Southpaws Serving History, One Grand Slam at a Time
The Best Left-Handed Tennis Players of All Time
Left-handed tennis players have long dominated the court, using their unique left-handed tennis grip to outmaneuver opponents and secure Grand Slam titles. From devastating serves to unpredictable spins, the best left handed tennis players have proven that being a lefty is more than just a rarity—it’s an advantage in the world of lefty sports.
But did you know that some famous left handed tennis players are actually naturally right-handed? And what exactly makes left handed athletes so effective in the sport?
Now, grab a coffee in your favorite left-handed mug and read on. We’ll explore the greatest famous left handed athletes in tennis history and break down what gives lefties the edge on the court.
John McEnroe
A genius with a fiery temper, John McEnroe’s left-handed brilliance was matched only by his fierce personality. With seven Grand Slam singles titles and one of the greatest touch games in tennis history, McEnroe used his lefty advantage to outmaneuver opponents at the net. His unmatched volleys, creative shot-making, and aggressive serve-and-volley style made him one of the most entertaining (and controversial) players to ever step on the court.
Jimmy Connors
A record-breaking lefty, Jimmy Connors holds the record for the most singles titles in men’s tennis history with 109 ATP singles titles. His aggressive baseline game, powerful two-handed backhand, and relentless energy made him a dominant force in the 1970s and 1980s. Connors won eight Grand Slam singles titles, proving that left-handed tennis players could thrive in any era.
Rod Laver
As the only two-time Grand Slam Champion, Rod Laver is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Australian lefty won 11 Grand Slam titles, including two calendar-year Grand Slams (1962 and 1969)—a feat no other man has achieved in the Open Era. Laver's exceptional versatility, footwork, and powerful left-handed shots helped him dominate across all surfaces, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time legends.
Martina Navratilova
A left-handed icon in women’s tennis, Martina Navratilova was a force to be reckoned with, winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a staggering 167 career singles titles—the most in Open Era history. Known for her aggressive serve-and-volley game, Navratilova’s left-handed advantage helped her dominate opponents for over two decades.
What made her even harder to read? She was ambidextrous, sometimes switching hands mid-point, a rare trick that made her one of the sport's most unpredictable champions.
Rafael Nadal
When discussing famous left-handed tennis players, Rafael Nadal is at the top of the list. With 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open wins, Nadal’s dominance on clay is unparalleled. His left-handed playing style, combined with a heavy topspin forehand, has made him nearly unbeatable on the red dirt.
Surprisingly, Nadal is naturally right-handed but was trained from a young age to play lefty. This unique combination allows him to generate extra power with his dominant right hand while using his left-handed grip to unsettle opponents. A brilliant case of lefty strategy in action.
Why Left-Handed Tennis Players Have an Advantage
Lefties only make up about 10% of the population, but in tennis, they often punch above their weight. Their natural playing style forces right-handed opponents to adjust their rhythm, particularly when facing:
- Left-handed serves that swing wide to the backhand
- Cross-court forehands that create sharper angles
- Heavy topspin shots that bounce higher and faster
A left-handed tennis grip plays a crucial role in this advantage. Most lefties use an Eastern or Semi-Western grip, which helps generate heavy topspin, especially on slower surfaces like clay. This combination of spin and angle is one reason why players like Nadal have dominated entire eras.
Lefties Shaping Tennis History
From Rod Laver's perfect calendar-year Grand Slam to Rafael Nadal's clay-court reign, left-handed tennis players have redefined what's possible on the court. Their unique playing style and strategic edge continue to frustrate opponents and inspire the next generation of left-handed greats.
Whether you're mastering your own left-handed tennis grip or simply admiring the sport's southpaw legends, one thing is certain: lefties don't just play the game, they rewrite the rules.
Lefties rule more than just the tennis court. Discover the best hockey players who play left-handed, the greatest left-handed golfers, and the top lefty foil fencers.
