Tennis stars then-and-now: See the stunning transformations of John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Björn Borg and more


With Wimbledon now well underway, we're taking a trip down memory lane – see what these tennis legends looked like at the height of their fame and how they look now


Andre Agassi during the 1989 Nabisco Masters circa 1989 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.© Getty Images
Daisy Finch
Daisy FinchAudience Writer
32 minutes ago
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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.

Split image of John McEnroe. On the left, shown walking off the court in 1982. On the right, seen at SNL 50.© Getty Images,Variety via Getty Images

John 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.

Split image of Martina Navratilova. On the left, standing on court in 1990. On the right, seen in a chair holding a microphone in 2026.© ullstein bild via Getty Images,Getty Images for The Shift

Martina 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.

Split image of Björn Borg. On the left, mid swing on court in 1973. On the right, in the audience at Wimbledon in 2025.© Toronto Star via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty Images

Bjön 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.

Split image of Steffi Graf. On the left, holding a trophy aloft in 1987. On the right, smiling during a double tournament dated 2025.© Getty Images

Stefanie 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.

Split image of Rod Laver. On the left, photographed in 1970. On the right, watching the trophy ceremony at the Laver Cup in 2024.© Toronto Star via Getty Images,Getty Images for Laver Cup

Rod 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.

Split image of Andre Agassi. On the left, at the US Open in 1989. On the right, in 2026 attending the French Open.© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,Corbis via Getty Images

Andre 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.

Split image of Chris Evert. Shown on the left at the US Open in 1971. On the right, photographed at the premiere of "Chris and Martina: The Final Set" in 2026.© CBS via Getty Images,Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Chris 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.

Split image of John Newcombe. On the left, in a posed portrait for Wimbledon, dated 19. On the right, waving on court at Wimbledon in 2022.© NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty Images

John 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.

Split image of Sue Barker. On the left, posin back to back with Cliff Richard in 1983. On the right, at the screening of Federer: Twelve Final Days in 2024.© Getty Images,PA Images via Getty Images

Sue 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.

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