Tom Okker: More Paris Masters Wins Than Federer and Nadal, Yet No Grand Slam Victory

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two legends of ATP tennis, dominated many tournaments but had limited success at the Paris Masters. Together, they have amassed an incredible 42 Grand Slam titles and 64 Masters 1000 trophies, yet they secured just one Paris Masters title combined. Federer captured his only Paris Masters win in 2011, while Nadal never claimed the trophy there.

In contrast, Dutch player Tom Okker won more Paris Masters titles than both Federer and Nadal combined. Okker seized the inaugural event in 1969 on carpet courts without dropping a set, setting himself apart from the greats.

Okker’s Paris Masters Journey

Okker’s attempt to defend his title in 1970 ended abruptly with a first-round exit. Still, he nearly captured the crown again in 1973, falling in the semi-finals to Ilie Nastase, who went on to win the tournament. His second Paris Masters victory came in 1975 after a gripping five-set final against Arthur Ashe, where Okker overcame a two-sets-to-one deficit.

More than 50 years have passed since his last Paris Masters triumph, but Okker remains among the exclusive group of seven players with multiple titles at this event.

Paris Masters Multiple Title Holders

• 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 reigns supreme with seven wins, dominating the Paris Masters like no other.

Okker’s Grand Slam Pursuit

Despite his Paris Masters success, Okker never clinched a Grand Slam singles title. He reached at least the semi-finals of all four major tournaments and played in the US Open final in 1968, where he lost to Arthur Ashe—the very player he defeated in the 1975 Paris Masters final.

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

Okker did find Grand Slam glory in doubles, winning the French Open in 1973 with John Newcombe and the US Open in 1976 alongside Marty Riessen. He also held the world number one doubles ranking in 1979.

Career Highlights

• ATP Singles Titles: 35
• Paris Masters Titles: 2
• Highest Singles Ranking: World No. 3
• Retirement: 1981

Tom Okker’s career was marked by notable highs in both singles and doubles, standing out especially for his unique record at the Paris Masters, where he eclipsed two of tennis’ greatest icons in terms of titles won.