Thomas Johansson is a Swedish former tennis player who won the 2002 Australian Open, becoming the first Swede to win a major since Stefan Edberg in 1992, and remains the last Swedish man to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Thomas Johansson's four-set victory over Marat Safin at the 2002 Australian Open made him the first Swedish man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Stefan Edberg's 1992 US Open — a distinction that, more than two decades on, no compatriot has yet claimed from him. He broke into the world's top 100 by 1996, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, and won his first ATP title in Copenhagen in 1997, followed by a Masters 1000 title at the 1999 Canadian Open, where he beat Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the final. Johansson produced the performance of his career at the 2002 Australian Open. Ranked outside the world's top 15 and given little chance in a tournament full of upsets, he fought his way through the draw, beating countryman Jonas Björkman among others, to reach the final against the heavily favoured Marat Safin. Johansson won a tense four-set match 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6, becoming the first Swede to win a Grand Slam singles title since Stefan Edberg's 1992 US Open triumph — a distinction that, as of the mid-2020s, still stands as the most recent Swedish men's major title. Johansson reached a career-high ranking of World No. 7 following his Australian Open win, and added a Wimbledon semifinal in 2005. He also won a silver medal in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics partnering Simon Aspelin, and helped Sweden win the Davis Cup in 1998. He retired from professional tennis in 2009 with nine ATP singles titles, and has since built a career as a coach, working with players including David Goffin, Maria Sakkari, and Sorana Cîrstea.
Winning the 2002 Australian Open, the last Swedish man to win a Grand Slam singles title
How They Played
Consistent, all-court player known for patient rallying and a strong return game
Lasting Impact
One of the great surprise Grand Slam champions of the modern era, and a respected coach to top players since retiring
Career Honours
- Australian Open champion (2002)
- Olympic silver, doubles (2008)
- ATP Masters 1000 winner (1999 Canada)
- Davis Cup champion with Sweden (1998)
- Last Swedish man to win a Grand Slam singles title