15 Unwanted Records in Tennis

Here is the list of 15 unwanted records made in the Tennis history. These include embarrassing losses to record double faults, showing how even top players face struggles and setbacks.

Rajat Srivastava
October 8, 2025
7 min read

15 Unwanted Records in Tennis — Imagn Images

Tennis is filled with iconic wins and historic moments, but some records are ones which players would rather forget. From endless marathon matches that drained every ounce of energy, to the continuous mistakes at the net and painful losing runs, these unwanted marks stand out for all the wrong reasons. While they don’t define careers, they remind us that even great athletes experience tough days and struggles on the court.

15. Worst Slam Record for a No. 1 Player – Dinara Safina

Dinara Safina became the world No. 1 in 2009 thanks to her consistent performance, but she never won a Grand Slam. Despite reaching three grand slam finals, she lost all of them. This raised doubts about her ranking as critics questioned how the top player did not have a Slam. Though talented, Safina’s unwanted record remains an example of how rankings don’t always reflect major championship success in tennis.

14. Longest Losing Streak in ATP History - Donald Young

Donald Young, once a highly promising American junior, faced a very poor run at the professional level when he lost 17 straight ATP matches between 2011 and 2012. A lot was expected of him, but the pressure of transitioning proved difficult for him. While he eventually broke the streak, this period highlighted the harsh realities of tennis and how difficult consistency can be at the highest level.

13. Longest Match Loss – Nicolas Mahut

Nicolas Mahut is remembered for being part of the longest tennis match ever at Wimbledon 2010 against John Isner. After playing for more than 11 hours across three days, Mahut lost 70–68 in the fifth set. While both players registered their name in history, it’s Mahut who carries the burden of losing this encounter. The match made him famous, but also tied him forever to an unwanted record.

12. Fewest Points Won in a Match - Bernard Tomic

Bernard Tomic made tennis history for the wrong reason at the 2014 Miami Open, when he won just eight points in his 28 minutes loss to Jarkko Nieminen. The 6–0, 6–1 defeat of Tomic became the shortest completed ATP match in the Open Era. It was a shocking display of poor form and focus, making it as one of the most embarrassing performances in professional tennis history.

11. Most Losses on One Surface – Feliciano Lopez (Clay)

Feliciano Lopez’s game was primarily composed of big serves and attacking play, which was perfect for grass courts. But clay was another story. Over his long career, he lost more than 200 matches on clay, making him the player with the most defeats on one surface. While he had a long professional career, this record shows that how players sometimes struggle badly outside their comfort zone.

10. Most Bagels in Slam Finals – Venus Williams

Venus Williams is a legendary tennis player with seven Grand Slam titles, but she also holds an odd record. She has been bageled, which is losing a set 6–0 in three Slam finals. For a player of her caliber, that stat is a dark spot on her career. It shows how tough finals can be, even for greats of the game. Especially, when the opponents are at the peak of their career. Venus’s success overshadows it, but the record lives on.

9. Worst Slam Final Record – Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick won the 2003 U.S. Open and reached the Slam finals on three other occasions. Unfortunately, al three ended in defeat to Roger Federer. His 1–3 record in finals shows that how unlucky he was as Federer was on top of his game. Roddick often played well but couldn’t break through against greatness. His lone Slam title keeps him from being without a trophy, but his record in finals remains a reminder of missed chances.

8. Most Consecutive Slam Appearances Without a Title – David Ferrer

David Ferrer was one of the most hardworking players, known for his fighting spirit and consistency. He played in 63 consecutive Grand Slams, reaching the final at the 2013 French Open. Despite his efforts, he never won a grand slam title. This record reflects Ferrer’s status as a great player is often overshadowed by playing in the era of legends like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.

7. Most Slam Attempts Before a Title – Jana Novotna

Jana Novotna’s career was marked by heartbreaks before victory. She lost several Grand Slam finals, including an emotional Wimbledon final defeat in 1993, and needed 45 Slam attempts before finally winning Wimbledon in 1998. Her persistence and eventual victory made her story inspiring, but the long wait remains an unwanted record. It shows how perseverance is needed to win a major trophy.

6. Worst Slam Record for a Top 10 ranked Player – Nikolay Davydenko

Nikolay Davydenko was regularly in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings during the mid 2000s. He was known for consistency and fitness. Yet, despite his ranking, he never reached a Grand Slam semifinal. This unusual record makes him one of the few top players without the success in Grand Slams. Though he won the ATP Finals and several titles, his poor performance in the Majors stands out as a frustrating record in his career.

5. Most Games Lost in a Slam Final – Andy Murray

Andy Murray has three Grand Slam titles, but his 2011 Australian Open final is remembered for all the wrong reasons. Facing Novak Djokovic in the final, Murray was able to win only six games in a lopsided loss. It was one of the most one-sided Slam finals of the modern era. While Murray later redeemed his name by winning titles, this match shows the difficulty level of the the Finals of a Grand Slam.

4. Most Double Faults in a Match (Womens) – Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova, despite her popularity, had her own setbacks on the tennis court. In one WTA match, she hit 31 double faults, setting a record no player would want. Serving became a nightmare for her that day, and the match has followed her ever since. Though she was successful in doubles, this unwanted stat has forever remained part of her struggles in her singles career.

3. Most Grand Slam Appearances Without a Quarterfinal - Julien Benneteau

Julien Benneteau was a talented French player known for his smooth game and near misses. Despite competing in 49 Grand Slam tournaments, he never reached a quarterfinal, which the most appearances without doing so in history. He had memorable wins, like one against Roger Federer at Wimbledon, but he often had heartbreaks in the Majors.

2. Most First Round Slam Exits – Fabrice Santoro

Fabrice Santoro had a long career filled with entertaining matches. He was known as “The Magician” for his unique style. However, his record also includes the most first round defeats at Grand Slams. Despite his skills and creativity, he often faced defeat against the top players early in tournaments. This unwanted record highlights how a long career can have both achievements and statistical burdens.

1. Most Grand Slam Final Losses – Ivan Lendl

Ivan Lendl was one of the greatest players of the 1980s, winning 8 Grand Slam titles. Yet, he also lost 11 finals, the most in history. While he had incredible consistency, falling short so often in the biggest matches became a defining part of his career. Lendl’s record shows both his greatness in reaching finals and the heartbreak of missing out on even more trophies.