5 Tennis players with the most tie-break wins in the Open Era

Tie-breaks are among the most intense and high-pressure moments in tennis. They demand not only technical skill, but also exceptional focus and mental toughness. Over the years, several players have mastered these crunch situations and built a reputation as tie-break specialists. 

Here are the five tennis players who have won the most tie-breaks in the Open Era.

1. John Isner

American star John Isner sits comfortably at the top of the list with a staggering 500 tie-break wins. His huge serve and powerful playing style naturally pushed many of his matches into tie-break territory, helping him compile this extraordinary record. In total, he played 819 tie-breaks across his career, an achievement that highlights both his longevity and consistency. 

After securing his 500th tie-break victory, Isner playfully remarked that he was thankful he didn’t have to win 501 that day, showcasing his trademark humor. Beyond this record, Isner is also remembered for competing in the longest tennis match ever played—an 11-hour, 5-minute marathon over three days at Wimbledon against Nicolas Mahut. He also holds the Open Era record for the most aces, further confirming his status as one of the greatest servers in tennis history.

2. Roger Federer

Roger Federer, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, occupies second place with 466 tie-break wins. Across his remarkable career, he contested 713 tie-breaks, proving how often he found himself navigating high-pressure situations.

One of Federer’s most memorable tie-breaks came in the 2004 Tennis Masters Cup semifinal against Marat Safin, where the nerve-wracking decider lasted an intense 26 minutes. Federer's calm, controlled game and unmatched shot-making ability made him extremely difficult to beat when the stakes were highest, and his tie-break record reflects that composure.

3. Ivo Karlović

Croatian powerhouse Ivo Karlović, known for his towering 6’11” height and booming serve, secured 398 tie-break wins throughout his career. He played a total of 801 tie-breaks, a number that reflects both his heavy serve-oriented style and his longevity on the ATP Tour. 

Karlović was one of the few players in history to surpass 10,000 career aces, a milestone that explains how frequently his matches went the distance. One standout moment from his career came at the 2017 Australian Open, where he defeated Horacio Zeballos in a five-set thriller that ended 22–20 in the final set—yet another match that showcased his resilience and endurance.

4. Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras, a 14-time Grand Slam champion and one of the dominant forces of the 1990s, earned 328 tie-break victories during his illustrious career. He competed in 522 tie-breaks overall, using his calm temperament and exceptional serve to thrive under pressure. 

One of the most remarkable examples of his tie-break brilliance came during the 2001 US Open quarterfinals against longtime rival Andre Agassi. In that unforgettable encounter, all four sets were decided by tie-breaks—and Sampras won every single one, underlining his elite mental toughness.

5. Feliciano López

Spanish veteran Feliciano López rounds out the list with 325 tie-break wins. Over the years, he played 603 tie-breaks and built a reputation for staying composed during long, tense battles. 

López’s career was marked not only by his success in tie-breaks but also by his remarkable longevity; he famously set a record for the most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances, including an astonishing streak at the French Open. His consistency and ability to handle pressure helped him remain a dangerous competitor deep into his career.

Cover Credits - ATP Tour