Scariest Streaks in Tennis History

Skip to main content directly

Forget Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger, there was nothing scarier than standing across the court from these tennis legends during some of the most dominant streaks in the sport’s history.

Seeing Rafael Nadal’s name when the clay season rolled around, or Martina Navratilova’s name in general during the 80s, frightened many players on tour as the two set a few of tennis’ all-time greatest records, which still seem untouchable to this day.

Here are some of the scariest streaks from the ATP and WTA Tours.

Nadal’s Clay-Court Reign

Nadal didn’t earn the name “the King of Clay” for no reason. The Spaniard’s rule began in 2005, when the then 18-year-old won Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome before raising his maiden Grand Slam trophy at Roland-Garros, two days after his 19^th birthday.

Nadal’s reign on the dirt lasted for two more years as the 22-time major titlist remained undefeated for 81 matches, the longest single-surface win streak in ATP singles history. Over that span, Nadal won 13 consecutive clay-court titles, including three-straight in Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome, plus back-to-back Roland-Garros triumphs.

Roger Federer eventually put an end to Nadal’s run in the 2007 Hamburg Masters final but that didn’t stop the Spainard from securing his third-straight French Open title just weeks later.

His reign in Monte-Carlo carried on, though, as Nadal went on to win 46 matches in a row at the event – the longest streak at a single tournament in the Open Era – and claimed eight-consecutive titles. Nadal finished his career with 63 clay-court trophies, winning 14 at Roland-Garros – the most by a player at a Grand Slam.

Navratilova’s 1984 Season

Navratilova was virtually unplayable for much of her career, but that statement especially rings true when looking back at her 1984 season.

After beginning the year with a runner-up finish in Oakland, the 18-time Grand Slam champion wouldn’t lose another match, let alone a final, for 12 months. Navratilova won 74 matches in a row – the most by a singles player in the Open Era – and dropped just seven sets during that course.

The American won 13-consecutive titles during her record-setting streak, highlighted by triumphs at Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Navratilova’s run came to a shocking end in the Australian Open semifinals, leaving the world No. 1 two-wins short of the Calendar Grand Slam.

It was dominant displays like in 1984 that led Navratilova to 167 career singles titles, which still stands as an Open Era record for the most by any player.

Federer’s Wimbledon & US Open Hold

There are a few players on the ATP Tour who have won five-consecutive titles at a Grand Slam. For example, Nadal did so at Roland-Garros from 2010-14, as well as Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon from 1976-80. However, no one has had a hold of two majors, virtually simultaneously, quite like Federer.

The Swiss won Wimbledon five times in a row, from his maiden Grand Slam title in 2003 up until 2007. The five-straight triumphs at the Championships were part of a record 65-match win streak on grass.

During his dominant run on the lawn, Federer’s US Open dynasty began. The Hall of Famer reached the winner’s circle at Flushing Meadows for the first time in 2004 and successfully defended his title till he was dethroned in 2009. During that span, Federer also won 56 matches in a row on hard court – the longest streak on the surface in the Open Era.

Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak