The Most Famous Tennis Players in the 70s & 80s

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Tennis legends of the 1980s: Style, rivalries and icons who defined an era

The 1980s wasn’t just a golden era for tennis; it was a defining one. The decade delivered unforgettable rivalries, bold fashion statements, and the rise of global superstars who turned tennis into a full-throttle spectacle. From Centre Court battles to courtside charisma, this was the era that shaped the modern game as we know it. During this iconic period, tennis players from all over the world blossomed, showcasing legendary skills that we still admire today.

These famous tennis players of the ‘70s and ‘80s not only inspired those dominating the game today but also what we wear on the court. The classic brands Sergio Tacchini and Diadora rose to prominence during this era, all thanks to the legends who wore them - leaving us with a classic range of mens tennis clothing and womens tennis outfits. Fashion within tennis was at its peak in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

At Golden Age of Tennis, we celebrate the timeless - and the ‘70s & ‘80s gave us no shortage of legends to honour. Join us as we revisit the tennis players of those decades: the baseline tacticians, the serve-and-volley artists, the fierce competitors, and the fearless fashionistas. So, without further ado, let’s delve into a few older tennis players, many of whom are still involved in the sport today.  

 

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Who were the most famous tennis players throughout the 70s and 80s?

We’ve compiled a list below of the top tennis players in the 70s & 80s, along with their Singles Major Championship wins. 

Click on the below links to find more about each tennis player in the 70s and 80s.

Famous Male tennis players

• Björn Borg 

• John Newcombe 

• Vitas Gerulaitis  

• Jimmy Connors 

• Boris Becker 

• Andre Aggasi 

• John McEnroe 

Famous Female tennis players

• Billie Jean King 

• Steffi Graf

• Chris Evert 

• Martina Navratilova 

• Sue Barker 

• Gabriela Sabatini

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Björn Borg - Male Tennis Player

Björn Borg is an iconic tennis player considered the most famous from Central Europe. Raised in Sweden, Borg gained international fame throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s due to his impeccable skills. His talent led him to become the first man to win 11 grand slam titles, and he unsurprisingly reached No.1 status by 1977. 

Borg displayed skills from an early age which were vital for his success. His powerful serve and agile, acrobatic moves led Borg to become Sweden’s No.1 junior player at the early age of 13 and the world’s No.1 at 21 years old. While Borg was certainly known for his accredited tennis skills, his charming manner and slightly bizarre fashion choices were what stuck in our minds.

The International Tennis Hall Of Fame (TITHF) describes Borg as “a rock ‘n roll star draped in tennis clothes“. Quite literally the rock star of tennis, Borg has been unapologetically himself with his sportsmanship and fashion choices. Björn Borg unexpectedly retired from tennis at 25. He did return in September 2022 to remake his iconic match with John McEnroe, which was shy of 40 years prior. 

Though Borg’s career began in the ‘70s, his influence loomed large well into the 1980s. Known for his steely composure and signature headband, Borg brought Scandi-cool to the court. His topspin-heavy game changed baseline play forever, and his rivalry with McEnroe remains the stuff of legend.

Style signature: Minimalist whites, long locks, and Fila tracksuits - Borg’s look is still iconic.

Grand slam titles: 11 (6 French Open, 5 Wimbledon)

Fun fact: Borg retired at just 25, leaving fans forever wondering what could’ve been.

You can discover more via their player profile here - https://goldenageoftennis.com/pages/player-profile-bjorn-borg    

What did Björn Borg wear on the tennis court?

 

Always staying close to a pair of short shorts, Björn Borg was the face of the low shorts movement. Borg’s signature look incorporated classic Mens Tennis Shorts a fitted polo shirt and a matching headband. 

We can’t acknowledge Borg’s style without mentioning his prize possession, the wooden Donnay racket with which he played every game using. 

If you’d like to reenact the iconic moves displayed by Borg, ensure you dress the part. Check out our iconic Borg Tennis Clothing of wears once seen on the famous tennis player Björn Borg. 

You can shop the full collection here - https://goldenageoftennis.com/collections/the-borg-collection 

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John Newcombe - Male Tennis Player

Born in Sydney, Australia, the charismatic John Newcombe has had many entertaining games across his athletic career and certainly wasn’t one to miss. 

Newcombe’s appeal came from his impressive skill, which led him to be the first to achieve a No 1 ranking in single and double tournaments. 

John won the Wimbledon doubles in 1965, the start of an impressive streak of wins. While John Newcombe displayed his skill in doubles, it was in his singles that he earned his status as one of the most famous tennis players ever to live. 

Newcombe is one of the two tennis stars to win the amateurs and pros at Wimbledon and Forest Hills. His incomparable skills allowed him to win 34 solo titles, and by the end of his career, his ultra-quick reflex left him with a total of 41 titles, including an impressive 7 grand slam wins. 

During the ‘70s, Australian tennis stars dominated professional tennis, and some looked as good as they played. John Newcombe made the court his playground, showcasing unique tennis skills and iconic outfits. 

Style signature: Brown hair, browner moustache - one of the best serve and volley players around.

Grand Slam titles: 26

You can discover more via their player profile here-  https://goldenageoftennis.com/pages/player-profile-john-newcombe   

 

John Newcombe Outfits

Newcombe was like many of his peers and enjoyed looking stylish on the court. He enjoyed a clean and powerful look, and the stylish brand Maggia was his go-to. A particular favourite was a lightweight yet practical Maggia v-neck polo  and a matching pair of crisp white tennis shorts

 You can shop the full collection here - https://goldenageoftennis.com/collections/the-newcombe-collection 

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Vitas Gerulaitis - Male Tennis Player

Rising to fame in the ‘70s, Vitas Gerulaitis was quickly heading to become the best American tennis player ever. 

Showcasing great skill on the court, Vitas made 1 grand slam win in his career. Sadly, his life was cut short as he passed away while visiting a friend due to poisoning from a carbon dioxide leak. 

Vitas Gerulaitis’s death sent shockwaves through the tennis world. He is remembered for his infectious laughter, striking presence and dedication to the sport from an early age. 

Born in New York, Vitas Gerulaitis was inspired by his father, who had an immense passion for tennis. He started playing tennis in kindergarten, and the spark for tennis never simmered, leading Vitas to drop out of school and dedicate his life to his favourite sport. 

It was a risk for Vitas Gerulaitis to drop out of school, but he believed in himself and continued to perfect his skill which quickly took off. 

Throughout the ‘70s, Vitas Gerulaitis played with and against famous tennis players worldwide, such as Jimmy Connors, Sandy Mayer and even defeated Borg. 

Style signature: Long blonde wavey hair, aggressive & fast player. The Lithuanian Lion.

Grand Slam titles: 1

You can find their player profile here - https://goldenageoftennis.com/pages/player-profile-vitas-gerulaitis  

You can shop the full collection here - https://goldenageoftennis.com/collections/the-gerulaitis-collection 

What did Vitas Gerulaitis wear?

When it came to Vitas Gerulaitis’s on-court style, he was adventurous, commonly wearing zip-up track tops that embraced vibrant colours such as orange and pink. He would complete his look with a matching tennis t-shirt and sleek pair of shorts. 

If you’d like to resemble the legend that is Vitas Gerulaitis, then explore our vintage Gerulaitis Collection for mesmerising pieces once seen on Vitas himself. 

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Jimmy Connors  - Male Tennis Player

The tennis legend Jimmy Connors is potentially the most rebellious tennis player; unapologetic about his on-court behaviour no matter how manic, relentless or off-putting it seemed. 

This outspoken attitude built a distance between him and his counterparts at tournaments, and ultimately led people to either love him or hate him – there was never any in between. 

While Jimmy Connors was a famous tennis player, he was controversial and aggressively competitive. These ‘flaws’ ultimately led him to earn a wall of victories throughout his 17 year career. His biggest trophy was the global world tour final in 1977, but every game Connors graced promised entertainment and power – putting blood, sweat and tears into every slam. 

When we think of Jimmy Connors we think of Sergio Tacchini. Rich green, vibrant red and the classic green, Sergio Tacchini is an Italian brand that Connors famously wore on the pitch during some of his biggest games. 

Jimmy Connors has an impressive 125 titles, with a success rate of an incredible 82% throughout his entire career. The 10-time major champion and 9-time finalist made his major success as the global No.1 tennis player in 1977 after winning the world tour finals. 

Style signature: Long, long hair, short tennis shorts, fast around the court.

Grand Slam titles: 8

You can shop the full collection here - Connors Collection

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Boris Becker - Male Tennis Player

The iconic German tennis star - Boris Becker - still features in the game through punditry and commentary. He was a powerful right handed tennis player who had an extremely fast serve.

When Becker won Wimbledon in 1985 at the age of 17, the tennis world sat up. And then he dived. Literally. His acrobatic volleys, raw power and fearless shot-making won him three Wimbledon titles in total - and a place in tennis folklore.

Style signature: Red and white Ellesse Track Top a mop of strawberry-blond curls, and youthful swagger, fast serve.

Grand Slam titles: 6

Style note: Becker made on-court diving a signature move - and somehow, even that looked elegant.

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Andre Agassi - Male Tennis Player

Andre Agassi is an American tennis player who started in the 80s but became famous in the 90s - and was ranked 1st in the US for 101 weeks - a huge achievement from an American Icon.

Style signature: Long, shoulder length blonde hair that became very short, often wearing red and blue tennis clothing - aside from traditional tennis whites.

Grand Slam singles titles: 8

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John McEnroe - Male Tennis Player

Equal parts virtuoso and volcano, McEnroe lit up the decade with genius shot-making and combustible outbursts. His touch at the net was poetry in motion, but his temper was pure theatre.

He was also a style icon in his own right, sporting pinstriped polos, retro headbands, and an attitude that screamed New York cool.

Style signature: Sweatbands, short shorts, and that unmistakable mop of curls. McEnroe made tantrums fashionable.

Grand Slam titles: 7

Quote we’ll never forget: “You cannot be serious!”

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Billie Jean King - Female Tennis Player

Billie Jean King was an American women's icon, with her unique style and powerful arms, she is seen as one of the greatest tennis players ever winning 39 majors (15 more than Djokovic currently)

Style signature: Dark hair, muscular physique - one of the strongest athletes to play tennis. .

Grand Slam titles: 18 (12 singles, 16 women's doubles,  11 mixed doubles)

Note from the Golden Age of Tennis: One of the best tennis players of all time. A true inspiration for all.

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Steffi Graf - Female Tennis Player

Graf’s rise began in the late ‘80s and what a rise it was. In 1988, she achieved the Golden Slam (all four majors + Olympic gold in a single year). Her footwork, mental toughness, and thunderous forehand ushered in a new era of athleticism in women’s tennis.

Style signature: Clean-cut Adidas gear, braided ponytails, and an air of humble confidence. Graf didn’t shout; her game spoke volumes.

Grand Slam titles: 22

Fun fact: She spent 377 weeks at world no.1 - the longest of any player in history.

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Chris Evert - Female Tennis Player

While Navratilova brought power, Evert brought poise. Her rivalry with Martina captivated tennis audiences throughout the decade, showcasing two very different but equally brilliant styles of play. Evert’s two-handed backhand was legendary, and her consistency earned her the nickname “Miss Cool.” She was unstoppable on clay

Style signature: Delicate necklaces, pastel hues, and polished ponytails. Evert’s look blended athleticism and femininity with ease.

Grand Slam titles: 18

WTA records: Over 1,300 match wins - a feat that remains unmatched.

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Martina Navratilova - Female Tennis Player

 

No list of 1980s tennis legends is complete without Martina. With her aggressive serve-and-volley style and unmatched athleticism, Navratilova redefined what women’s tennis could be. She won nine Wimbledon singles titles - a record that still stands - and was virtually untouchable during the early to mid-80s.

Style signature: Bold sleeveless tops, bright colour blocking, and functional flair. Martina dressed like she played: strong, sharp, and unapologetically herself.

Grand Slam titles: 18

Fun fact: She once won six Grand Slam titles in a single year across all disciplines.

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Sue Barker - Female Tennis Player

Sue Barker was a true British Icon in the sport of Tennis, winning the French Open Championship. She now presents Wimbledon every year, and is seen as a great in England.

Style signature: Blonde, graceful, powerful and inspirational..

Grand Slam titles: 1

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Gabriela Sabatini - Female Tennis Player

The Argentinian starlet was as known for her graceful groundstrokes as her undeniable charm. Sabatini’s career peak came in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, but her rise made waves throughout the decade. She was a fan favourite and a fashion muse, often blurring the line between athlete and icon.

Style signature: Volume in the hair, detail in the kit. Sabatini's fashion-forward choices earned her endorsements and admiration.

Grand Slam titles: 2

Fun fact: She had a perfume line before most athletes knew what “brand” meant.

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A summary of these true 1970’s and 1980’s tennis greats

There is no debating that the 70s and 80s were some of the best times ever to be seen in the sport of tennis. From short mens shorts and long moustaches, to the rise of the Women's game with Billie and Chris, it gives true inspiration for anyone looking to play - casually or competitively.

In terms of fashion, the ‘70s and early ‘80s were a time when it was all about the classics, and we’re bringing it back! Just like the most famous tennis players, we want you to look as good as you play. Explore our complete range of Tennis Clothing now for sleek and authentic designer brands.