• Martina Navratilova v Chris Evert: There was a time, through the 1970s and 80s, when women's tennis was essentially a bipolar world as these two stars dominated the circuit. During their rivalry that spanned roughly 15 years, they met 80 times on court - including in 61 finals - with Navratilova holding a 43-37 edge. The latter also won 14 of the 22 matches they played against each other at grand slam tournaments. Rob Taggart / Getty Images
    Martina Navratilova v Chris Evert: There was a time, through the 1970s and 80s, when women's tennis was essentially a bipolar world as these two stars dominated the circuit. During their rivalry that spanned roughly 15 years, they met 80 times on court - including in 61 finals - with Navratilova holding a 43-37 edge. The latter also won 14 of the 22 matches they played against each other at grand slam tournaments. Rob Taggart / Getty Images
  • Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal: This is perhaps the greatest men's rivalry of all time. Yeah, the figures show it is not as evenly-matched as the match-up between Nadal and Novak Djokovic. But Federer, considered the greatest tennis player ever, has had some memorable matches against Nadal, rated the second-greatest player ever. Nadal leads 23-15 in matches played, 9-3 at the majors and 6-3 in major finals. Their greatest matches have usually been in major finals, too, such as at Wimbledon (2007 and 2008), and the Australian Open (2009 and 2017); incredibly, they have never met at the US Open. But what marks these two players out is their longevity: theirs is a rivalry that is 15 years old and still counting. The question is who will win the unofficial competition to become the most successful major champion; Federer is on 20, Nadal on 17. Marwan Naamani / AFP
    Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal: This is perhaps the greatest men's rivalry of all time. Yeah, the figures show it is not as evenly-matched as the match-up between Nadal and Novak Djokovic. But Federer, considered the greatest tennis player ever, has had some memorable matches against Nadal, rated the second-greatest player ever. Nadal leads 23-15 in matches played, 9-3 at the majors and 6-3 in major finals. Their greatest matches have usually been in major finals, too, such as at Wimbledon (2007 and 2008), and the Australian Open (2009 and 2017); incredibly, they have never met at the US Open. But what marks these two players out is their longevity: theirs is a rivalry that is 15 years old and still counting. The question is who will win the unofficial competition to become the most successful major champion; Federer is on 20, Nadal on 17. Marwan Naamani / AFP
  • Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic: One of the great, ongoing rivalries in men's tennis since they first met in 2006, there is little to choose from current world No 2 Nadal and current world No 1 Djokovic. Which is why mats Wilander calls it the greatest match-up in tennis history. Indeed, the Serb leads their head-to-head 27-25, although he trails in other areas: 9-5 at grand slam tournaments, 4-3 in grand slam finals, and 17-13 in total grand slam titles won. Could they meet at the French Open final this Sunday? Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP
    Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic: One of the great, ongoing rivalries in men's tennis since they first met in 2006, there is little to choose from current world No 2 Nadal and current world No 1 Djokovic. Which is why mats Wilander calls it the greatest match-up in tennis history. Indeed, the Serb leads their head-to-head 27-25, although he trails in other areas: 9-5 at grand slam tournaments, 4-3 in grand slam finals, and 17-13 in total grand slam titles won. Could they meet at the French Open final this Sunday? Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP
  • Venus Williams v Serena Williams: Never have two sisters dominated the women's tennis circuit at the same time - both in singles and doubles. Venus, a year older, set the ball rolling in the late 1990s before Serena not only caught up with Venus but went well past her. Serena has won 23 grand slam titles - 16 more than Venus - although their head-to-head is a lot closer: Serena leads 17-12. At majors, it is 10-5 to Serena and in major finals, it is 7-2 to the younger sibling. Their matches have proved a crowd-puller over the years despite allegations they sometimes let each other win. The sisterly love has certainly not been lost on anyone. Anja Niedringhaus / AP Photo
    Venus Williams v Serena Williams: Never have two sisters dominated the women's tennis circuit at the same time - both in singles and doubles. Venus, a year older, set the ball rolling in the late 1990s before Serena not only caught up with Venus but went well past her. Serena has won 23 grand slam titles - 16 more than Venus - although their head-to-head is a lot closer: Serena leads 17-12. At majors, it is 10-5 to Serena and in major finals, it is 7-2 to the younger sibling. Their matches have proved a crowd-puller over the years despite allegations they sometimes let each other win. The sisterly love has certainly not been lost on anyone. Anja Niedringhaus / AP Photo
  • John McEnroe v Bjorn Borg: Men's tennis in the 1980s is incomplete without the classics these two superstars have played against each other; the 1980 Wimbledon final being a case in point. What probably intrigued most tennis fans about their rivalry was how different they both were temperamentally. McEnroe came across as a raging bull when compared to the quiet but intense Swede. They only met 14 times in all, but split the matches neatly - at 7-7 - even though McEnroe led 3-1 at the majors (all three of their meetings coming in finals). Borg, though, won 11 majors - four more than his American rival. Steve Powell / Getty Images
    John McEnroe v Bjorn Borg: Men's tennis in the 1980s is incomplete without the classics these two superstars have played against each other; the 1980 Wimbledon final being a case in point. What probably intrigued most tennis fans about their rivalry was how different they both were temperamentally. McEnroe came across as a raging bull when compared to the quiet but intense Swede. They only met 14 times in all, but split the matches neatly - at 7-7 - even though McEnroe led 3-1 at the majors (all three of their meetings coming in finals). Borg, though, won 11 majors - four more than his American rival. Steve Powell / Getty Images
  • Margaret Court v Billie Jean King: Much of the 1960s and 70s saw these two players come out on top, at least more often than not. But the Australian Court, far left, had a decisive edge over her American rival, centre, winning 22 of the 32 matches between them. She also led 6-4 in grand slam matches, including 4-1 in finals. Court, a year older than King, also won double the majors: 24:12. But interestingly, they had contrasting personalities and value systems, with Court being remarkably - and sometimes controversially - conservative, while King famous for her liberal values. Douglas Miller / Getty Images
    Margaret Court v Billie Jean King: Much of the 1960s and 70s saw these two players come out on top, at least more often than not. But the Australian Court, far left, had a decisive edge over her American rival, centre, winning 22 of the 32 matches between them. She also led 6-4 in grand slam matches, including 4-1 in finals. Court, a year older than King, also won double the majors: 24:12. But interestingly, they had contrasting personalities and value systems, with Court being remarkably - and sometimes controversially - conservative, while King famous for her liberal values. Douglas Miller / Getty Images
  • Andre Agassi v Pete Sampras: Two Americans separated by a year but who were strikingly different personalities: Agassi expressive and sometimes even showy, Sampras reserved and mostly poker-faced. In 34 matches between these two greats, Sampras held sway 20 times. In nine grand slam matches, Sampras had a 6-3 edge. In five major finals, Sampras led 4-1. Sampras was also the more consistent grand slam champion, having won 14 times to Agassi's eight. But they were both incredibly popular, and had passionate fan bases throughout their careers. Theo Wargo / Getty Images
    Andre Agassi v Pete Sampras: Two Americans separated by a year but who were strikingly different personalities: Agassi expressive and sometimes even showy, Sampras reserved and mostly poker-faced. In 34 matches between these two greats, Sampras held sway 20 times. In nine grand slam matches, Sampras had a 6-3 edge. In five major finals, Sampras led 4-1. Sampras was also the more consistent grand slam champion, having won 14 times to Agassi's eight. But they were both incredibly popular, and had passionate fan bases throughout their careers. Theo Wargo / Getty Images
  • Monica Seles v Steffi Graf: Theirs is a rivalry that could have reached greater heights had Seles' career not been seriously set back by a knife attack. That she made a comeback and won titles again is incredible, but she could have achieved way more than she did if not for those lost years. Nonetheless, Seles met Graf 15 times on court, with the latter winning on 10 occasions. The German also led 6-4 in grand slam matches but was locked at 3-3 in major finals. In the final assessment, however, Graf won 22 grand slam titles while Seles wrapped up her career with nine. Dimitri Iundt / Getty Images
    Monica Seles v Steffi Graf: Theirs is a rivalry that could have reached greater heights had Seles' career not been seriously set back by a knife attack. That she made a comeback and won titles again is incredible, but she could have achieved way more than she did if not for those lost years. Nonetheless, Seles met Graf 15 times on court, with the latter winning on 10 occasions. The German also led 6-4 in grand slam matches but was locked at 3-3 in major finals. In the final assessment, however, Graf won 22 grand slam titles while Seles wrapped up her career with nine. Dimitri Iundt / Getty Images
  • John McEnroe v Jimmy Connors: The two Americans were flashy and fun to watch on court. While McEnroe was famous for his temper and his arguments with the chair umpires, Connors could be intense as well. They met in 33 matches, with McEnroe winning 20 of those. He also led his older opponent 6-3 at the majors. But Connors (8) won one grand slam title more than McEnroe (7). Roger Jackson / Getty Images
    John McEnroe v Jimmy Connors: The two Americans were flashy and fun to watch on court. While McEnroe was famous for his temper and his arguments with the chair umpires, Connors could be intense as well. They met in 33 matches, with McEnroe winning 20 of those. He also led his older opponent 6-3 at the majors. But Connors (8) won one grand slam title more than McEnroe (7). Roger Jackson / Getty Images
  • Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer: This is another one of those long rivalries, which began in 2006 and promises to go on. Djokovic is six years younger than Federer, but leads their head-to-head 24-22 overall and 9-6 at the majors. The Serb, who also has a 3-1 edge in grand slam finals, has over the years disappointed spectators by beating the Swiss in summit clashes, knowing well he can never be as popular as Federer. What he is capable of doing, however, is crossing Federer's tally of 20 grand slam titles one day. He is on 15 at the moment. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
    Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer: This is another one of those long rivalries, which began in 2006 and promises to go on. Djokovic is six years younger than Federer, but leads their head-to-head 24-22 overall and 9-6 at the majors. The Serb, who also has a 3-1 edge in grand slam finals, has over the years disappointed spectators by beating the Swiss in summit clashes, knowing well he can never be as popular as Federer. What he is capable of doing, however, is crossing Federer's tally of 20 grand slam titles one day. He is on 15 at the moment. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
  • Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray: Nick Kyrgios may have been unfair on Djokovic when he called Murray the better player of the two, because the record suggests otherwise. The Serb won 25 of the 36 matches he played against the Briton. He also had an 8-2 edge at the majors. And while Djokovic has won 15 grand slam titles and counting, Murray is all but retired with three to his name. That said, they played many a match that was evenly matched, and therefore, fun to watch. Could their head-to-head record have been different had Murray been made of sterner stuff? Who knows. Karim Jaafar / AFP
    Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray: Nick Kyrgios may have been unfair on Djokovic when he called Murray the better player of the two, because the record suggests otherwise. The Serb won 25 of the 36 matches he played against the Briton. He also had an 8-2 edge at the majors. And while Djokovic has won 15 grand slam titles and counting, Murray is all but retired with three to his name. That said, they played many a match that was evenly matched, and therefore, fun to watch. Could their head-to-head record have been different had Murray been made of sterner stuff? Who knows. Karim Jaafar / AFP
  • Justine Henin v Kim Clijsters: They never quite dominated the women's circuit in their otherwise successful careers, but they carved a niche for themselves and were popular with fans and fellow players. They also enjoyed an excellent rivalry, meeting 25 times on court, with Clijsters narrowly edging out her fellow Belgian 13-12. But Henin beat Clijsters in all three grand slam matches they met in. The former also won more majors: seven to Clijsters' four. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
    Justine Henin v Kim Clijsters: They never quite dominated the women's circuit in their otherwise successful careers, but they carved a niche for themselves and were popular with fans and fellow players. They also enjoyed an excellent rivalry, meeting 25 times on court, with Clijsters narrowly edging out her fellow Belgian 13-12. But Henin beat Clijsters in all three grand slam matches they met in. The former also won more majors: seven to Clijsters' four. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
  • Roy Emerson v Rod Laver: They are still two of the greatest Australian male tennis players of all time, and yet there was not much of a rivalry between them outside of the majors: Laver led 49-18 overall. In fact, Laver had Emerson's number for a good six years. At grand slam finals, however, it was a lot closer - 3-2 to Laver - and they dominated the men's draw for two decades, with Emerson winning 12 major titles and Laver 11. Incredibly, they went five years without playing each other in the 1960s, with Laver going pro and Emerson staying amateur. Seymour Wally / Getty Images
    Roy Emerson v Rod Laver: They are still two of the greatest Australian male tennis players of all time, and yet there was not much of a rivalry between them outside of the majors: Laver led 49-18 overall. In fact, Laver had Emerson's number for a good six years. At grand slam finals, however, it was a lot closer - 3-2 to Laver - and they dominated the men's draw for two decades, with Emerson winning 12 major titles and Laver 11. Incredibly, they went five years without playing each other in the 1960s, with Laver going pro and Emerson staying amateur. Seymour Wally / Getty Images
  • Bjorn Borg v Jimmy Connors: At the end of their careers, Borg had the last laugh against Connors - in a manner of speaking - given he had beaten him in 15 of the 23 of the matches between the rivals. At grand slam tournaments, too, the Swede had a 5-3 edge. But he has since recalled the hurt he felt of never having won the US Open - twice beaten by the American in the final, in 1976 and '78. Borg, though, beat Connors in two Wimbledon summit clashes, in '77 and '78. David Ashdown / Getty Images
    Bjorn Borg v Jimmy Connors: At the end of their careers, Borg had the last laugh against Connors - in a manner of speaking - given he had beaten him in 15 of the 23 of the matches between the rivals. At grand slam tournaments, too, the Swede had a 5-3 edge. But he has since recalled the hurt he felt of never having won the US Open - twice beaten by the American in the final, in 1976 and '78. Borg, though, beat Connors in two Wimbledon summit clashes, in '77 and '78. David Ashdown / Getty Images
  • Stefan Edberg v Boris Becker: This rivalry lasted 12 years between 1984 and 1996 during the course of which they met 35 times. Becker won 25 of these matches, although the Swede had a 3-1 edge in grand slam meetings. Few fans of a certain age will ever forget the three successive Wimbledon finals they played against each other. Edberg won in 1988 and 1990, while Becker was champion in 1989. Watching these matches even gave Federer the inspiration to take up the sport. Phil Cole / Getty Images
    Stefan Edberg v Boris Becker: This rivalry lasted 12 years between 1984 and 1996 during the course of which they met 35 times. Becker won 25 of these matches, although the Swede had a 3-1 edge in grand slam meetings. Few fans of a certain age will ever forget the three successive Wimbledon finals they played against each other. Edberg won in 1988 and 1990, while Becker was champion in 1989. Watching these matches even gave Federer the inspiration to take up the sport. Phil Cole / Getty Images

Tennis

Federer v Nadal, King v Court and the 15 greatest tennis rivalries of all time

A look at the best match-ups between male and female tennis players over the past five decades

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On Friday, Roger Federer will face old rival and clay-court king Rafael Nadal in the French Open semi-finals - the 39th meeting between two of the most successful players of all time.

It is considered by many the greatest rivalry in men's tennis of all time, but one former player has expressed a different opinion; one that can hardly be argued with.

"For sure Nadal and [Novak] Djokovic," Mats Wilander said on Wednesday. "I find that Roger and Rafa's, their rivalry has nearly been overshadowed by the two contrasts in style and the fact that they seem to be so completely different when they are on court."

The seven-time grand slam champion's contention is the Roger-Rafa rivalry has never been evenly matched, even though the players have gone on to have unprecedented individual success during their more than decade-long careers.

"At one point their rivalry was pretty one-sided, and it seems like it's been pretty one-sided on one side for a period and then the other side for a period," the Swede said. "Right now Roger is beating him every time, at least in the last two years.

"So I think that Nadal and Djokovic is probably the most interesting because it's so even and anything can happen on any surface."

Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won a jaw-dropping 52 grand slam singles titles between them, which is a combined tally far superior to what other generations of players have achieved - be it Pete Sampras v Andre Agassi in the 1990s, the Jimmy Connors-Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe triumvirate in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Even the Australian pair of Rod Laver and Roy Emerson did not reach those heights in 60s.

What is telling, and scary for the emerging generation of male tennis players, is how Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have continued to dominate the game into their 30s. The Swiss master is 37 and world No 3; the Spaniard is 32 and No 2; the Serb is 31 and world No 1.

Meanwhile, women's tennis has seen its share of rivalries dating back to the 1960s and 70s, starting with the one between Margaret Court and Billie Jean King. Other notable competitions have captured the imagination of fans, including the one between the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, and Justine Henin-Kim Clijsters.

But the greatest one has to be Chris Evert-Martina Navratilova.

Find out our 15 favourite rivalries and why by scrolling through the photo gallery above. To move on to the next position, click the arrows on the photo, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.

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