Tom Okker: More Paris Masters Titles Than Federer and Nadal but No Grand Slam Win
Tom Okker's Paris Masters Success Surpasses Federer and Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, despite being two of tennis' all-time greats with 42 Grand Slam titles and 64 Masters 1000 wins combined, did not dominate the Paris Masters. Federer claimed the title once in 2011, while Nadal never captured this trophy during his career.
In contrast, Dutch player Tom Okker holds more Paris Masters titles than both Federer and Nadal put together. He won the first-ever Paris Masters in 1969, played on carpet courts, without dropping a set.
Okker failed to defend his title in 1970, exiting in the opening round, but returned strongly in 1973 by reaching the semi-finals before falling to eventual champion Ilie Nastase. His second Paris Masters triumph came in 1975 after a thrilling five-set final comeback against Arthur Ashe, where he recovered from being two sets down.
Over 50 years since his last win, Okker remains one of only seven players to have multiple singles titles at the Paris Masters, a feat unmatched by Federer and Nadal.
Paris Masters Multiple Title Winners
- 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 struggled at this event, Novak Djokovic has dominated with a record seven titles. Okker is among the elite group with two wins and made his last appearance in 1976, reaching the quarter-finals.
Grand Slam Record: Near Misses for Okker
Despite his Paris Masters success, Tom Okker never secured a Grand Slam singles title. He reached the semi-finals or better at all four majors and was runner-up at the 1968 US Open, losing to Arthur Ashe, the same opponent he defeated in the dramatic 1975 Paris Masters final.
- Australian Open: Semi-final (1975)
- Roland Garros: Semi-final (1969)
- Wimbledon: Semi-final (1978)
- US Open: Final (1968)
Although a Grand Slam singles title eluded him, Okker captured two Grand Slam doubles championships: Roland Garros in 1973 alongside John Newcombe, and the US Open in 1976 with Marty Riessen. He also earned the doubles world number one ranking in 1979.
Okker's singles career included 35 ATP titles and a peak world ranking of number three before retiring in 1981. His legacy is unique—a player who triumphed repeatedly at the Paris Masters yet never clinched a Grand Slam singles crown.
