The world of tennis has witnessed incredible female athletes who have not only left an indelible mark on the sport but have also rewritten its history books.
These extraordinary women have showcased power, grace, and unmatched skill on the tennis court, and their achievements have made them true legends of the game.
In this article, we will delve into the careers of female tennis players with the most Grand Slam wins, celebrating their remarkable achievements and the impact they’ve had on the sport
Female Tennis Players With Most Grand Slam Wins
16. Venus Williams
- 7 Grand Slam Titles
Venus Williams, the elder sister of Serena Williams, boasts a remarkable tennis career with 7 Grand Slam singles titles.
Her dominance on the court began at Wimbledon in 2000, where she clinched her first title, eventually adding victories in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008.
Venus also secured two US Open titles in 2000 and 2001.
Her enduring legacy lies not only in her powerful play but also in her resilience, battling injuries, and health issues and promoting gender equality in sport.
Both on and off the court, Venus Williams is a true legend, inspiring athletes around the world.
15. Dorothea Lambert Chambers
- 7 Grand Slam Titles
Dorothea Lambert Chambers, an English tennis pioneer of the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on the sport despite the era’s limited opportunities for women in tennis.
Her incredible Grand Slam journey featured 7 singles titles, primarily at Wimbledon.
She clinched her first Wimbledon title in 1903, and her last came in 1914, showcasing her dominance across more than a decade.
Lambert Chambers displayed exceptional finesse on grass courts, earning her the nickname “The Goddess of Wimbledon.”
What makes Lambert Chambers’ achievements even more remarkable is the fact that she competed in an era when women’s tennis was still finding its footing.
Her dedication to the sport paved the way for future generations of female tennis players.
14. Justine Henin
- 7 Grand Slam Titles
Hailing from Belgium, Justine Henin was a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court.
Her career, which spanned from the late 1990s to the late 2000s, showcased a level of determination and technical brilliance that made her a fan favorite.
Henin’s Grand Slam triumphs include 7 singles titles.
She dominated the French Open like no other, winning four consecutive titles from 2003 to 2007, earning her the nickname “The Clay Court Queen.”
Her two victories at the U.S. Open in 2003 and 2007 demonstrated her adaptability to different surfaces. And in 2004, she etched her name in the history books by clinching her first Wimbledon title.
What set Henin apart was her one-handed backhand, a rarity in the modern game, and her unwavering fighting spirit.
Her battles with fellow legends like Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters are etched in tennis lore.
Henin’s legacy continues to inspire young players to develop an all-court game and never back down from a challenge.
13. Evonne Goolagong Cawley
- 7 Grand Slam Titles
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, an Australian tennis icon, left a lasting impression with her graceful and fluid style of play. Her career, spanning from the early 1970s to the late 1980s, was a testament to her enduring legacy.
Goolagong Cawley’s Grand Slam journey comprised seven singles titles.
She claimed her first two victories at the French Open in 1971 and 1976, showcasing her clay court prowess.
Her versatility was evident with four Wimbledon titles in 1971, 1980, 1981, and 1982, displaying mastery on grass.
The Australian Open held a special place as she triumphed twice, in 1974 and 1975, earning her status as one of Australia’s tennis legends.
But it wasn’t just her titles; it was her elegance, sportsmanship, and captivating smile that set her apart, inspiring future generations, especially indigenous Australians who consider her a role model.
12. Maria Bueno
- 7 Grand Slam Titles
Maria Bueno, the Brazilian tennis sensation of the 1950s and 1960s, made an indelible mark with her impressive haul of 7 Grand Slam singles titles.
Her ascent to tennis stardom commenced with her triumphant Wimbledon debut in 1959.
Further victories followed at the U.S. Championships in 1959, 1963, and 1964, along with French Championships wins in 1960, 1964, and 1966.
Bueno’s exceptional talent, characterized by a graceful style and powerful strokes, cemented her status as a trailblazer in women’s tennis.
Beyond her titles, she remains a symbol of excellence, an inspiration to tennis players in Brazil and across the globe.
11. Molla Mallory
- 8 Grand Slam Titles
Molla Mallory, a prominent tennis figure in the early 20th century, clinched a remarkable 8 Grand Slam singles titles during her esteemed career.
Her journey to tennis greatness began with her first major victory at the U.S. Championships in 1915.
She continued her winning streak with titles at Wimbledon in 1920 and 1921, the French Championships in 1921 and 1922, and the U.S. Championships from 1921 to 1922.
Mallory’s relentless pursuit of excellence and her numerous victories solidified her status as one of the pioneering women in tennis history, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.
10. Suzanne Lenglen
- 8 Grand Slam Titles
Suzanne Lenglen, a tennis prodigy of the 1920s, firmly secured her place in tennis history with an impressive total of 8 Grand Slam singles titles during her illustrious career.
Her dominance on the court was evident as she clinched her maiden Wimbledon title in 1919, marking the inception of her legacy.
Lenglen’s prowess continued to shine brightly as she triumphed at Wimbledon in consecutive years from 1920 to 1922.
Her versatility and mastery of the game extended to the French Championships, where she claimed victory in 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1923.
Lenglen was more than a champion; she was an artist on the court.
Her unique style and flamboyant flair for the game captivated audiences, leaving an indelible mark on tennis.
Beyond her titles, her influence reverberated through generations, shaping the very essence of tennis style and grace.
Suzanne Lenglen remains an enduring symbol of tennis excellence, a luminary whose brilliance transcends the passage of time.
9. Monica Seles
- 9 Grand Slam Titles
Monica Seles, a tennis sensation in the 1990s, amassed an impressive 9 Grand Slam singles titles during her career.
She burst onto the scene with her first major win at the 1990 French Open, swiftly adding titles at the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Open.
Known for her powerful two-handed forehand and fierce competitiveness, Seles became the youngest No. 1 player in the world.
Her career was unfortunately interrupted when she was stabbed on the court in 1993, but she made a remarkable comeback, winning more Grand Slam titles post-injury.
8. Maureen Connolly
- 9 Grand Slam Titles
Maureen Connolly, often affectionately called “Little Mo,” left an indelible mark on tennis history with her remarkable career, despite its brevity.
During her astonishingly short time in the sport, she secured an impressive 9 Grand Slam singles titles, a testament to her incredible talent.
Connolly’s impressive Grand Slam journey began in the early 1950s, marked by her 1951 U.S. Championships win.
She secured Wimbledon in 1952 and the U.S. Championships in 1952 and 1953.
In 1953, she achieved the remarkable feat of winning all four Grand Slam singles titles, becoming the first woman to do so in a calendar year.
However, her promising career was tragically cut short due to a horseback riding accident in 1954, robbing tennis of witnessing further greatness from this prodigious talent.
Nevertheless, her impact on the sport remains undeniable, and her name is forever etched in the annals of tennis history.
7. Billie Jean King
- 12 Grand Slam Titles
Billie Jean King, an iconic figure in tennis history, clinched an impressive 12 Grand Slam singles titles during her illustrious career.
Her journey to tennis stardom commenced in the 1960s, a pivotal era for women in sports. King’s first Grand Slam victory came at the U.S. Championships in 1966, setting the stage for her dominance on the international stage.
She showcased her versatility by triumphing at Wimbledon multiple times, capturing titles in 1966, 1967, and 1968.
King’s legacy was further solidified with her victories at the Australian Open in 1968 and the French Open in 1972.
Beyond her incredible talent, Billie Jean King’s advocacy for gender equality and her pivotal role in the Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs, which captured the world’s attention and highlighted the capabilities of women in sports, continue to inspire athletes and advocates worldwide.1
Her unwavering commitment to social change and her unparalleled achievements on the tennis court make her an enduring and influential figure in tennis history.
- 18 Grand Slam Titles
Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American tennis sensation, was a dominant force in both singles and doubles.
Her 18 Grand Slam singles titles are complemented by a staggering 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, making her one of the most versatile players in tennis history.
Navratilova’s rivalry with Chris Evert in the late 1970s and 1980s is legendary, and their matches were must-see events for tennis fans.
Her serve-and-volley game style revolutionized women’s tennis, and her impact on the sport extends beyond her playing days.
5. Chris Evert
- 18 Grand Slam Titles
Chris Evert, often known as the “Ice Maiden,” was a dominant force in women’s tennis during the 1970s and 1980s.
She accumulated 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a testament to her incredible skills and composure on the court.
Evert’s consistency on clay courts was particularly noteworthy.
She won the French Open a record seven times, showcasing her versatility across different surfaces. Her fierce baseline game and unflinching mental toughness made her a true tennis legend.
4. Helen Wills Moody
- 19 Grand Slam Titles
Helen Wills Moody, often referred to simply as “Little Miss Poker Face” due to her stoic on-court demeanor, was a dominant force in women’s tennis during the 1920s and 1930s.
Her 19 Grand Slam singles titles include an impressive eight Wimbledon titles and seven U.S. Championships.
What set Moody apart was her incredible consistency and mental toughness.
She held a remarkable 180-match winning streak from 1927 to 1933, a record that remains unmatched in tennis history.
Moody’s contributions to the sport extended beyond her playing days, as she also helped popularize women’s tennis worldwide.
3. Steffi Graf
- 22 Grand Slam Titles
Steffi Graf, the “Golden Slam” champion, enjoyed a stellar career in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The German sensation achieved a remarkable feat in 1988 by winning all four Grand Slam titles in a single year, a feat only matched by Margaret Court and Maureen Connolly.2
Her incredible speed, precision, and a powerful forehand made her nearly unbeatable during her prime.
Graf’s rivalry with fellow tennis legend Monica Seles in the early 1990s added an extra layer of excitement to women’s tennis.
Despite facing stiff competition, Graf’s ability to maintain her level of play at the highest stage earned her 22 Grand Slam titles and a lasting legacy in the sport.
2. Serena Williams
23 Grand Slam Titles
Serena Williams is a modern-day tennis icon, celebrated for her commanding on-court presence and unwavering mental resilience.
With an astounding tally of 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her credit, Serena’s reign as the world No. 1 extended for an unprecedented 319 weeks.3
Her journey to the top of the tennis world began in the late 1990s, and she has since become a household name.
Serena’s indomitable tenacity and an unyielding competitive spirit are legendary.
Over the course of her illustrious career, she has locked horns with a slew of formidable adversaries, including her sister Venus.
Yet, her peerless determination has consistently propelled her to the summit of the tennis world.
In a feat that stands as a testament to her exceptional skill, Serena Williams achieved the career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles—an accomplishment that has eluded all but a few in the history of the sport.4
However, as of 2022, Serena announced a significant shift away from the world of professional tennis, marking her retirement from the game that she has so profoundly influenced.5
1. Margaret Court
- 24 Grand Slam Titles
Margaret Court’s name stands tall in the annals of tennis history. Hailing from Australia, Court’s dominance spanned the 1960s and early 1970s.
She boasts an astonishing record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any female player in the Open Era.
Her versatility was unmatched, as she won singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles with equal prowess.
Court’s most remarkable year came in 1970 when she completed the Grand Slam by winning all four major titles in a single calendar year.
Her powerful serve and aggressive playing style made her a force to be reckoned with, and she remains an inspiration to generations of tennis players.
With Serena Williams, the only tennis star in recent history who posed significant threat to breaking her long held record, retiring with a grand slam shy of matching her feat, Margaret Court’s would reign atop the Female Tennis Players With Most Grand Slam list for a long time.
Conclusion
In the world of women’s tennis, these Female Tennis Players With Most Grand Slam have left their mark, with their grace, power, and unwavering spirit.
From Suzanne Lenglen’s early dominance to Serena Williams’ modern-era reign, they have embodied the essence of the game.
As we pay tribute to these icons, we also look forward to the emergence of new talents and the promise of future triumphs.
It is worthy to note that all of the stars on this list have long called it quits on tennis, and as such attention is focused on tennis star on tour to join the ranks set by these legends.
The history of women’s tennis is a captivating narrative of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
These remarkable athletes have not only achieved greatness but have also paved the way for generations to come, continuing to inspire and shape the future of the sport.
References & Notes
Facts Sources:
- Battle of the Sexes. Bille Jean King
- On This Day: Steffi Graf completes the “Golden Slam”. Tennis.com
- Serena Wiilliams: Charting a Career at the Top. New York Times
- Serena Williams records that may never be broken: A Career Golden Slam in singles AND doubles. Tennis.com
- Serena Williams Says Farewell to Tennis On Her Own Terms—And In Her Own Words. Vogue
