Stars of the 1980s

This era was one of the most exciting eras of tennis!

It was also a time when there were significant changes in the technology of the game, especially with regards to rackets.

The predominant play style of this decade was serve and volley, and there was a noticeable increase in the speed of the shots generated and the game of tennis in general.

Ivan Lendl

Arguably the best mens player of the era, a heavy topspin baseline player from Czechoslovakia. He was known for having a very calm temperament and won 8 Grand Slam titles.

Martina Navratilova

In a career spanning 3 decades, without doubt considered as one of the best players of all time. An attacking serve and volley player from Czechoslovakia with immense power, she won an incredible 18 singles and 41 doubles Grand Slams.

Steffi Graf

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Rightly known as one of the best players of all time, with a huge 22 Grand Slam title wins. From Germany, she was known to have an extremely powerful forehand shot and intense speed and movement around the court.

Boris Becker

An highly athletic and powerful serve volley player from Germany. He became the youngest ever Wimbledon champion at 17 years old and went on to win a further 5 Grand Slam events.

Stefan Edberg

Some regard this Swedish player as having some of the best serve / volley technique of all time. Known as being a very calm player, he won 6 Grand Slam tournaments during his playing career.

Mats Wilander

Perhaps the least famous of the great players of this decade. A heavy topspin baseline player from Sweden, he won an impressive 7 Grand Slam titles across 3 of the 4 major tournaments.

Pat Cash

A popular personality from Australia, he was known for his Serve and Volley game. His 1 Grand slam win at Wimbledon started the tradition there of climbing into the stands to celebrate!