I was thinking about this last night while watching the Paris indoors on the Tennis channel last night. They were showing Cedric Pioline, one of the smoothest players of the last 20 years. A guy named Sampras blocked his best chances at a slam. I would also include Nalbandian, Todd Martin, Alex Corretja, Marcelos Rios in my top 5. Anyone else have any ideas?
Best player to not win a slam over last 20 years
- Thread starter lenbo01
- Start date
Would have to back up the vote for Rios as the #1 player not to win a slam.
There is also Tod Martin and Marc Philipoussis that I would be tempted to add to the list although niether were consistent enough (and had trouble holding their nerve) both very very good on their day though.
There is also Tod Martin and Marc Philipoussis that I would be tempted to add to the list although niether were consistent enough (and had trouble holding their nerve) both very very good on their day though.
JRProstaf9
Rookie
I'm with VGP... definitly gotta be Martin and Corretja. Both have made appearances in Grand Slam finals in addition to having very consistent career records. Additionally they've both been refferred to as some of the most liked/respected by all other players for what they've done on and off the court for the sport.
Rios... in my opinion was a lil prima-donna that peaked way too soon and fizzled out. He definitly did not have the staying power that Gonzalez or Massu have today nor the amount of success and popularity they recieved from their win at the olympics in Greece.
Rios... in my opinion was a lil prima-donna that peaked way too soon and fizzled out. He definitly did not have the staying power that Gonzalez or Massu have today nor the amount of success and popularity they recieved from their win at the olympics in Greece.
oscar_2424
Legend
I totally agreeericsson said:
Moose Malloy
G.O.A.T.
here are what the stats say:
Ferreira, Martin, & Henman have the most wins at GS events without winning a title
Players that have the best win% at majors without taking a GS:
Okker, Dibbs, Metreveli, Richey, Graebner, Mecir, Solomon, Martin, Coria, Henman
http://www.tennis28.com/slams/winpct_slam.html
Personally, I think Mecir was the best player(in terms of talent & results, not just talent which many seem to be focusing on) of the last 20 years not to win a major.
Ferreira, Martin, & Henman have the most wins at GS events without winning a title
Players that have the best win% at majors without taking a GS:
Okker, Dibbs, Metreveli, Richey, Graebner, Mecir, Solomon, Martin, Coria, Henman
http://www.tennis28.com/slams/winpct_slam.html
Personally, I think Mecir was the best player(in terms of talent & results, not just talent which many seem to be focusing on) of the last 20 years not to win a major.
chaognosis
Semi-Pro
JohnS said:
Henman certainly had his chance at Wimbledon in 2001.
ACE of Hearts
Bionic Poster
I would include Tommy Haas.
stormholloway
Legend
This is obviously a question about unfulfilled talent. In this case, the answer must be Rios. He is THE most talented player to never win a slam.
He's not overrated at all in terms of talent. He's just one of those guys without heart.
He's not overrated at all in terms of talent. He's just one of those guys without heart.
oberyn
Professional
I have to go with Rios, also. IIRC, he's the only men's player during that stretch to ever hold the #1 ranking (however briefly) without winning a slam. Muster came close to equaling this rather dubious honor, but he's still got a FO on his resume.
To me, that singular feat gives the edge to Rios.
To me, that singular feat gives the edge to Rios.
L
laurie
Guest
Cedric Pioline.
for me it's really a tie between Todd Martin and Tim Henman. Both are excellent players. And yes its true Henman is still playing where Martin is not, so it's still possible that Henman could take himself off this list, but quite doubtful.
As for Rios, I'm sorry but I agree with some others, I think he was completely overrated, and a huge head case at that.
Jukka
As for Rios, I'm sorry but I agree with some others, I think he was completely overrated, and a huge head case at that.
Jukka
anointedone
Banned
Henman has no chance to ever win a slam. His only shot was Wimbledon 2001 and the rain delay.
amertennisfan
New User
Mark Philippoussis(he had such a powerful game at one time), Rios(he was a very VERY talented player), and Tim Henman (he was one of the best grass courters not to win Wimby
prosealster
Professional
Rios was clearly better player than Pioline... He was #1 where as I think the best Pioline got was #5.... more titles, more MS as well.... Pioline did get to 2 GS final however...but i dont think he actually played anyone decent to get there.... (correct me if i am wrong as i am speaking from memory)
Rios gets my vote...
Rios gets my vote...
Rafa's best friend
Banned
IT IS MOST DEFINITELY Marcelo Rios, the most talented player ever, his talent for tennis rivals Federer's
Dark Victory
Rookie
I agree with Marcelo Rios.
The guy had incredible talent. I have the match he had with Agassi and he was smoking Andre from the baseline. Rios is one of the best shotmakers I've ever seen. For a little guy, he was pretty intimidating too when he was at his best in the late 90's.
Henman and Todd Martin I agree with. But I don't get it with Cedric Pioline. Yes, he made it to two GS finals, but this guy never really struck me as top ten material. He's a good player, but not great (at least not as underratedly great as some fans make him out to be).
I'm a big fan of Alex Corretja, and would've liked it if he won the FO back when Spanish guys like Moya, Bruguera where the ones taking the title. Then again, he did win an ATP Championship, so it's still good.
The guy had incredible talent. I have the match he had with Agassi and he was smoking Andre from the baseline. Rios is one of the best shotmakers I've ever seen. For a little guy, he was pretty intimidating too when he was at his best in the late 90's.
Henman and Todd Martin I agree with. But I don't get it with Cedric Pioline. Yes, he made it to two GS finals, but this guy never really struck me as top ten material. He's a good player, but not great (at least not as underratedly great as some fans make him out to be).
I'm a big fan of Alex Corretja, and would've liked it if he won the FO back when Spanish guys like Moya, Bruguera where the ones taking the title. Then again, he did win an ATP Championship, so it's still good.
VGP said:
I remember reading that article and I think according to their formula, Miloslav Mecir was tops on the list. I'm not really familiar with his game. I do remember though him getting blasted in the Australian Open final against Lendl....obviously that's nothing to be ashamed of.
vive le beau jeu !
Talk Tennis Guru
philippoussis
henman
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Moose Malloy said:
Great post. I would throw in a few other names as well, some surface specific, also for talent and results as in who these guys could take out:
Raul Ramirez
Cedric Pioline
Henri Leconte
Guy Forget
Magnus Norman
Marcello Rios
Mark Philippoussis
David Nalbandian
Moose Malloy
G.O.A.T.
Rios made one GS semi in his career.
Todd Martin made 6
Cedric Pioline made 4
Henman made 6
Todd Martin made 6
Cedric Pioline made 4
Henman made 6
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