Tom Okker: More Paris Masters Titles Than Federer and Nadal, Yet No Grand Slam Singles Win

Tom Okker's Paris Masters Success Surpasses Federer and Nadal

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two of the greatest names in tennis history, have both struggled to replicate their usual dominance at the Paris Masters. Between them, they have only secured a single title at this event: Federer's came in 2011, while Nadal never clinched the trophy.

Despite their remarkable combined haul of 42 Grand Slam titles and 64 Masters 1000 wins, the Paris Masters proved elusive for both. In contrast, Dutch player Tom Okker captured more Paris Masters titles than these legends combined.

Okker's Paris Masters Highlights

• 1969: Won the first-ever Paris Masters without dropping a set; the tournament was played on carpet courts at the time.
• 1970: Faced an early exit in the first round while defending his title.
• 1973: Reached the semi-finals before losing to Ilie Nastase, the eventual champion.
• 1975: Claimed his second Paris Masters title after a thrilling five-set final against Arthur Ashe, coming back from two sets to one down.
• 1976: Made one more appearance, reaching the quarter-finals.

Over five decades since his last victory, Okker remains among only seven players to win multiple singles titles at the Paris Masters.

Paris Masters Title Leaders

• Novak Djokovic: 7 titles
• Boris Becker & Marat Safin: 3 titles each
• Tom Okker, Brian Gottfried, Andre Agassi & Pete Sampras: 2 titles each

While Federer and Nadal have just one title between them, Novak Djokovic stands out with a record seven Paris Masters trophies. Okker shares the distinction of two titles with notable players like Agassi and Sampras.

Grand Slam Record: Okker's Near Misses

Though Okker excelled at the Paris Masters, a Grand Slam singles title eluded him despite coming close on several occasions. He reached the semi-finals in all four Grand Slams during his career and made it to the 1968 US Open final. Interestingly, Arthur Ashe, who lost to Okker in the 1975 Paris Masters final, defeated him in that US Open final.

• Australian Open: Semi-final (1975)
• Roland Garros: Semi-final (1969)
• Wimbledon: Semi-final (1978)
• US Open: Final (1968)

Okker did find success in doubles, securing two Grand Slam doubles titles at Roland Garros in 1973 and the US Open in 1976 with partners John Newcombe and Marty Riessen respectively. He also reached the world number one doubles ranking in 1979.

Career Overview

Throughout his career, Tom Okker claimed 35 ATP singles titles, including his two Paris Masters wins. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world number three before retiring from professional tennis in 1981.