GREATEST TENNIS SEASONS OF THE OPEN ERA

1. Rod Laver, 1969

Grand Slams: 4

Titles: 18

Winning Record 106-16 (86.9%)

The only man in the history of the Open Era to claim the calendar grand slams, Laver’s 1969 season was all class at every tournament. The Australian claimed a record 18 titles, and when it came to grand slam finals, he dropped just two sets. His $US124,000 ($A171,400) in earnings was also a record at the time.

2. Jimmy Connors, 1974

Grand Slams: 3

Titles: 15

Winning Record: 93-4 (95.9%)

Had it not been for a ban imposed on him at the French Open, Jimmy Connors could easily have claimed the calendar grand slam. Unable to participate due to his association with World Team Tennis, Connors won the finals of the other three majors by dropping on a combined three sets in deciders. His mark of 15 titles is also the third most of all time.

3. Roger Federer, 2006

Grand Slams: 3

Titles: 12

Masters Wins: 4 (plus Tour ending)

Winning Record: 92-5 (94.8%)

In a career full of highlights, Roger Federer’s 2006 season is a standout. The Swiss ace dropped just five of his 97 matches, and won 75 of the 77 matches he played on surfaces other than clay. A four-set loss to rival Rafael Nadal in the final of the French Open is a rare blemish in a near perfect year.

4. Novak Djokovic, 2015

Grand Slams: 3

Titles: 11

Masters Wins: 6 (plus Tour ending)

Winning Record: 82-6 (93.2%)

Often overshadowed by the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic earned his place in history when he won a record fourth straight ATP Tour Finals in London. The Djoker won the Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon, and dropped only the French Open to Stan Wawrinka. He also made it to at least the semi-finals in all but one of the tournaments he entered.

5. John McEnroe, 1984

Grand Slams: 2

Titles: 13

Winning Record: 82-3 (96.5%)

McEnroe’s mark of two grand slam titles in 1984 don’t do him justice. The lively American skipped the Australian Open and went down after winning the first two sets of the French Open final against Ivan Lendl. Away from the majors though he won 42 straight matches, and also helped the United States win the World Team Cup and finish runner-up in the Davis Cup.

6. Roger Federer, 2007

Grand Slams: 3

Titles: 8

Masters Wins: 2 (plus Tour ending)

Winning Record: 68-9 (88.3%)

While not quite as great as the season that preceded it, Federer’s 2007 efforts were nothing to be sneezed at. He again made all four grand slam finals and dropped only the French, dropping just nine sets across the four major tournaments.