Today, we’re checking out the tallest tennis players and their amazing achievements. From lightning-fast serves to crushing volleys, these players prove that sometimes, being taller does give you an edge. While height can’t replace skill and practice, it definitely helps with serves and unreachable shots.
Growing up, I was always the tallest kid in class, and while that made basketball a bit easier, it wasn’t until I started watching tennis that I realized how these athletes use their height to dominate the court.
10. Alexei Popyrin (1.96 m / 6’5″)
Alexei Popyrin, an Australian player born on August 5, 1999, in Sydney, stands at 1.96 meters (6’5″). Popyrin is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. His talent and potential have made him one of the rising stars in tennis.
Achievements
- ATP Title: Popyrin won his first ATP title at the 2021 Singapore Open. This victory marked a significant achievement in his young career.
- Grand Slam Performance: He has reached the third round of Grand Slam tournaments, showing promise for future success. His performances in these major tournaments indicate his potential to advance further.
- Junior Success: Popyrin had a successful junior career, winning the 2017 French Open Boys’ Singles title. His achievements in junior tennis laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
9. Hubert Hurkacz (1.96 m / 6’5″)
Hubert Hurkacz, a Polish player born on February 11, 1997, in Wrocław, stands at 1.96 meters (6’5″). Hurkacz is known for his all-court game and athleticism. His versatility and adaptability make him a formidable player on any surface.
Achievements
- Miami Open Champion: Hurkacz won the Miami Open in 2021, his first ATP Masters 1000 title. This victory was a significant milestone in his career.
- Wimbledon Semifinal: He reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2021, defeating Roger Federer along the way. His performance in this tournament showcased his potential to become a Grand Slam champion.
- ATP Titles: Hurkacz has won multiple ATP titles, showcasing his potential to climb higher in the rankings. His success on the tour reflects his hard work and determination.
8. Matteo Berrettini (1.96 m / 6’5″)
Matteo Berrettini, an Italian player born on April 12, 1996, in Rome, stands at 1.96 meters (6’5″). Berrettini is known for his powerful serve and forehand, which are key components of his game. His rise in the tennis world has been marked by impressive performances and consistent improvement.
Achievements
- Wimbledon Final: Berrettini reached the final of Wimbledon in 2021, becoming the first Italian man to do so. His journey to the final was filled with memorable matches and remarkable displays of skill.
- ATP Titles: He has won several ATP titles, including the 2021 Queen’s Club Championships. These victories have established him as one of the top players on the tour.
- Career High Ranking: Berrettini achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 7 in 2021. This ranking reflects his consistent performance and ability to compete with the best.
7. Nicolas Jarry (1.98 m / 6’6″)
Nicolas Jarry, a Chilean tennis player born on October 11, 1995, in Santiago, stands at 1.98 meters (6’6″). Jarry is known for his powerful serves and strong baseline game. His height and athleticism give him a significant advantage on the court.
Achievements
- ATP Titles: Jarry has won multiple ATP titles, including the 2019 Swedish Open and the 2019 Kitzbühel Open. His victories in these tournaments reflect his hard work and dedication.
- Davis Cup: He has been a key player for Chile in the Davis Cup, helping the team achieve significant victories. His contributions to his national team highlight his commitment and patriotism.
- Grand Slam Performance: Jarry has reached the third round of Grand Slam tournaments, showing potential for further success. His performances in these major tournaments indicate his capability to advance further.
6. Karen Khachanov (1.98 m / 6’6″)
Karen Khachanov, a Russian player born on May 21, 1996, in Moscow, stands at 1.98 meters (6’6″). Khachanov is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. His strength and determination have made him a tough competitor on the tour.
Achievements
- ATP Masters 1000 Title: Khachanov won the Paris Masters in 2018, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. This victory was a significant breakthrough in his career.
- Olympic Silver: He won the silver medal in singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This achievement added to his growing list of accolades and showcased his talent on a global stage.
- Grand Slam Performance: His best Grand Slam performance came at the 2019 French Open, where he reached the quarterfinals. His deep run in this tournament highlighted his potential to compete with the best.
5. Alexander Zverev (1.98 m / 6’6″)
Alexander Zverev, a German professional tennis player, also stands at 1.98 meters (6’6″). Born on April 20, 1997, in Hamburg, Zverev is known for his powerful baseline game and athleticism. His versatile playing style makes him a formidable opponent on any surface.
Achievements
- ATP Finals Champion: Zverev won the ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021. These victories against the world’s best players demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
- Olympic Gold: He won the gold medal in singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This achievement highlighted his resilience and ability to excel on the biggest stages.
- Grand Slam Final: Zverev reached the final of the US Open in 2020, narrowly losing to Dominic Thiem. His performance in this tournament showcased his potential to win Grand Slam titles in the future.
4. Daniil Medvedev (1.98 m / 6’6″)
Daniil Medvedev, a Russian tennis sensation, stands at 1.98 meters (6’6″). Born on February 11, 1996, in Moscow, Medvedev is known for his unorthodox playing style and tactical intelligence. His ability to outthink opponents on the court sets him apart.
Achievements
- US Open Champion: Medvedev won the US Open in 2021, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. This victory was a major milestone in his career, establishing him as one of the top players in the world.
- ATP Titles: He has won numerous ATP titles, including the ATP Finals in 2020. These titles reflect his consistency and dominance on the tour.
- World No. 1: Medvedev achieved the World No. 1 ranking in February 2022, becoming the first player outside the Big Four to do so since 2004. This achievement underscores his extraordinary talent and determination.
3. Christopher Eubanks (2.01 m / 6’7″)
Christopher Eubanks, an American player born on May 5, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, stands at 2.01 meters (6’7″). Eubanks is known for his height and strong serve, which have become his trademarks on the court. His journey from college tennis to the professional circuit is inspiring.
Achievements
- College Success: Eubanks had a successful college tennis career at Georgia Tech, earning All-American honors. His college achievements laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
- ATP Challenger Titles: He has won multiple ATP Challenger titles, marking his presence in the professional circuit. These titles have helped him gain valuable experience and confidence.
- Grand Slam Appearances: Eubanks has competed in several Grand Slam tournaments, gradually making a name for himself on the tour. His participation in these prestigious events highlights his potential to become a top player.
2. Kevin Anderson (2.03 m / 6’8″)
Kevin Anderson, a South African professional tennis player, is renowned for his height and powerful game. Standing at 2.03 meters (6’8″), Anderson was born on May 18, 1986, in Johannesburg. His dedication and work ethic have earned him a reputation as one of the most consistent players on the tour.
Achievements
- Grand Slam Finals: Anderson reached the finals of the US Open in 2017 and Wimbledon in 2018, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. These achievements highlight his resilience and skill under pressure.
- ATP Titles: He has won multiple ATP titles, including the 2018 New York Open and the 2019 Maharashtra Open. His victories in these tournaments were a testament to his tactical prowess and physical conditioning.
- Career High Ranking: Anderson achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 5 in July 2018. This ranking reflects his sustained excellence and competitiveness over the years.
1. Reilly Opelka (2.11 m / 6’11”)
Reilly Opelka, the tallest player on our list, stands at an incredible 2.11 meters (6’11”). Born on August 28, 1997, in St. Joseph, Michigan, Opelka has made a significant impact on the tennis world with his powerful serves and aggressive playing style. His towering presence on the court often intimidates opponents, giving him a psychological edge.
Achievements
- ATP Titles: Opelka has won several ATP titles, including the 2019 New York Open and the 2020 Delray Beach Open. His victory in New York was particularly notable as he defeated some of the top players in the sport.
- Grand Slam Performance: His best Grand Slam performance came at the 2021 US Open, where he reached the fourth round. This deep run in a major tournament demonstrated his ability to compete with the best.
- Serve Record: Known for his booming serve, Opelka frequently ranks among the top players for aces per match. His serve speed and accuracy make it one of the most formidable in the game.
In summary
These players have put in the hard work, shown incredible skill, and poured their passion into the game. They’ve racked up impressive achievements, from Grand Slam finals to ATP titles. It’s pretty inspiring, honestly. They show that with the right mix of talent and effort, being tall can be a huge plus on the court.