Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends
by B Kishwar
Updated May 05, 2023
![Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/05/best-female-tennis-players-of-all-time-6454dbcbe261035004003-900.webp)
Best Female Tennis Players of All Time
Tennis is a sport that has been played for centuries and has attracted some of the most talented and skilled athletes throughout history. Among these athletes are women who have made their mark in the sport and have become some of the best female tennis players of all time.
These women have not only made significant contributions to the game but have also achieved great success, both on and off the court. From their athletic ability to their leadership skills and impact on the game, these players have left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis.
Throughout history, there have been numerous female tennis players who have made a significant impact on the sport, including Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, and many others. These players have won multiple Grand Slam titles, and Olympic medals, and have broken numerous records.
Their achievements have not only paved the way for future generations of female tennis players but have also inspired millions of fans around the world. In this article, we will explore the careers of the best female tennis players of all time, their achievements, and their lasting impact on the sport of tennis.
Top 10 Best Female Tennis Players of All Time
Tennis has seen some of the most remarkable female athletes in history, who have made an indelible impact on the sport. These women have not only set numerous records but have also inspired future generations of players to strive for excellence. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best female tennis players of all time, their achievements, and their contributions to the sport. From legendary names like Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova to modern-day greats like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, this list celebrates the finest women to have ever graced the tennis court.
1
Serena Williams
United States of America
2
Steffi Graf
Germany
3
Martina Navratilova
United States of America
4
Chris Evert
United States of America
5
Martina Hingis
Switzerland
6
Monica Seles
United States of America
7
Billie Jean King
United States of America
8
Justine Henin
Belgium
9
Venus Williams
United States of America
10
Caroline Wozniacki
Denmark
S. No
Best Female Tennis Players
Nationality
1. Serena Williams (USA)
Serena Williams is widely considered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, male or female. Born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, she has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. She has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles, bringing her total Grand Slam titles to an astounding 39.
Serena has held the world's No. 1 ranking in singles eight times between 2002 and 2017 and has spent a total of 319 weeks at the top spot. She has won four Olympic gold medals, three in women's doubles and one in singles, and has been named the WTA Player of the Year seven times.
Serena's style of play is characterized by her powerful serve, aggressive baseline shots, and superb athleticism. She is known for her mental toughness and ability to come back from difficult situations, which has earned her the nickname "the comeback queen."
Off the court, Serena has been a vocal advocate for social justice and gender equality. She has also established the Serena Williams Fund, which supports education and community-building initiatives.
2. Steffi Graf (Germany)
![Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/05/steffi-graf-6454daa702cce9681699-900.webp)
Steffi Graf is a former professional tennis player from Germany who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Born on June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, Germany, she won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during her career, the third most by any player in the Open Era.
Graf was known for her superb footwork, precise shot-making, and all-court game. She held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a record 377 weeks and won 107 singles titles, including the Calendar Year Golden Slam in 1988, where she won all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in singles in the same year.
Graf also won five year-end championships, seven Wimbledon titles, and six French Open titles. She retired from professional tennis in 1999 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.
3. Martina Navratilova (USA)
Martina Navratilova is a former professional tennis player from the Czech Republic who later became a naturalized American citizen. Born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, she won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles during her career.
Navratilova's game was characterized by her serve-and-volley style, speed, and athleticism. She held the world's No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 332 weeks and won 167 singles titles, including nine Wimbledon singles titles, four US Open singles titles, three French Open singles titles, and two Australian Open singles titles.
In addition to her success on the court, Navratilova has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and has served as a commentator and analyst for various tennis events. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2000.
4. Chris Evert (USA)
Chris Evert, also known as "Chrissie," is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She turned professional at the age of 16 and went on to win a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles in her career. Evert was known for her precision and consistency on the court, as well as her mental toughness and tactical skills. She also held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 260 weeks.
Evert won seven French Open titles, six US Open titles, and three Wimbledon titles, and reached the finals of the Australian Open twice. She also won 157 singles titles and 29 doubles titles in her career and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.
Evert's legacy extends beyond her on-court success. She played a crucial role in popularizing women's tennis and was instrumental in establishing the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Evert was also known for her charitable work, including the creation of the Chris Evert Charities, which raises funds for at-risk children.
5. Martina Hingis (Switzerland)
Martina Hingis is a former Swiss professional tennis player who achieved numerous records during her career. She turned professional at the age of 14 and became the youngest-ever Grand Slam champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She won a total of 25 Grand Slam titles in her career, including five singles titles, 13 doubles titles, and seven mixed doubles titles.
Hingis was known for her exceptional tennis IQ and versatility on the court, as well as her ability to anticipate her opponent's next move. She held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 209 weeks and also held the world No. 1 ranking in doubles for a total of 235 weeks.
Hingis retired from singles play in 2003 due to injury, but continued to play doubles and mixed doubles until her final retirement in 2017. In addition to her on-court success, Hingis was known for her sportsmanship and philanthropy and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013.
6. Monica Seles (USA)
Monica Seles is a former professional tennis player who was known for her aggressive playing style and powerful two-handed forehand. She turned professional at the age of 14 and went on to win a total of nine Grand Slam singles titles in her career. Seles held the world's No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 178 weeks.
Seles' career was interrupted in 1993 when she was stabbed on court by a deranged fan. She took a two-year hiatus from tennis but returned to win her final Grand Slam title in 1996. Seles retired from professional tennis in 2008, having won 53 singles titles and six doubles titles.
Seles' impact on the game extends beyond her on-court success. She was known for her mental toughness and her ability to compete at the highest level, even in the face of adversity. She also popularized the use of the two-handed forehand, which is now a common technique used by many players. Seles was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
7. Billie Jean King (USA)
Billie Jean King is one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles titles, 16 women's doubles titles, and 11 mixed doubles titles. King was a fierce competitor on the court, known for her athleticism and powerful serve. She was also a trailblazer for women's rights, fighting for equal prize money and opportunities for women in sports. King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973, which helped to promote gender equality and elevate women's tennis to a new level of popularity. King's contributions to the sport and to women's rights have earned her numerous awards and honors, including induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
8. Justine Henin (Belgium)
Justine Henin is one of the most accomplished tennis players in history, having won 43 WTA singles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles titles. Henin was known for her powerful one-handed backhand, as well as her mental toughness and ability to compete at the highest level. She won the French Open four times, the US Open twice, and the Australian Open once during her career. Henin also won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and helped lead Belgium to its first Fed Cup title in 2001. Her success on the court earned her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016.
9. Venus Williams (USA)
Venus Williams is one of the most iconic and influential female tennis players in history. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals. Venus was known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style, as well as her leadership on and off the court. She has been a role model for young players, promoting women's equality in sports and advocating for social justice causes. Venus and her sister Serena have also been pioneers for African American representation in tennis, paving the way for future generations of players. Venus has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and continues to inspire fans around the world.
10. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)
Caroline Wozniacki is a retired Danish tennis player who achieved significant success during her career. She won 30 WTA singles titles, including one Grand Slam singles title at the 2018 Australian Open. Wozniacki was known for her consistency and defensive playing style, which allowed her to excel on all surfaces. She was also a former world number one player and won the WTA Finals in 2017. Wozniacki retired in 2020 but continues to be a role model for young players and an advocate for women's equality in sports. Her contributions to the sport have earned her a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Who is the Most Famous Female Tennis Player of All Time?
Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and the most famous female tennis player in history. She has won an astonishing 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is the most in the Open Era, and is tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles of all time. Williams has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, for a total of 39 Grand Slam titles overall.
Williams is known for her powerful serve, aggressive playing style, and mental toughness on the court. She has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries, illness, and discrimination, but has always managed to rise above them and continue to compete at the highest level. Williams has won on all surfaces, including hard court, clay, and grass, and has achieved multiple career Grand Slams.
Off the court, Williams has been a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice causes. She has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as equal pay and police brutality and has been a role model for young players around the world. Williams has also inspired a new generation of African American tennis players, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Williams has earned numerous accolades and honors throughout her career, including being named the WTA Player of the Year seven times and being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She continues to compete at the highest level, inspiring fans around the world and cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
What are the Women's Tennis Rankings?
The women's tennis rankings are a system used to determine the top professional female tennis players in the world. The rankings are calculated on a weekly basis by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) based on a player's performance in WTA tournaments over the previous 52 weeks.
1. Serena Williams, one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, has held the world's No. 1 ranking for a total of 319 weeks over the course of her career. She is known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style and has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era.
2. Steffi Graf, another legendary player, held the world's No. 1 ranking for a total of 377 weeks, the longest of any player in history. She won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and is known for her all-court game and strong mental toughness.
3. Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, male or female. She held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 332 weeks and won a total of 59 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
4. Chris Evert, known for her consistency and clay court dominance, held the world's No. 1 ranking for a total of 260 weeks and won 18 Grand Slam singles titles over the course of her career.
5. Martina Hingis, a former world No. 1, won a total of 25 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She is known for her technical proficiency and ability to excel in all areas of the game.
6. Monica Seles, a former world No. 1, won nine Grand Slam singles titles before her career was derailed by a stabbing incident on the court. She is known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style.
7. Billie Jean King, a trailblazer for women's tennis and gender equality, held the world's No. 1 ranking for a total of 12 weeks and won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
8. Justine Henin, a former world No. 1, won a total of seven Grand Slam singles titles before retiring from the sport at a relatively young age. She is known for her one-handed backhand and ability to play well on all surfaces.
9. Venus Williams, a former world No. 1 and sister of Serena Williams, has won a total of seven Grand Slam singles titles and is known for her powerful serve and athleticism.
10. Caroline Wozniacki, a former world No. 1, won a total of 30 WTA singles titles over the course of her career. She is known for her defensive style of play and consistent performance on all surfaces.
Best Female Tennis Players of All Time - FAQs
Serena Williams is a professional tennis player from the United States, widely considered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and two mixed doubles titles, bringing her total Grand Slam titles to 39.
Steffi Graf is a former professional tennis player from Germany who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including the Calendar Year Golden Slam in 1988, where she won all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in singles in the same year.
Martina Navratilova is a former professional tennis player from the Czech Republic who later became a naturalized American citizen. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles during her career. Navratilova's game was characterized by her serve-and-volley style, speed, and athleticism.
Chris Evert is a former professional tennis player from the United States, widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 260 weeks, and was instrumental in establishing the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
Martina Hingis is a former Swiss professional tennis player who achieved numerous records during her career. She won a total of 25 Grand Slam titles in her career, including five singles titles, 13 doubles titles, and seven mixed doubles titles. Hingis held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 209 weeks and held the world No. 1 ranking in doubles for a total of 235 weeks.