Longtime tennis fans may not have heard the phrase “Channel Slam’ often.
That’s because it is a unique honor that only 13 players (6 ATP and 7 WTA) have earned.
The Channel Slam is achieved by winning the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year, essentially in back-to-back months. It is so difficult to accomplish that the Mount Rushmore players of tennis are the only ones to complete what some call the Mount Everest-like task.
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Zverev could add his name to legendary list
For the men, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg (three times), Rafael Nadal (two times), Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and most recently Carlos Alcaraz achieved it in 2024.
For the women, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova (two times), Steffi Graf (five times), and Serena Williams (two times) are past Channel Slam winners.
This is a current or future Hall of Fame list of players that Zverev joins if he defeats Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s Wimbledon final.
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Why is it called the Channel Slam
The name, Channel Slam, originates from the English Channel. It separates France and England the sites of the French Open at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
It is a phrase that is not mentioned often. The French Open champions must get to the Wimbledon final for a chance to earn it.
Zverev vs. Sinner head-to-head
Alexander Zverev has a big challenge on his hands with ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Their head-to-head record favors Sinner 10-4. Sinner won the last nine meetings, and Zverev’s last victor was in 2023.
With Zverev earning his maiden Grand Slam at the 2026 French Open, he can now play more freely without the pressure of winning his first. This could help him end his losing streak against Sinner and win Wimbledon and the Channel Slam.
Watch the Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday, July 12 on ESPN.
