As the US Open gets underway, we thought it was about time we took you through the most suave and intriguing men to ever grace a Grand Slam court; from the Frenchman who invented a sportswear giant, to the swashbuckling Spaniard who changed the game's style forever
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1
Andre Agassi
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The quintessential '90s athlete, Andre Agassi became as well known for his bold take on sportswear peacockery as he did for his skill; sampling everything from denim shorts to outrageous neon patterns and wraparound sunglasses during matches. While it may not have always worked, he is commended for being one of the first modern players to bring a bit of flair and experimentation to the game.
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2
Rafael Nadal
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Crashing onto the scene back in 2005, Rafael Nadal's personal brand of short-sleeve shirts, pirate-esque shorts and bandanas were a far cry from the more traditional t-shirt and sensible shorts ensemble of the time. While his wardrobe has grown up a bit now, he'll always be fondly remembered for those swashbuckling glory days of excessive grunts, bold outfits and ridiculous feats of on court ability.
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3
Arthur Ashe
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The first black man to win a Grand Slam title, Arthur Ashe epitomised smooth '70s style and skill on the court (just look at those shades), but it was his tireless philanthropy helping raise awareness of H.I.V off it that turned him into an icon for generations to come.
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4
Ilie Năstase
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The original bad boy of tennis, Romania's Ilie Năstase (nicknamed Mr Nasty) was a marauding playboy who claims to have slept with more than 2,500 women, while somehow finding time to become the best player in the world from 1973-74.
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5
Bjorn Borg
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The ice cold Swede was an 11-time major champion with a notoriously unflappable nature, who pulled the ultimate elite sportsman power move by retiring at the very peak of his powers at just 26. He also wore a Fila tracksuit better than anyone ever has or can hope to.
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6
René Lacoste
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Nicknamed the Crocodile after a wager involving a crocodile skin handbag, René Lacoste went on to build a style empire while becoming one of the luminaries of the pre-war game.
He was known for his sharp baseline play and signature pre-match blazer embroidered with a crocodile. An iconic logo that obviously still stands strong today.
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7
John McEnroe
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Foul-mouthed and permanently furious, John McEnroe was the polarising super brat of the '70s and the only tennis player who could switch from incandescence to serenity, seemingly at will. His many feats of notoriety include boycotting Wimbledon due to its dress code and coining the most memorable catchphrase in sport. That and breaking lots and lots of racquets.
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8
Gael Monfils
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Nicknamed Spiderman due to his freakish athletic ability, Gael Monfils was feted as a future great, but in the manner of many a maverick athlete of god given talent has never quite reached the apex of his potential. Nevertheless, there aren't many players who are as much fun to watch in today's game.
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9
Yannick Noah
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The last Frenchman to win Roland Garros back in 1983, Yannick Noah was the dreadlocked and eccentric antithesis to the more stuffy traditions of the French game and establishment. He's also released 12 studio albums, including two in a row named...Yannick Noah.
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10
Stan Smith
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The man who lent his name to probably the most iconic trainer of all time, every trendy street style wannabe and white trainer aficionado has the big Californian to thank for his contribution to the culture. Plus, he was pretty handy on court too.