Best American Tennis Players: Ranking the Biggest US Aces

Pete Sampras is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis singles stars of all-time.

He claimed his first Grand Slam at a record-setting 19 years of age and was also the #1 in men’s tennis for a record six successive seasons.

Sampras earned iconic status for his success at the majors.

Utilising a powerful serve and quick reflexes at the net, he won the US Open in 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 2002 (during his closing years as a professional).

Sampras also won the Australian Open in 1994 and 1997.

Although he also dominated Wimbledon in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, the American star never claimed the French Open title.

His best result at Roland Garros was the 1996 semi-final.

A number of other American men’s tennis stars may not have reaped the same number of Grand Slam successes, but deserve their dues regardless.

Andy Roddick is a one-time US Open winner but still boasts an impressive singles win ratio of almost 75%, and was world #1 as recently as 2003.

While he might have gained infamy for his emotional outbursts and hot temper, the American dominated with blistering aces and baseline shots.

Likewise, Michael Chang only claimed a single Grand Slam at the 1989 French Open, yet his legacy in the sport marked him as a true trailblazer.

At just 15, he was the youngest player to win in the US Open main draw and was the youngest player to reach a professional tournament semi-final.

At the time he claimed victory at Roland Garros, Chang was only 17 years old and earned plaudits for his fourth-round win against Ivan Lendl.

Stan Smith boasts a victory each at Wimbledon and the US Open and later transitioned into coaching at the United States Tennis Association.

Although he could not find consistent success at the Grand Slam tournaments, he retired with an impressive winning record and many singles titles.

Many tennis icons and associations have ranked Smith among the greatest and he was even a past president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Helen Wills Moody//Getty Images

With 19 singles titles and a reputation for breaking the mold, Helen Wills was one of the standouts of tennis’ Amateur Era against England’s top players.

In her knee-length skirts and trademark white hat, the American star became a celebrity figure known for often competing against men to keep her skills sharp.

Her record of eight titles at Wimbledon stood until 1990 (a period of almost 60 years) when Martina Navratilova claimed a ninth title at the All England Club.

Boasting accuracy and power from the baseline, Wills has been rated among the greatest players of the 20th century, with the majors success to prove it.