) during their exhibition match during the Rogers Cup at the Rexall Centre in Toronto, ON.
Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

Becker brought swagger to the game as a teenager and never looked back. His diving volleys and fiery attitude turned him into a tennis icon.

6. Martina Navratilova

Aug 1, 1993; New York City, New York, USA: FILE PHOTO; Martina Navratilova (USA) hits a backhand volley during the 1993 US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center.
Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY Network

Navratilova’s confidence and fearlessness, both on and off the court, made her a magnetic presence. She played with passion and lived with purpose.

5. Novak Djokovic

Jul 7, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Novak Djokovic (SRB) reacts after winning the second set against Alex de Minaur (AUS)(not pictured) on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Djokovic’s mix of charm, cheeky humor, and unmatched mental toughness keeps fans constantly engaged. He dances, impersonates, and competes like a man possessed.

4. Roger Federer

Mar 25, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand against Filip Krajinovic of Serbia (not pictured) in the third round of the Miami Open at Miami Open Tennis Complex.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Federer floats on the court like a ballet dancer but speaks like a seasoned diplomat. His grace and global appeal made him the sport’s ultimate gentleman.

3. Monica Seles

Mar 2000, Miami, FL; FILE PHOTO; Monica Seles waits at the baseline at the 2000 Lipton Tennis Championships at Crandon Park.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Seles had a unique presence—powerful, spirited, and joyfully unpredictable. Her infectious enthusiasm made fans fall in love with her from the start.

Read More: 10 Tennis Players Who Argued Like They Wrote the Rules

2. Andre Agassi

Unknown date, 1994; New York City, New York, USA: FILE PHOTO; Andre Agassi (USA) hits a backhand volley during the 1994 US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center.
Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY Network

Agassi was the full package—flashy clothes, flowing hair, and a rebel’s spirit. He played with soul and personality, turning every match into a show worth watching.

Read More: Coco Gauff Upsets Sabalenka Again, But Did She Deserve the ESPY Win?

1. Rafael Nadal

Mar 19, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) reacts after winning a point during a victory over Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in their semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Nadal’s raw intensity and humble attitude create a powerful combination. He’s fierce yet lovable, and fans connect with his passion deeply.

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