Women’s Tennis Majors: Who Has the Most?
Women’s tennis has grown significantly in popularity over the past few decades. As a result, the number and quality of players vying for the top spots in major tournaments has also increased.
Today, there are four major championships in women’s tennis: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. The players who manage to win all four of these major tournaments in a single year are highly regarded and often referred to as “Grand Slam Champions.”
So, who has the most number of major championships in women’s tennis? Let’s take a look at the top contenders.
Serena Williams: 23 Majors
Serena Williams is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of women’s tennis. She has won a total of 23 major championships, including seven Australian Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, six French Open titles, and seven US Open titles.
Not only is Williams the most decorated player in terms of major championships, but she is also the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era, having won her last major title at the age of 37.
Margaret Court: 24 Majors
Despite being retired since 1977, Margaret Court still holds the record for the most major championships in women’s tennis history, with 24 major titles. Court, who is an Australian native, won 13 Australian Open titles, five French Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, and three US Open titles.
Steffi Graf: 22 Majors
Steffi Graf, who retired in 1999, is the second-most decorated major champion in women’s tennis. She has won a total of 22 major championships, including seven Australian Open titles, six French Open titles, seven Wimbledon titles, and two US Open titles.
Chris Evert: 18 Majors
Chris Evert, who retired in 1989, is the third-most decorated major champion in women’s tennis. She has won a total of 18 major championships, including seven French Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, six US Open titles, and two Australian Open titles.
Martina Navratilova, who retired in 2006, is the fourth-most decorated major champion in women’s tennis. She has won a total of 18 major championships, including nine Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, two Australian Open titles, and three French Open titles.
Helen Wills Moody: 19 Majors
Helen Wills Moody, who retired in 1938, is the fifth-most decorated major champion in women’s tennis. She has won a total of 19 major championships, including eight Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, six French Open titles, and one Australian Open title.
Maureen Connolly: 9 Majors
Maureen Connolly, who retired in 1954, is the sixth-most decorated major champion in women’s tennis. She has won a total of nine major championships, including three Wimbledon titles, three US Open titles, two French Open titles, and one Australian Open title.
Other Notable Players
In addition to the players mentioned above, there have been several other players who have had impressive major championship records. These include:
- Billie Jean King: 12 Majors
- Justine Henin: 7 Majors
- Venus Williams: 7 Majors
- Amelie Mauresmo: 2 Majors
- Evonne Goolagong: 7 Majors
- Monica Seles: 9 Majors
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of players who have won major championships in women’s tennis. However, the most decorated player in terms of major championships is still Margaret Court, with 24 titles. Serena Williams is the next most decorated player, with 23 titles.
It’s also worth noting that all of the players mentioned above have had a significant impact on the sport of women’s tennis, and have set the standard for future generations of players.
Future of Women’s Tennis Majors
With the emergence of new and talented players on the tour, the future of women’s tennis majors looks very promising. As the popularity of the sport continues to grow, so will the number of players vying for the top spots in the major tournaments.
It will be interesting to see who will be the next player to break Margaret Court’s record and become the most decorated major champion in women’s tennis.
Women’s Tennis and Gender Equality
The success of women’s tennis has also been a major driver in the fight for gender equality in the sport. Many of the major tournaments are now offering the same prize money to men and women, and the women’s game is now receiving the same attention and respect as the men’s game.
Final Thoughts
Women’s tennis has come a long way in the past few decades, and the players mentioned above have had a major impact on the evolution of the sport. With the emergence of new and talented players on the tour, the future of women’s tennis majors looks very promising.
It will be interesting to see who will be the next player to break Margaret Court’s record and become the most decorated major champion in women’s tennis.
References
- WTA Tennis
- History.com, “Margaret Court: Most Grand Slam Titles in Tennis History”
- Biography.com, “Serena Williams”
- Biography.com, “Steffi Graf”
- Biography.com, “Chris Evert”
- Biography.com, “Martina Navratilova”
- Biography.com, “Helen Wills Moody”
- Biography.com, “Maureen Connolly”
- Biography.com, “Billie Jean King”
- Biography.com, “Justine Henin”
- Biography.com, “Venus Williams”
- Biography.com, “Amelie Mauresmo”
- Biography.com, “Evonne Goolagong Cawley
- Biography.com, “Monica Seles”