The ATP indoor season is in full swing and action is now heating, with the Paris Masters – the biggest indoor event outside of the ATP Finals – getting underway.
Indoor tournaments aren’t as prominent as they used to be, though a few players have found particular success in recent years – and sit alongside greats of the indoor courts.
Here, we look at the nine men – all Grand Slam champions – who have the highest indoor win percentage in ATP history.
9) Pete Sampras – 77.7%
Our countdown starts with ‘Pistol Pete’, who was almost as lethal on indoor courts as he was on the lawns of SW19 during the peak of his powers.
The American icon won 23 of his 64 career titles on the surface, with perhaps his best successes on indoor courts coming at the ATP Finals – where he was a five-time winner.
With two Paris Masters also in his trophy cabinet, Sampras’s indoor win percentage of 77.7% places him ninth all-time as things stand.
8) Rod Laver – 78.3%
A legend of both the Amateur and Open Eras, Australian icon Laver remains one of the most accomplished players in tennis history.
The ATP indoor season is a unique period in the tennis calendar, providing players with a different challenge compared to outdoor hard and clay courts. Indoor conditions tend to favor faster play, which benefits players with powerful serves, strong net games, and aggressive playstyles. For many players, indoor courts are an opportunity to capitalize on controlled conditions free from wind, sun, and other outdoor elements. However, as tennis has grown into a global sport, outdoor tournaments have come to dominate the calendar, leaving fewer indoor events in recent years.
Despite this shift, some players continue to thrive in the indoor season. The Paris Masters, held annually in the fall, stands out as the biggest indoor event outside the ATP Finals. It attracts the world’s best players and often serves as a last opportunity for those on the cusp of qualifying for the ATP Finals. While indoor events no longer have the prominence they once did, this list of legendary players illustrates the consistency required to excel on indoor courts.
The Nine Men with the Highest Indoor Win Percentages
Let’s delve into each player’s career, their strengths on indoor courts, and why their achievements have cemented them in indoor tennis history.
9) Pete Sampras – 77.7%
Pete Sampras, known as “Pistol Pete” for his powerful serves and dominant net game, was one of the most effective players on indoor courts. The American icon won 23 of his 64 career titles on indoor surfaces, proving he could dominate even beyond his favored grass courts at Wimbledon. Sampras’ indoor prowess was especially evident at the ATP Finals, where he won the title five times. Known for his precision serve-and-volley style, Sampras thrived on the fast surfaces indoors. In addition to his ATP Finals triumphs, he claimed two Paris Masters titles, solidifying his place as one of the indoor greats.
8) Rod Laver – 78.3%
Rod Laver, the Australian legend, transcended the eras of amateur and professional tennis and remains one of the most accomplished players in history. With a dominant left-handed game and unmatched versatility, Laver excelled across all surfaces, including indoors. His athleticism and ability to adapt to different conditions allowed him to claim numerous indoor titles, especially in the early Open Era when indoor courts were more common. Although Laver’s achievements span a different time in tennis history, his remarkable adaptability and success on all surfaces make his high indoor win percentage notable.
7) Jimmy Connors – 79.1%
Jimmy Connors, one of the fiercest competitors in tennis, was also highly successful indoors. Known for his incredible tenacity and relentless baseline game, Connors was able to adjust his style to thrive indoors, where his aggressive groundstrokes and intensity paid off. He won multiple indoor titles, including the prestigious year-end championships, cementing his legacy as one of the best all-court players of his time. Connors’ success across various surfaces and eras is a testament to his adaptability, making him one of the greatest indoor players of all time.
6) Boris Becker – 79.9%
Boris Becker, with his booming serve and diving volleys, was a natural indoors, where his fearless style of play found great success. The German star won several of his Grand Slam titles on grass, but he also thrived in the indoor season. His six indoor season-ending championships underscore his dominance during the height of his career. Becker’s ability to play aggressive, attacking tennis made him particularly dangerous on faster indoor courts, where his serve and volley game flourished. His success in the ATP Finals and other indoor tournaments cements his legacy as one of the great indoor players.
5) Novak Djokovic – 82.9%
Novak Djokovic, known for his adaptability and mental toughness, has found consistent success on indoor courts. His defensive skills, agility, and return game make him exceptionally well-suited for the fast pace of indoor tennis. Djokovic’s achievements include multiple ATP Finals titles and several Paris Masters trophies, and his record in indoor matches reflects his all-around game. Djokovic’s controlled aggression and ability to neutralize powerful serves make him one of the most challenging opponents on any surface, including indoors. As he continues his career, Djokovic could still climb higher in the indoor win percentage rankings.
4) John McEnroe – 84.0%
John McEnroe, known for his exceptional touch and net play, was a formidable indoor player. McEnroe’s serve-and-volley game was perfectly suited for indoor conditions, where he could execute his aggressive, precision-based style. His success in the late 1970s and 1980s, particularly at the year-end championships, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. McEnroe’s indoor record, combined with his multiple titles at the ATP Finals, underscores his mastery of the game in controlled environments. His high indoor win percentage reflects his dominant presence on these surfaces throughout his career.
3) Rafael Nadal – 84.1%
Rafael Nadal, primarily known for his success on clay courts, has also proven his capability indoors. Despite having fewer opportunities to play indoors, Nadal’s aggressive baseline game and powerful forehand have helped him excel. While he has traditionally favored slower surfaces, Nadal has adapted his game over the years to perform well indoors. His resilience and competitive spirit make him a tough opponent, regardless of the surface. Nadal’s ability to transition his clay-court skills to the indoor season speaks to his versatility and dedication to improving across all surfaces.
2) Bjorn Borg – 84.9%
Bjorn Borg, one of the sport’s earliest superstars, was also a standout on indoor courts. Known for his unmatched stamina and defensive baseline play, Borg dominated both clay and indoor surfaces. He won numerous indoor titles and was a fierce competitor in the early years of the ATP Finals. Borg’s calm demeanor and relentless groundstrokes made him a challenging opponent, and his high indoor win percentage reflects his ability to adapt to different surfaces. Although he retired early, Borg’s indoor record remains impressive, especially given the era he played in.
1) Ivan Lendl – 85.6%
Ivan Lendl tops the list with an incredible indoor win percentage. Known for his powerful baseline game and intense focus, Lendl was dominant on indoor courts throughout his career. His ability to dictate play with his forehand and consistently control the tempo of matches made him highly effective indoors. Lendl’s achievements include multiple ATP Finals titles, and his win percentage reflects his consistency on the surface. His success on indoor courts, combined with his all-around excellence, cements his place as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Indoor tennis was once a larger part of the ATP calendar, with many players building their careers around the unique conditions it provided. However, as the sport has globalized, outdoor events have become more common, especially on hard courts. The indoor season now primarily consists of a few tournaments leading up to the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. For players who excel indoors, this condensed schedule presents fewer opportunities to showcase their skills.
The Paris Masters and the ATP Finals remain key tournaments for those who thrive in indoor conditions. For some players, particularly those with powerful serves and aggressive styles, the indoor season is an opportunity to capitalize on their strengths. However, with fewer indoor tournaments, the list of dominant indoor players has remained relatively stable over the years, with few modern players breaking into the top ranks.