Top Underdogs Who Won Major Titles Against Number One Ranked Players

Though both were top players, McEnroe was the rising star and defending champion while Borg was seeking his third straight title. It is often cited as the greatest final ever, with Borg winning in five sets after nearly losing his serve in the closing moments, silencing the home crowd's support for McEnroe.

Navratilova, ranked outside the top 10, defeated the dominant world No. 1 Chris Evert in straight sets at Forest Hills. This victory marked Navratilova's first major title and signaled a shift in power from the Baseline era to the Serve-and-Volley style that would define her career.

McEnroe ended Borg's four-year reign as US Open champion in a thrilling five-set match. Although Borg was the top seed, McEnroe's aggressive net play and mental fortitude in tiebreakers allowed him to break the Swedish legend's dominance on hard courts for the first time.

Mauresmo, ranked No. 3, defeated world No. 1 Henin in a match that showcased tactical brilliance. Henin was the favorite, but Mauresmo's varied pace and ability to disrupt Henin's rhythm led to a comprehensive victory, claiming Mauresmo's first major title.

Halep, the No. 2 seed, defeated the defending champion and top-ranked player Wozniacki in straight sets. The match highlighted Halep's improved power and movement, effectively dismantling Wozniacki's defensive style and securing Halep's second major title.

Djokovic ended Federer's long reign as the dominant force in men's tennis by defeating him in four sets. Federer was the world No. 1 and favorite, but Djokovic's relentless baseline game and consistency proved too much, marking the start of the Big Three era.

Murray defeated the world No. 1 Djokovic in five sets to end Great Britain's 77-year wait for a men's singles tennis champion. It was a tactical masterclass where Murray's defense and passing shots neutralized Djokovic's groundstrokes in a historic upset.

The young Spaniard defeated the veteran world No. 1 Djokovic in five sets, becoming the youngest men's singles champion at Wimbledon since Boris Becker. Alcaraz's explosive power and versatility shocked the tennis world, ending Djokovic's bid for an eighth Wimbledon title.

While not a final, this match is legendary for being one of the earliest high-profile upsets of Sampras. However, a more relevant major title upset is Steffi Graf's loss to Conchita Martinez in the 1994 French Open Final. Martinez, ranked No. 8, defeated world No. 1 Graf on clay, proving her surface dominance.

Martinez, ranked No. 8, defeated the world No. 1 Graf in straight sets on the clay courts of Roland Garros. It was a significant upset as Graf was the favorite and a former champion, but Martinez's heavy topspin and mental toughness secured her only major title.

Swiatek, the world No. 1, defeated Sakkari in a dominant display. While Swiatek was the favorite, the final itself was a testament to her superiority. A better underdog story is Jessica Pegula's run, but for true underdogs, consider Madison Keys' 2017 Australian Open victory over Venus Williams.

Keys, ranked outside the top 5 and facing the legendary Williams, won in straight sets to claim her first major title. The victory was shocking to many, as Williams was a former champion and top-ranked player, but Keys' powerful serving and groundstrokes proved unstoppable.

Jankovic, ranked No. 4, defeated Serena Williams in a crucial match that helped secure the No. 1 ranking for the first time. While not a major title final, it was a pivotal upset. For a major final, consider Victoria Azarenka's 2012 Australian Open win over Serena, where Azarenka (No. 2) defeated the world No. 1.

Azarenka defeated the world No. 1 Williams in three tight sets to win her first major title. The match was a battle of wills, with Azarenka's tactical discipline and consistency allowing her to overcome Williams' power, marking a shift in the women's game.

Rybakina, ranked No. 17, defeated the world No. 2 Jabeur in straight sets to win her first major title. It was a massive upset as Jabeur was the favorite and the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, but Rybakina's powerful serve and net play dominated.

Sharapova, a teenager ranked No. 8, defeated the world No. 4 Williams in straight sets. It was a stunning upset at the time, as Williams was the defending champion and heavy favorite. Sharapova's powerful game neutralized Williams' attack, securing her first major title.

While Barty was No. 1, this match set the stage for her final. A better underdog story is Coco Gauff's 2022 US Open run, where she defeated multiple top players. However, for a final upset, consider Sloane Stephens' 2017 US Open victory over Madison Keys. Stephens, ranked No. 56, won her first major title against the top-seeded Keys.

Stephens, ranked No. 56, defeated top-seeded Keys in straight sets to claim her first major title. It was one of the biggest upsets in US Open history, as Keys was the favorite on home soil. Stephens' defensive resilience and unexpected power stunned the tennis world.

Sinner, the world No. 4, defeated the 24-time major champion Djokovic, who was the world No. 1, in straight sets. While Sinner was the favorite, the victory solidified his status as the new dominant force. For a true underdog, look to the 2022 Australian Open where Sinner defeated Medvedev, but this final was a clash of titans.

Gauff, ranked No. 6, defeated world No. 2 Sabalenka in straight sets to win her first major title. While not a massive seeding upset, Gauff was not the favorite given Sabalenka's form. The victory was a breakthrough for Gauff, ending a drought for American women at the US Open.

Swiatek defeated Pegula in straight sets, but Pegula was the underdog relative to Swiatek's dominance. A better example is Coco Gauff's 2022 Roland Garros run, but for finals, consider Elena Rybakina's 2023 Wimbledon victory over Marketa Vondrousova, where Rybakina (No. 17 seed at times) beat the top-10 player. However, the 2023 final saw Rybakina defeat Vondrousova, with Vondrousova being the higher seed.