Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, and her record at the US Open highlights her dominance.
The US Open, one of the four major Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, has witnessed numerous remarkable achievements in women’s singles. From stunning upsets to dominant reigns, several players have left their mark on the hard courts of New York. Among these, Serena Williams and Chris Evert stand at the pinnacle with six titles each, followed closely by other tennis legends. Below is a look at the women players who have won the most US Open titles in the Open Era.
Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, and her record at the US Open highlights her dominance. With six US Open titles, Serena shares the record for the most victories in the Open Era.
Serena’s journey at the US Open began with a bang when she claimed her first Grand Slam title in 1999 at just 17 years old. She defeated several top players, including Kim Clijsters, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis, to win the title. Over the next decade, she added five more titles to her name, with victories in 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Her 2002 victory was particularly significant as it marked the completion of the “Serena Slam” — holding all four major titles simultaneously. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, Serena continued to perform at the highest level, reaching the US Open final ten times. Her consistency at the tournament is reflected in her 108 match wins, more than any other female player in the Open Era.
Chris Evert was the first player to win six US Open titles, a record she shares with Serena Williams. Evert’s consistency at the US Open was unparalleled, as she reached the quarter-finals or better in all 19 of her appearances and made the semi-finals 17 times.
Evert’s first title came in 1975, and she went on to win four consecutive titles from 1975 to 1978, a streak unmatched by any other player in the Open Era. Her dominance on the hard courts of New York was evident as she claimed her last US Open title in 1982, finishing her career with a 6–3 record in finals. Evert’s incredible consistency and ability to perform under pressure set her apart as one of the greatest players in US Open history.
Steffi Graf, known for her versatility and athleticism, won five US Open titles during her illustrious career. Her first victory came in 1988, a year in which she completed the Calendar Grand Slam by winning all four major titles. Graf’s US Open triumphs continued in 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1996.
Graf’s final US Open win in 1996 was particularly impressive, as she did not drop a single set throughout the tournament. Despite facing tough competition from players like Gabriela Sabatini, Monica Seles, and Martina Navratilova, Graf consistently rose to the occasion, solidifying her place among the all-time greats with her five US Open titles.
Martina Navratilova, renowned for her dominance at Wimbledon, also enjoyed significant success at the US Open, where she won four titles. Her victories came in 1983, 1984, 1986, and 1987. Navratilova’s powerful game and exceptional net play made her a formidable opponent on the hard courts of New York.
Navratilova’s US Open victories were characterized by her ability to perform at her best in the most crucial moments. She defeated top players such as Chris Evert, Helena Suková, and Steffi Graf in the finals. Navratilova’s impact on the game extended beyond her singles titles, as she also enjoyed success in doubles and mixed doubles at the US Open.
Kim Clijsters is one of the few players to have won three US Open titles in the Open Era. Her victories in 2005, 2009, and 2010 highlighted her resilience and ability to make successful comebacks. After losing her first US Open final in 2003, Clijsters won her first title in 2005, defeating Mary Pierce in the final.
Following a brief retirement and the birth of her daughter, Clijsters returned to the US Open in 2009 and won the title as a wildcard entry, becoming the first mother to win a Grand Slam since 1980. She successfully defended her title in 2010, defeating Vera Zvonareva in the final. Clijsters’ ability to perform at her best in New York, despite multiple injuries and breaks from the sport, earned her a place among the tournament’s elite champions.
