Sports & Athletes

The Forehand Kings: Greatest Left-Handed ATP Champions in History

A comprehensive ranking of the most dominant left-handed tennis players in men's professional history. This list highlights champions who leveraged their unique spin and court geometry to win Grand Slam titles and top world rankings.

ID: 996024
Items: 20
Total Votes: 0
Forks: 5
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting our work without affecting our ratings.
Want to feature your product on this list?
Sponsorship

Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.

Contact Us
1
0

Novak Djokovic

Visit

The all-time leader in Grand Slam men's singles titles, Djokovic uses his left-handed forehand to create impossible angles and heavy topspin. His versatility and mental toughness have kept him at the top of the sport for over a decade.

2
0

Juan Martín del Potro

Visit

Known for his towering 6'6" frame and devastating one-handed backhand, Del Potro defeated Roger Federer in three Grand Slam finals. His powerful groundstrokes made him a formidable threat on all surfaces during his peak years.

3
0

Andy Roddick

Visit

Possessing one of the fastest serves in tennis history, Roddick captured the 2003 US Open title against Marat Safin. His aggressive baseline game and powerful left-handed serve made him a perennial top-10 player in the mid-2000s.

4
0

John McEnroe

Visit

A master of volleying and net play, McEnroe won three Grand Slam singles titles during his career. His intense competitiveness and brilliant court craft defined an era, and he remains one of the most celebrated figures in tennis lore.

5
0

Goran Ivanišević

Visit

The 2001 Wimbledon champion achieved his title after receiving a wildcard entry, showcasing his massive left-handed serve. His explosive power and aggressive style made him a fan favorite and a major tournament contender throughout the 90s.

6
0

Carlos Moya

Visit

Moya became the first left-handed player to win the French Open in 1998, overcoming a career-threatening illness. His unique backhand slice and relentless movement on clay allowed him to defeat top players like Sampras and Agassi.

7
0

Marat Safin

Visit

Safin won two Grand Slam singles titles, including the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open. His dynamic left-handed forehand and athletic prowess made him one of the most talented and entertaining players of his generation.

8
0

Richard Krajicek

Visit

Krajicek's powerful left-handed serve helped him win the 1996 Wimbledon Championship, becoming the first Dutchman to do so. His game relied heavily on flat, penetrating shots and aggressive net approaches that overwhelmed opponents.

9
0

Taylor Fritz

Visit

Currently the highest-ranked active left-handed player, Fritz combines elite serving with improved baseline consistency. He has reached the US Open final and holds the ATP No. 1 ranking, marking a resurgence for left-handers on the modern tour.

10
0

Alex de Minaur

Visit

Known as 'The Quick Fox,' de Minaur excels with extraordinary speed and court coverage despite lacking a huge serve. His relentless retrieval and counter-punching style have propelled him into the top 10 and multiple major quarterfinals.

11
0

Stan Wawrinka

Visit

Wawrinka won three Grand Slam singles titles, defeating both Djokovic and Federer in major finals. His heavy, one-handed backhand and powerful left-handed forehand allowed him to compete with the biggest names in the sport.

12
0

Andrei Medvedev

Visit

Medvedev was a consistent top-10 player who reached the French Open final in 1999 and the US Open final in 1997. His solid left-handed groundstrokes and tactical intelligence made him a difficult opponent on clay and hard courts.

13
0

Cristian Garín

Visit

A powerful clay-court specialist, Garín uses his left-handed forehand to dictate points with heavy spin. His aggressive style and recent Grand Slam quarterfinal runs highlight his potential as a rising star in the left-handed category.

14
0

Tommy Haas

Visit

Haas enjoyed a long, successful career reaching two Grand Slam finals and holding the world No. 2 ranking. His consistent left-handed game and versatility across all surfaces made him a reliable contender for over a decade.

15
0

Jérôme Golmard

Visit

Golmard was a tough baseline competitor who reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2000. His unorthodox left-handed style and relentless defense made him a formidable opponent for top seeds during his peak years.

16
0

Albert Costa

Visit

Costa won the 2002 French Open, utilizing his left-handed topspin to exploit the slow clay. His tactical adjustment and powerful forehand allowed him to defeat Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final, cementing his place in tennis history.

17
0

Thomas Enqvist

Visit

Enqvist was a consistent tour presence who reached the US Open final in 1999. His smooth left-handed stroke production and powerful serve made him a dangerous competitor on fast hard courts during the late 90s.

18
0

Félix Auger-Aliassime

Visit

Auger-Aliassime combines a massive serve with a powerful left-handed forehand to challenge the big three. His youth and physical tools have made him a frequent top-10 fixture and a future contender for major titles.

19
0

Grigor Dimitrov

Visit

Although technically right-handed, Dimitrov plays with a two-handed backhand that often mimics left-handed geometry against left-handed opponents. However, strictly for this list, we focus on true lefties. This slot is reserved for notable mentions like Albert Ramos-Viñolas who had strong clay-court success with his lefty forehand.

20
0

Fernando Verdasco

Visit

Verdasco was known for his explosive left-handed forehand and aggressive baseline game. Although his ranking fluctuated, he consistently troubled top players and reached the US Open semi-finals, showcasing his power on hard courts.