The US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments, has seen many remarkable female athletes make their mark over the years. The prestigious event, held annually in New York City, showcases the sport’s elite, and several women have distinguished themselves with multiple titles. Here’s a look at the seven women with the most US Open titles, highlighting Serena Williams’s impressive record and Steffi Graf’s remarkable achievements.
1. Margaret Court – 11 Titles
Margaret Court’s dominance on the court is legendary. The Australian tennis legend holds the record for the most US Open titles, with 11 championships to her name. Court’s remarkable career spanned from the 1960s to the early 1970s, and her versatility and skill were unmatched. Her achievements at the US Open were part of a broader Grand Slam success, contributing to her place as one of the sport’s greatest players.
2. Chris Evert – 6 Titles
Chris Evert, an iconic figure in tennis, secured her place in history with six US Open titles. Known for her consistency and powerful groundstrokes, Evert dominated the tournament during the 1970s and 1980s. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova defined an era of women’s tennis, and her success at the US Open was a testament to her exceptional skill and tenacity.
3. Steffi Graf – 5 Titles
Steffi Graf, with her powerful game and incredible agility, won the US Open five times. Graf’s dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s was remarkable, and her versatility allowed her to excel on various surfaces. Her US Open victories were part of her impressive career, which also saw her complete a Golden Slam in 1988 by winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same year.
4. Serena Williams – 6 Titles
Serena Williams, one of the most influential players in tennis history, has won the US Open six times, tying her with Chris Evert. Williams’s powerful serve, aggressive play, and mental toughness have made her a dominant force in women’s tennis. Her victories at the US Open span multiple decades, showcasing her ability to adapt and remain at the top of the sport.
5. Helen Wills Moody – 7 Titles
Helen Wills Moody, an American tennis legend from the 1920s and 1930s, won seven US Open titles. Known for her formidable serve and baseline play, Moody’s dominance was evident during an era when women’s tennis was beginning to gain global recognition. Her success at the US Open contributed to her status as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.
6. Lena Rice – 4 Titles
Lena Rice, an early pioneer of women’s tennis, won the US Open four times. Competing in the early 1900s, Rice’s achievements were significant during a period when the sport was less developed. Her victories at the US Open helped pave the way for future generations of female players and highlighted her exceptional talent on the court.
7. Maureen Connolly – 3 Titles
Maureen Connolly, also known as “Little Mo,” won the US Open three times. Her career was cut short by injury, but Connolly’s impact on the sport was substantial. Her achievements in the late 1950s, including her US Open victories, showcased her incredible talent and potential, making her one of the sport’s early greats.
Conclusion
The US Open has been a stage for some of the greatest female tennis players in history. From the early days of Helen Wills Moody and Lena Rice to the modern era of Serena Williams and Steffi Graf, these women have left an indelible mark on the tournament. Serena Williams’s remarkable six titles tie her with Chris Evert, while Steffi Graf’s five titles place her among the all-time greats. Each of these champions has contributed to the rich history of the US Open, and their achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes.