The 10 Greatest Female Tennis Players of All Time

July 4, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

From the grass courts of Wimbledon to the hard courts of the US Open, women’s tennis has produced champions who’ve thrilled fans, shattered records, and transformed the sport forever. These remarkable athletes didn’t just dominate their eras — they elevated tennis with their power, precision, and relentless drive. Here’s a look at the ten greatest female tennis players of all time, each of whom left an unforgettable mark on the game.

10. Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis burst onto the scene as a prodigy, becoming the youngest ever Grand Slam champion and world No. 1. With five Grand Slam singles titles and 45 career titles overall, she dazzled fans with her sharp tactics and court intelligence. Her career stretched across two decades, with a successful comeback in doubles before finally retiring in 2017.

9. Justine Henin

Despite her petite frame, Justine Henin’s explosive one-handed backhand and fearless aggression made her a formidable force. The Belgian won seven Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold in 2004, reaching world No. 1 in 2003. Her career was relatively brief due to burnout, but her legacy as a fierce competitor endures.

8. Venus Williams

Venus Williams helped revolutionize women’s tennis with her power and athleticism, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles. She was the first African American woman in the Open Era to become world No. 1. Though her sister Serena often overshadowed her, Venus’s influence and longevity are undeniable.

7. Billie Jean King

Billie king — By Jonathan Exley - Billie Jean King Enterprises, Inc., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24907792

Billie Jean King was not only a tennis legend but also a pioneer for gender equality in sports. She won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and 129 career titles, dominating the 1960s and 70s with her aggressive serve-and-volley game. Her famous “Battle of the Sexes” victory cemented her place as a cultural icon.

6. Monica Seles

Monica Seles won nine Grand Slam singles titles, with seven coming in a blistering run from 1990 to 1992 before a shocking on-court stabbing derailed her career. Despite this tragedy, she returned to win more titles and secure her spot in the Hall of Fame. Her epic battles with Steffi Graf were some of tennis’s finest moments.

5. Chris Evert

Chris Evert’s calm, relentless baseline game made her nearly unbeatable, resulting in 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 34 major finals. She won more than 90% of her career matches and captured every Grand Slam at least twice. Her consistency and grace under pressure set new standards in the sport.

4. Margaret Court

Margaret Court still holds the all-time record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Her fitness-focused approach and mental toughness powered her to 192 career titles over two decades in the 1960s and 70s. Though her era was different, her dominance and achievements remain unmatched on paper.

3. Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova’s incredible longevity and versatility led her to 18 Grand Slam singles titles and an Open Era record 167 singles titles overall. Her attacking style and dominance in both singles and doubles, where she won 31 Grand Slam doubles and 10 mixed doubles titles, make her one of the sport’s ultimate legends.

2. Steffi Graf

Steffi Graf’s combination of power, footwork, and mental strength earned her 22 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 377 weeks at world No. 1. In 1988, she achieved the only “Golden Slam” by winning all four majors plus Olympic gold in the same year, a feat unlikely ever to be repeated.

1. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player ever. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 73 overall titles, and a career that spanned nearly two decades, she showcased unparalleled power and competitiveness. Her ability to adapt across generations and her historic Grand Slam finals record make her legacy second to none.