Tiebreak Kings: Who Fought Hard for Wins?

Winning a set is the same whether it’s 6-0 or 7-6. But in a lot of ways, the 7-6 wins are more exciting. So we’re breaking down who won the most tiebreak sets.

So essentially, this is a Top 10 list of the players with the most 7-6 set wins this year. Some names you’ll expect. Others might genuinely surprise you. Let’s break it down.

1. Felix Auger-Aliassime (36)

If you thought number one was going to be a servebot, think again. It’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who won a staggering 36 sets by a 7-6 scoreline this year.

While some might consider his excellent serving to be servebot territory, that’s not really fair. The problem wasn’t his serve. It was breaking down opponents. He struggled to finish points and close out sets comfortably, which meant nearly everything came down to the wire. Thirty-six tiebreak sets is a massive number, and it tells you everything about how tight his margins were all season long.

2. Reilly Opelka (28)

Now here’s your servebot. Opelka won 28 sets this year with a 7-6 score, and honestly, it shouldn’t be a massive surprise. While Opelka does have a decent all-around skillset, it’s not really built for the modern era of tennis.

His game is heavily reliant on the serve, and when you can’t consistently break opponents, tiebreaks become inevitable. Still, he did a lot of winning this year, which is admirable given how his style struggles against the tour’s elite grinders.

3. Ben Shelton (27)

Ben Shelton did a lot of winning this year, and a good chunk of it came through tiebreaks. Twenty-seven sets decided by 7-6 might sound like a problem, but in a way, it’s a luxury. Knowing that once you get to a tiebreak, you’ll have a high chance of winning? That’s a weapon.

And a win is a win after all. Whether it’s 6-0 or 7-6, the scoreboard doesn’t care. Shelton’s ability to lock in when it matters most is what separates good players from great ones.