Tennis may be a solo sport, but it’s packed with fiery rivalries and simmering resentment. When players clash on and off the court, sometimes the bad blood doesn’t just disappear—it lingers like a five-set marathon.
Whether it was a war of words, a controversial handshake, or just pure competitive edge, these tennis stars never truly let bygones be bygones. From icy glares to public digs, these grudges turned into unforgettable parts of tennis history.
11. Jelena Janković
Jelena Janković was never one to hold her tongue, especially when it came to rivals who rubbed her the wrong way. Her clashes with players like Serena Williams always had an extra layer of attitude that didn’t exactly scream “forgiveness.”
10. Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev’s rise to the top came with plenty of on-court drama, including spats that fans haven’t forgotten. Whether it’s trolling opponents or getting into shouting matches, Medvedev isn’t big on smoothing things over.
9. Justine Henin
Justine Henin’s infamous hand-raising moment against Serena Williams lit a spark that never quite went out. The two kept it professional, but the tension in their matches always felt personal.
8. Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios collects rivalries like trophies, and letting things go isn’t really his style. Whether it’s Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or half the tour, Kyrgios keeps the drama alive with savage commentary and on-court antics.
7. Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka has had her fair share of frosty moments with other WTA players. Her rivalry with Sloane Stephens in particular felt like a grudge match every time they met.
6. Marat Safin
Marat Safin didn’t exactly do “diplomatic.” His fiery temper and brutal honesty meant that if you crossed him—on or off the court—he wasn’t going to let it slide quietly.
5. Martina Hingis
Martina Hingis had a sharp tongue and a long memory, especially during her prime. Her verbal jabs at the Williams sisters and other contemporaries showed she wasn’t one to turn the other cheek.
4. Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton Hewitt played with a chip on his shoulder and held grudges like a badge of honor. His tense history with James Blake and others often felt like personal vendettas disguised as tennis matches.
Read More: When Serena and Djokovic Made Tennis Feel Like Live Theater
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams has had plenty of rivals, but when she felt disrespected, forgiveness didn’t come easily. Her legendary intensity made every grudge-fueled match must-see TV.
Read More: 16 Tennis Stars Who Couldn’t Escape the Shadow of a Rival
2. Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic may smile for the cameras, but when it comes to rivals who’ve slighted him, he doesn’t forget. From beef with Roger Federer to tension with younger stars, he’s always ready for a revenge match.
Read More: 15 Tennis Stars Who Made Every Match About Their Legacy
1. Jimmy Connors
Jimmy Connors basically invented the tennis grudge match. Whether it was Björn Borg, John McEnroe, or someone else, Connors turned every rivalry into a personal battle that never really ended.
