10 Great Players That Haven’t Won A Grand Slam Singles Title

There have been some consistent performers in the circuit that were deprived of the Grand Slam Singles title. For the last 5 years or so, the person most recognized as the best player without a major doubt, was definitely, Andy Murray. With some dominating breakthrough performances, Murray shed this particular tag off him by winning the US Open in 2013.

Now the question arises again – who are the best players in the last decade and half (Open era had commenced in 1989, but the focus would be primarily on the last 15 years) to not have a Grand Slam title in their trophy cabinet.

Here are 10 players (both male and female) based on Career-high rankings and Grand Slam results:

1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Career High: #5

Grand Slam Results: One-time Finalist and Four-time Semi-finalist

The Frenchman had a perfect chance to capture his first ever Grand Slam in the Australian Open of 2008. But he lost a hard fought battle to Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in a classic final. Tsonga has also reached Semis in both French Open and the Wimbledon twice.

2. David Nalbandian

Career High: #3

Grand Slam results: One-time Finalist and Four-time Semi-Finalist

David Nalbandian was an incredibly talented player who could have reached another level in terms of success. In 2002, he had an opportunity at a Grand Slam in Wimbledon, but was blown apart by Lleyton Hewitt – 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. He later appeared in four more Semi-Finals at the Grand Slams but never went home with the title.

3. Jelena Jankovic

Career high: #1

Grand Slam Results: One-time Finalist and Four-time Semi-finalist

Jankovic has been World No.1 but has never won a Grand Slam. She came close to a major championship in the 2008 US Open but only to lose 6-4, 7-5 to Serena Williams.

The Serbian had her best results in Grand Slam play in Paris. She reached the semis in 2007, 2008 and 2010.4. Vera Zvonareva

Career high: #2

Grand Slam Results: two-time finalist and One-time Semi-finalist.

The gorgeous Russian, had a fruitful year in 2010. She made the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open. At Wimbledon, Vera was hammered by the ruthless Serena 6-3, 6-2. Two months later she was throttled by Kim Clijsters in New York 6-2, 6-1.

5. Nikolay Davydenko

Career high: #3

Grand Slam Results: Four-time Semi-finalist

The Russian had reached the Semis at both the French Open and US Open in the year of 2007. He was always a troublesome opponent for the big fish in the circuit. Though he has never reached the final, he appeared in the Semis on four separate occasions.

6. Dinara Safina

Career High: #1

Grand Slam Results: Three-time Finalist and Five-time Semi-finalist

The Former World No. 1 Russian in her prime, reached her three Grand Slam Finals but suffered three heart-breaking defeats to Ana Ivanovic (French Open), Serena Williams (Australian Open) and again a loss at the French Open against Svetlana Kuznetsova. To add fire to her disappointments, Grand Finals against Williams and Kuznetsova were rather one-sided affairs.

Results like this in her prime would have definitely destroyed her confidence to go a step higher.

7. David Ferrer

Career High: #3

Grand Slam Results: One-time Finalist and Four-time Semi-Finalist

The Combative Spaniard, has been a performer in the circuit with some regular appearances at the Semis and Quarters. In the French Open of 2013, he reached the final without dropping a set but was obviously denied by the Reigning Champion of clay – Nadal.

8. Caroline Wozniacki

Career High: #1

Grand Slam Results: Two-time Finalist and Two-time Semi-finalist

The Dane held the World No.1 position for 67 weeks and yet has no Grand Slam to her name. Her best chance to win a major came in 2009 and 2014 US Open Finals. She also had other best performances with two semi-finals in 2012 and 2011.

9. Nadia Petrova

Career High: #3

Grand Slam Results: Two-time Semi-finalist

Nadia’s best results have come in the French Open 2003 as she lost to Clijsters in the Semis and then again lost to Justine Henin in 2005.

10. Elena Dementieva

Career High: #3

Grand Slam Results: Two-time Finalist and Seven-time Semi-finalist

After reaching her first semi-final at the US Open in 2000, Elena reached her a final at the 2004 French Open, and lost to Myskina. After a few months, she was at the final of US Open; this time losing to another Russian, Kuznetsova. She has reached nine Grand Slam semi-finals over a period of ten years that shows her consistency but he lack of confidence in the summit stages.