Who is the most popular tennis player today?

When you think of tennis, one name often pops up before the rest: Novak Djokovic. He’s not just winning matches-he’s rewriting history. As of early 2026, Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis with 23, tying him with Rafael Nadal and surpassing Roger Federer. But popularity isn’t just about trophies. It’s about how often you’re talked about, how many people watch you play, and how deeply you connect with fans around the world.

Why Novak Djokovic stands out

Djokovic doesn’t just dominate on clay, grass, or hard courts-he dominates in consistency. He’s spent over 400 weeks as world No. 1, more than any other player in history. His return of serve is considered the best ever. He can turn defense into offense in a single step. And he does it with a calm, almost robotic focus that makes him terrifying to face.

Outside the lines, he’s a global brand. His social media following tops 20 million across platforms. His signature headband and sleeveless tops are sold in every major sporting goods store from Tokyo to Toronto. He’s appeared in commercials with Nike, Rolex, and Head, and his foundation supports children’s education in the Balkans. He’s not just an athlete-he’s a cultural figure.

The women’s side: Iga Świątek’s rise

On the WTA tour, no player has captured the public’s imagination like Iga Świątek. Since winning her first French Open in 2020 at age 19, she’s claimed four Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for over 100 weeks. Her game is elegant but brutal-long, heavy topspin groundstrokes, flawless footwork, and a mental toughness that lets her win matches even when she’s not hitting her best.

What makes Świątek special isn’t just her tennis. It’s her humility. She rarely gives interviews. She doesn’t chase headlines. She lets her racket do the talking. And fans love that. Her matches sell out instantly. Her TikTok clips of practice sessions get millions of views. She’s become the face of a new generation of tennis stars who play with passion but live quietly.

Other names in the spotlight

While Djokovic and Świątek lead the pack, others are building their own legacies.

• Jannik Sinner-The 23-year-old Italian won the 2024 US Open and is now ranked in the top 3. His powerful serve and aggressive net play make him a fan favorite on fast courts.
• Coco Gauff-At just 21, she’s already won a Grand Slam (2023 US Open) and reached the finals of Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Her energy, charisma, and outspoken advocacy for mental health in sports have made her a role model.
• Carlos Alcaraz-The Spanish phenom stunned the world by winning the 2022 US Open at 19. Though injuries slowed him in 2024, his return in 2025 was electric. His athleticism and shot-making ability still draw comparisons to Federer and Nadal.

These players aren’t just competing-they’re changing how tennis is watched. Young fans don’t just follow scores anymore. They follow personalities. They watch behind-the-scenes content. They buy jerseys with names they recognize from YouTube shorts, not just from tournament brackets.

What makes a tennis player popular?

Popularity in tennis isn’t just about wins. It’s a mix of performance, personality, and presence.

• Consistency-Winning year after year builds trust. Djokovic’s 2025 Australian Open title was his 10th at Melbourne Park. That kind of dominance creates legends.
• Relatability-Players who show emotion, vulnerability, or humor connect deeper. Gauff’s tears after her first Grand Slam win, or Sinner’s goofy dance after a big point, stick with people.
• Global appeal-Tennis is played everywhere, but popularity grows when players represent diverse regions. Świątek brings Polish pride to the top of the rankings. Djokovic is a national hero in Serbia. Alcaraz carries Spain’s tennis legacy forward.
• Media presence-Social media, podcasts, and documentaries matter now more than ever. Players who engage with fans online, even just with a quick post-match clip, build stronger followings.

The days when a player could be famous just for winning are gone. Today, you need to be seen, heard, and felt.

How fans connect today

Back in the 2000s, fans followed tennis through TV highlights and newspapers. Now, it’s TikTok reels of match points, Instagram stories from locker rooms, and YouTube vlogs showing training routines. A 15-second clip of Djokovic hitting a backhand winner from his knees can get more views than a full match broadcast did 15 years ago.

Platforms like Tennis TV and the ATP/WTA apps let fans watch live matches from any device. The Australian Open’s 2025 broadcast reached over 120 million viewers globally-more than any previous edition. And the most-watched matches? Always the ones featuring Djokovic, Świątek, or Gauff.

Even junior tournaments now draw millions of online viewers. Kids in Brazil, Nigeria, and India watch Iga’s matches and try to copy her footwork. That’s the real measure of popularity: when someone you’ve never met inspires a child to pick up a racket for the first time.

Who’s next?

The future is wide open. Players like Ben Shelton in the men’s game and Mia Eklund on the women’s side are already showing flashes of greatness. But to reach the top, they’ll need more than talent. They’ll need resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build a brand beyond the court.

Djokovic and Świątek aren’t just the most popular players today-they’re the standard. They’ve shown that greatness in tennis now means being the best on the court and the most visible off it. Whether you’re 12 or 52, if you watch tennis, you know their names. And that’s not by accident.