Greg Rusedski

Greg Rusedski is a player that belongs to an extremely exclusive category in the world of tennis. He is someone that has represented not one, but two nations over the course of his career. Rusedski was a Canada-born British athlete. In the early years of his career, he played for the North American country. Later, he switched to Great Britain in all international tournaments. Although he did not manage to land a Grand Slam victory, Rusedski finished his career with the highest ranking of fourth and a 60.3% win record in the singles game. He was not very proficient when it came to the doubles game, but he still managed to bag three titles. Rusedski has represented Great Britain in the Davis Cup but has never gotten past the first round. He won 15 titles as a singles player and reached the finals of the US Open before winning the Grand Slam Cup.

Rusedski was a dominant server with a massive serve. When compared to his competitors, he recorded 30% more aces/service winners. The serve was by far his best shot, and Rusedski built his game around it by relying on it the majority of the time. Rusedski did not spend enough time in the back of the court to be considered a puncher with a powerful forehand. Only 11% of his points were won with that shot (far below average), and the majority of these points were won with a forehand pass.

Between 1991 and 1995, he represented Canada, and from May 22, 1995, the tennis star represented Great Britain, making his Davis Cup debut against Monaco in Eastbourne in July 1995. He was a team stalwart alongside Tim Henman, appearing in 20 matches and amassing a 30-13 record (20-10 in singles). Rusedski defeated four World No. 1s (1998 Paris-Sampras, 2001 Australian Open-Kuerten, 2001 Milan-Safin, 2002 Indianapolis-Hewitt) and had an overall record of 29-81 against Top 10 opponents.

In August 1992, as a promising Canadian junior, Rusedski won his first ATP singles match at the ATP Masters Canada. He won his first ATP title on grass in Newport in June 1993, and finished the year in the Top 50 for the first time. The following year, Rusedski won his first ATP doubles title in Newport. The following year, he became the first Briton since John Lloyd in 1985 to finish in the Top 50. 

Rusedski also became the first British player to finish in the Top 10 two years later, in 1997. The tennis star won two titles in a career-high six finals, including his first Grand Slam final at the US Open. He was the first British player to qualify for the ATP World Championship. Rusedski won the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which was voted on by the British public, in December 1997.

In March 1998, on his way to the final at Indian Wells, he achieved the fastest serve in history (149mph). Rusedski went on to win his lone ATP Masters title in Paris (over No. 1 Sampras) and led the ATP circuit in indoor victories (33). He competed as an alternate at the ATP Tour World Championship, filling in for an injured Andre Agassi and winning two round robin matches. Despite missing two months due to a left ankle sprain, Rusedski won 53 matches for the second year in a row.

He admitted in January 2004 that he had tested positive for a banned substance in 2003 Indianapolis, but was cleared by the Tennis Anti-Doping Program tribunal on March 9, 2004. Rusedski responded by winning the Newport title and making it to another final in Moscow. The tennis star finished in the Top 50 for the tenth time in his career and won an ATP title (Newport) for the fifth time in a row.

During the last few years of his career, Rusedski was plagued by back and hip injuries. He was Britain's No. 1 player for a total of 98 weeks. Rusedski announced his retirement at the age of 33.

Grand Slam singles record

Australian Open: 4R (2001)

French Open: 4R (1999)

Wimbledon: QF (1997)

US Open: F (1997)