In Tennis, winning a Grand Slam is considered the ultimate, as it means you have arrived. It requires talent, patience and mental toughness. Sometimes the eventual winner becomes lucky while playing a grand slam tournament, as some of the favourite players are knocked out in the earlier rounds. Here is the list of LUCKIEST GRAND SLAM WINNERS in tennis history:
#10 Thomas Johansson (Sweden)-Australian Open (2002)
Luck Factor 7/10– Right place, right time
He was not on any body’s favourite to win the Australian Open, yet the Swede was lucky as draw fell apart as the tournament progressed, defending Champion Andre Agassi bowed out early, Marat Safin was battling injury. By the time Johansson reached final, his opponent was Arnold Clenent. I the end this grand slam became very open and any non-fancied player could have won. Johansson won in the end, but he never reached any other grand slam final.
#9 Anastasia Myskina (Russia)- French Open (2004)
Luck Factor 7.5/10
No body saw it coming, that she would win the French Open that year. The favourite to win the title were Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin, instead all leading names crumbled and it was first ever all Russian grand slam final between Anastasia Myskina and Elena Dementieva, two players not known for their dominance on clay court Elena’s serve deserted her that day and Myskina won the title comfortably. She could never reach major semi-final again. It was the case of right time, right draw and right nerve.
# 8 Francesca Schiavone (Italy)- French Open (2010)
Luck factor 8/10
It was the most unexpected results, some people described as Indian movie winning an Oscar for best film. She was ranked outside the top 10, she saw draw in her favour after Serena Williams and Justine Henin went out in earlier rounds. In the final she faced Samantha Stosur, who had eliminated both Henin and Williams. She seized the moment and played fearlessly and became the first Italian women to win Ladies Singles grand slam. She never reached another final. In the end it was Cinderella story possible because of open field.
# 7 Albert Costa (Spain)- French Open (2002)
Luck Factor 8.5/10
His winning was the most unexpected at the French Open that year. The defending champion Gustevo was battling injury, Marat Safin the most talented player in the draw went out early. By the time he reached final Albert was facing his countrymen Carlos Ferrero. Costa grabbed the opportunity and won his only grand slam title, he never reached grand slam semi-final again. It was the case of right moment, right draw and never to be repeated.
#6 Gaston Gaudio (Argentina) –French Open 2004
Luck Factor 9/10
He was one grand slam winner, after watching the tournament you wonder how did it happen. He was ranked outside the top 40 and he never went past the 4th round of grand slam before. Yet because of favourable braw and some unexpected results he reached final where he faced Guillermo Coria . In the final Coria went two sets ahead, but then he was struck by cramps. Gaudio grabbed the opportunity as he won the next three set with final set he won 8-6. He never reached even quarter final again at any Grand Slam. In the end it looked like tennis god gave him all the help to win this tournament.
#5 Iva Majoli (Croatia) – French Open (1997)
Luck factor 9/10
When the favourite forgets to show up. Martina Hingis was just 16 years old was in absolute tears, as she was expected to cruise to her first French Open title. Then out of no where Iva Majoli stormed into final, and she demolished Martina Hingis in the final and won in straight two sets. Iva never reached even semi-final of any grand slam after this victory. It was the verdict of opponent having a wrong day.
#4 Brian Teacher (USA)- Australian Open (1980)
Luck Factor 9.5/10
No body remembers his name when you talk about grand slam champions. He won at the time when this slam had become on of the weakest tennis grand slam tournament, when many top players did not participate in the tournament because of awkward timing. When he reached the final, he faced Kim Warwick who was not even ranked within top 100 players. In the end verdict was right field, right era and right opponent made him win. After this victory Teacher’s performance was not all great in future tournaments.
#3 Johan Creek (USA)- Australian Open (1981 and 1982)
Luck Factor 9.5/10
He won Australian open twice, but remember that was the time most of the tennis player avoided playing in this tournament. This allowed Creek to walked through open draw and won two grand slams. This is known as the most luckiest grand slam wins in the tennis history. Verdict- Right tournament, wrong competition.
#2 Marian Bartoli (France)- Wimbledon (2013)
Luck factor 10/10
Her win in 2013 was pure madness, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka all exited early. In the final Bartoli faced Sabine Mysiki, who had beaten Williams in the tournament earlier. Bartoli played great tennis in the final and won the title. Verdict- Thanks tennis chaos.
#1 Andriano Panata (Italy)- French Open (1976)
Luck Factor 10/10
The only player to beat Bjorn Borg in French Open and he did it twice. The Italian 1976 victory is still baffling as he was not considered as not considered as serious title contender. He won the title without facing any single seeded player except in one round. Verdict- He is considered as luckiest of luckiest player to win the grand slam.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
1st August 2025