Tennis has been blessed with some absolute legends over the years—women who have dominated the sport, shattered records, and changed the game forever.
From fierce competitors to style icons, these athletes have left their mark on the sport in unforgettable ways. So, grab your racket and let’s count down the 20 best female tennis players of all time!
20. Simona Halep
Halep’s speed, agility, and insane defensive skills made her a force to be reckoned with. With French Open and Wimbledon titles under her belt, she’s proven she can win on any surface, all while giving her opponents absolute headaches.
19. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
The Spanish warrior won three French Opens and a US Open title while running down seemingly impossible shots. Her hustle and grit made her a fan favorite and an absolute nightmare to play against.
18. Lindsay Davenport
Davenport didn’t have the flashiest game, but she made up for it with raw power and impeccable consistency. A former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion, she was a silent killer on the court.
17. Naomi Osaka
A four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka has been a dominant force on hard courts, winning multiple US Open and Australian Open titles. With her powerful baseline game and ability to perform under pressure, she has cemented her place among the best in modern tennis.
16. Justine Henin
For someone not towering over her opponents, Henin packed a punch. With her gorgeous one-handed backhand and relentless attacking style, the Belgian took home seven Grand Slam titles and made clay courts her personal playground.
15. Martina Hingis
Hingis was a tactical genius who read the game better than most. At just 16 years old, she won her first Grand Slam and went on to dominate with five major titles. Her finesse and court IQ were simply next-level.
14. Iga Swiatek
Swiatek has taken the tennis world by storm with her dominant performances on clay and beyond. A multiple-time French Open champion, US Open champion and world No. 1, her aggressive baseline game and mental toughness have solidified her place among the greats.
13. Suzanne Lenglen
A total game-changer, Lenglen was the first true superstar of women’s tennis. Her six Wimbledon titles and unmatched flair made her an icon, paving the way for generations to come.
12. Kim Clijsters
Clijsters combined athleticism with an all-court game that made her a nightmare to face. She won four Grand Slams, had an incredible comeback after becoming a mom, and was one of the most beloved players on the tour.
11. Venus Williams
If we’re talking about power and longevity, Venus is in a league of her own. With seven Grand Slam singles titles and an iconic presence in the sport, she paved the way for future generations while absolutely crushing the competition.
10. Helen Wills Moody
A pioneer in the sport, Wills Moody dominated the 1920s and 1930s, winning 19 Grand Slam singles titles. She brought power and precision to a time when women’s tennis was still evolving.
9. Billie Jean King
An all-time trailblazer both on and off the court, Billie Jean King won 39 (!) Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She wasn’t just an incredible player—she also changed the sport for women forever.
8. Evonne Goolagong Cawley
With one of the smoothest games in history, Goolagong Cawley floated around the court with grace and ease, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles. Her legacy in Australian tennis is unmatched.
7. Maria Sharapova
One of the most recognizable faces in tennis history, Sharapova had the game to back it up. With five Grand Slams and a career Grand Slam, she was an unstoppable force when her power game clicked.
6. Monica Seles
Seles was pure dominance before an unfortunate on-court attack derailed her career. She won nine Grand Slam titles with her signature two-handed strokes and relentless aggression, making her one of the best to ever do it.
5. Chris Evert
Evert was the queen of consistency, winning 18 Grand Slam titles and finishing her career with an unreal win-loss record. Her mental toughness and precision made her nearly unbeatable in her prime.
4. Margaret Court
With a mind-boggling 24 Grand Slam singles titles, Court’s resume is stacked. While some of her wins came in the pre-Open Era, her dominance is undeniable, and her impact on Australian tennis is legendary.
3. Martina Navratilova
Navratilova redefined fitness and longevity in tennis, winning an absurd 59 Grand Slam titles across all formats. Her net play, speed, and aggressive style made her one of the most well-rounded players ever.
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2. Steffi Graf
Graf is the only player ever to win the “Golden Slam” (all four Grand Slams plus Olympic gold in the same year). With 22 Grand Slam titles and a record-breaking 377 weeks at world No. 1, she was a dominant force in every sense.
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1. Serena Williams
The greatest power player in women’s tennis history, Serena changed the game with her serve, athleticism, and ability to deliver in clutch moments. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she is an icon whose influence stretches far beyond the sport. Her dominance, longevity, and cultural impact make her the undisputed No. 1.
Read More: 15 Doubles Tennis Legends Who Dominated the Court
