GWW wrote:Interceptor wrote:Can't believe Roy Emerson hasn't been mentioned.
Held the Grand Slam Singles record (12 from 15 finals) before Sampras broke it.
Outstanding doubles record as well.
I asked my dad about Emerson, as he remembered that era of tennis.
He said that a lot of the top players joined the professional circuit in Emerson's era, thereby meaning the level of competition wasn't as good when Emerson won his numerous Grand Slam singles titles.
Yeah that's a fair point to put his record into context.
Did beat Rod Laver though in a couple of finals (before Laver turned pro).
Laver in turn defeated Emerson in 3 of the 4 GS finals in Laver's first GS year of 1962.
So I think worth mentioning, but not quite amongst the absolute best.