It's not just Tinsel Town that provides some of our best loved stars: sporting celebrity means plenty of tennis' finest players have found a keen audience dating back to the earliest days of their careers. From the '70s, '80s and '90s to now, these tennis legends have undergone quite a transformation from their heyday.
Read on to see the sporting sensations in their early fame and their new, more often supporting role on the sidelines, where keen eyed fans will hope to catch a glimpse of court-side passion out in play for the next generation.
© Getty Images,Variety via Getty ImagesJohn McEnroe is a beloved icon of the sport, formerly ranking No. 1 in both men's singles and doubles
John McEnroe
Born 16 February 1959, John McEnroe is one of the most renowned professional tennis players in the world. He ranked at No. 1 in men's singles for 170 weeks and men's doubles for even longer, taking the top spot for 269 weeks. McEnroe's last singles game was in 1992, when he was ranked 20th. His farewell Grand Slam appearance was at the US Open.
The father-of-six is happily married to Patty Smyth and still a keen supporter of the sport. He even took the time for a voice over role in Netflix teen drama Never Have I Ever, poking fun at his tempestuous behaviour on the tennis court.
© ullstein bild via Getty Images,Getty Images for The ShiftMartina Navratilova was named world No. 1 seven times
Martina Navratilova
Czech-American player Martina Navratilova ranked at No. 1 in women's singles for 332 weeks, rounding off the year as world best seven times, and sat in top position for doubles for 237 weeks.
She's still a respected figure in the world of tennis today and has found love with former model Julia Lemigova, tying the knot in 2014. Martina had a famed rivalry with Chris Evert, both winning 18 Grand Slams, which turned into a solid friendship that had the pair supporting each other through battles with cancer.
© Toronto Star via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesBjön Borg is one of the sport's most famous players
Björn Borg
It doesn't get much more famous in the world of tennis than Björn Borg. Born 6 June 1956, his initial career lasted just a decade before his shock early retirement at age 26, though the star eventually retired for good in 1993 following a brief comeback.
During his career, Bjön ranked as world No. 1 for 109 weeks and took home 66 singles titles, including 11 majors - five of which were at Wimbledon. Now, he's enjoying life as a father of two and husband to real estate agent Patricia Östfeldt.
© Getty ImagesStefanie Graf was the first to win the 'Golden Grand Slam'
Stefanie Graf
During her career, Stefanie 'Steffi' Graf won an impressive 22 singles Grand Slam titles during her career and was the first player to win the 'Golden Grand Slam', taking home all four major wins and gold at the Olympics.
Her tennis story doesn't just stay on the court: she's been married to fellow tennis legend Andre Agassi since 2001 and the couple share two children.
© Toronto Star via Getty Images,Getty Images for Laver CupRod Laver ranked in top spot as a professional and as an amateur player
Rod Laver
Australian former player Rodney 'Rod' Laver ranked as No. 1 for five consecutive years from 1965 to 1969 and as top spot amateur in both 1961 and 1962.
Born on 9 August 1938, he was married to wife Mary Bensen from 1966 until her death in 2012. The couple share one son, Rick Laver.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,Corbis via Getty ImagesAndre Agassi ranked as world No. 1 in men's singles in 1999
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi topped the world leaderboard for 101 weeks, ending 1999 as the world No. 1 in men's singles and won eight Grand Slams over the course of his career.
His life off the court has had him regularly in the public eye, tying the knot with actress Brooke Shields in 1997 and separating in 1999 before wedding fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf in 2001.
© CBS via Getty Images,Getty Images for Tribeca FestivalChris Evert ranked as world No 1 seven times over the course of her career
Chris Evert
Christine 'Chris' Evert topped the table as No. 1 in women's singles for 260 weeks, finishing up the year at the highest ranking seven times. The former world No. 1 has been married three times, welcoming three children with her second husband Andy Mill.
Fans were saddened to hear the star's cancer returned recently, with former tennis rival Martina Navratilova stepping up as a major support for the ex-player.
© NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesJohn Newcombe has a medal named in his honour
John Newcombe
John Newcombe, OBE, ranked at No. 1 in both men's singles and doubles, winning 26 major titles in total across singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The Australian player's accomplishments were honoured when he was named National Living Treasure.
Subsequent tennis pros who make the mark might even bear his name, as the Newcombe Medal honours the most outstanding Australian player each year. John has been married to fellow tennis player
Angelika Pfannenburg since 1966 and the couple share a daughter, Tanya.
© Getty Images,PA Images via Getty ImagesSue Barker is now better known for her reporting work
Sue Barker
For even the most casual tennis fan, Sue Barker is a well-known name in the commentator booth. During her career on court, she won 15 singles titles and ranked at No. 3 in the world. Sue also took home a Grand Slam singles title at the 1976 French Open at just 20 years old.
She's also found success on the sidelines, receiving a WFTV Lifetime Achievement Award for her commentating, and became the first woman to win the Royal Television Society's award for best sports presenter in 2001. Sue's been married to Lance Tankard since 1988.




