Explore five decades of shifting gears in professional tennis. Watch the global map of ATP talent
expand from 30 nations to a truly diverse world stage.
Animation map
The global spread of tennis talent has accelerated: in the 1980s, ATP Top 100 players hailed
from just over 30 countries—today, nearly 80 nations are represented.
Europe’s ascent has reshaped the tennis landscape, with Spain and France emerging as new
powerhouses, while the USA’s dominance has steadily waned.
The ATP Top 100 is more internationally diverse than ever: in 1980, the elite came from 30
countries; now, that number has climbed to around 45.
Major countries and Top 100
Spain and France have surged as tennis powerhouses. Argentina, after a period of decline, is
making a notable comeback.
The USA’s has lost its dominance as tennis globalizes, while Sweden’s dramatic fall stands
out. Italy is a winner post 2000 as it climbs the ranks
The rise of Roger Federer (Switzerland) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) highlights how even
smaller tennis nations can produce all-time greats—true outliers in the modern era.
Top Tennis Nations in the ATP Top 100 Over Time
Global Tennis Diversity Over Time
The ATP Top 100 is more internationally diverse than ever: in 1980, players came from 30
countries; today, that number is closer to 45.
The Top 10 remains concentrated among a handful of nations though.
The emerging tennis talent is coming from smaller and less traditional European and adjacent
nations.
Growth of Country Representation in the ATP Top 100
New Country Entries into Top 100
Any country appearing in the Top 100 from 1980 onward, but absent in 1970 and 1975, is
considered a new entry. Our data tracks these debuts since 1970.
Each dot on the chart marks the year a nation first placed a player in the ATP Top 100.
Many of these new entries come from Eastern Europe and North Africa.