Top 10 Tallest Tennis Players of All Time

In tennis, height often corresponds with power and reach, offering players a substantial edge on the court. Tall players, specifically, benefit from their towering stature, as it helps originate powerful serves and provides an advantage during rallies. Over the years, some of the tallest tennis players have left an unforgettable impact on the game with their powerful serves, solid groundstrokes, and notable victories.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 tallest tennis players of all time and how their height shaped their careers.

10. Juan Martin Del Potro (6 feet 6 inches)

Juan Martin Del Potro, a former Argentinian tennis star, was known for his booming serves and fiery forehand. Del Potro contended 22 ATP singles titles, including an unforgettable win at the 2009 US Open, where he defeated Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals and Roger Federer in the final.

He also reached the US Open final in 2018, won Olympic medals (bronze in 2012 and silver in 2016), and led Argentina to a Davis Cup win in 2016. Del Potro’s height gave him a compelling serve, making him a tough opponent on hard courts.

9. Marin Cilic (6 feet 6 inches)

One of Croatia’s greatest tennis players, Marin Cilic, has won 20 ATP singles titles, including the 2014 US Open. Known for his persistent performance, he reached the finals of Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2018.

Cilic’s powerful serve and precise passing shots helped him climb to World No. 3 in 2018. He also won a silver medal in doubles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, cementing his legacy as an adaptable player.

8. Sam Querrey (6 feet 6 inches)

American Sam Querrey, now a professional pickleball player, built his tennis career on the back of a powerful serve. Querrey, who won a career-high singles ranking of World No. 11 in 2018, won 10 ATP singles titles and holds the record for hitting 10 sequential service aces in a match.

His best Grand Slam performance came at Wimbledon in 2017, where he defeated then-World No. 1 Andy Murray en route to the semi-finals.

7. Chris Guccione (6 feet 7 inches)

Standing at 200.6 cm, Australian Chris Guccione made a name for himself as a skilled doubles player. With five ATP doubles titles to his name, he won a  crowning achievement doubles ranking of World No. 38 in 2014 and a singles ranking of No. 67 in 2008.

Known for his serve-and-volley game, Guccione’s height gave him a strong presence at the net and helped him flourish in doubles matches.

6. Dick Norman (6 feet 8 inches)

Belgian player Dick Norman stood out for his height and durability. Known as one of the oldest players on the ATP Tour, Norman reached his career-high singles ranking of No. 85 in 2006 and flourished in doubles, eligible for the ATP Finals in 2010.

Fans appreciated Norman for his resilience to the sport, retiring at 42 after a career spanning 22 years.

5. Kevin Anderson (6 feet 8 inches)

South African Kevin Anderson made history as the tallest player to reach a Grand Slam final. Anderson reached two Grand Slam finals—2017 US Open and 2018 Wimbledon—and climbed to World No. 5 in 2018.

Anderson’s height helped him originate powerful serves and sharp angles, making him a tough competitor until his retirement in 2022.

4. Jerzy Janowicz (6 feet 8 inches)

Polish player Jerzy Janowicz stands out for his volatile playing style. He became the first Polish man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon in 2013. In spite of not winning an ATP singles title, Janowicz reached a career-high ranking of No. 14 in 2013, thanks to his powerful serve and hostile baseline game.

3. John Isner (6 feet 10 inches)

American John Isner is regarded as one of the greatest servers in tennis history. Standing at 208 cm, Isner has won 15 ATP titles and holds several records, including the fastest serve (157.2 mph) and the most aces in ATP history (14,470 as of 2023).

He was also part of the longest match in tennis history, conquering Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon 2010 after over 11 hours of play.

2. Reilly Opelka (6 feet 11 inches)

American Reilly Opelka shares the record for the tallest tennis player, measuring 211 cm. Opelka, a four-time ATP singles champion, reached his crowning achievement singles ranking of No. 17 in 2022.

His booming serves, often exceeding 140 mph, make him a threat on any surface.

1. Ivo Karlovic (6 feet 11 inches)

Croatian Ivo Karlovic, known as “Dr. Ivo,” is tied with Opelka as the tallest tennis player ever. Karlovic won eight ATP singles titles and held the record for career aces (13,728) for around three decades. Karlovic’s height enabled him to superpower with his serve, making him one of the most feared players on the ATP Tour during his prime.

These imposing players have utilised their height to make a mark in tennis history, proving that size does matter on the court. From record-breaking serves to inspiring victories, they’ve left a permanent legacy in the sport.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com