The red clay of Roland Garros and other prestigious tournaments has witnessed the rise of numerous legendary female tennis players. While hard and grass courts often favor power and speed, clay demands patience, strategy, and exceptional footwork. This article celebrates the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) legends who have dominated the clay courts, focusing on those who’ve captured the most titles and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Chris Evert: The Undisputed Queen of Clay
Topping the list is none other than Chris Evert, an American icon whose name is synonymous with clay-court mastery. With an astonishing 70 clay court titles, Evert’s dominance on the surface remains unparalleled in the Open Era. Her impressive tally includes a record seven French Open singles titles (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986).
Evert’s success on clay stemmed from her exceptional consistency, mental fortitude, and strategic acumen. Her baseline game was rock-solid, and she possessed a remarkable ability to anticipate her opponents’ moves. Evert’s signature two-handed backhand was a force to be reckoned with, allowing her to dictate rallies and control the pace of the match.
Her career winning percentage on clay courts stands at an astounding 94.55% (382–22), a WTA Tour record. Further solidifying her reign, Evert had a 125-match clay court winning streak from August 1973 to May 1979, encompassing 24 tournaments. She also won three US Open titles from 1975-1977, when the event was played on clay.
Steffi Graf: A Force on All Surfaces, Including Clay
Following Evert is Steffi Graf, a German superstar who conquered all surfaces but showcased remarkable prowess on clay. Graf accumulated 32 clay court titles throughout her illustrious career, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability.
Graf’s powerful forehand, combined with her athleticism and aggressive style of play, made her a formidable opponent on any surface. On clay, she harnessed her groundstrokes’ ability to generate heavy topspin, making the ball bounce high and challenging her opponents. Graf was victorious at the French Open six times (1987, 1988, 1993, 1995, and 1996), underscoring her clay-court credentials. In 1988, Graf won the Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal in the same year.
Other Notable Clay Court Legends
While Evert and Graf stand out for their sheer number of titles, several other WTA legends have also achieved significant success on clay:
Margaret Court: The Australian Hall of Famer won 24 clay court titles, including five French Open titles.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley: Goolagong Cawley secured 20 clay titles, including the 1971 French Open.
Arantxa Sánchez Vicario: The Spanish player won 19 clay court titles with three French Open titles in 1989, 1994 and 1998.
Martina Navratilova: Navratilova, known for her serve and volley style, claimed 18 clay court titles, including two French Open titles in 1982 and 1984.
Conchita Martínez: Martínez captured 19 clay court titles, although her best result at the French Open was reaching the final in 2000.
Monica Seles: Seles won 14 clay court titles, including three consecutive French Open titles from 1990-1992.
Justine Henin: The Belgian player won 13 clay court titles, including four French Open titles (2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007).
Serena Williams: Despite being known for her dominance on hard courts, Serena Williams proved her versatility by winning 13 clay court titles, including three French Open titles (2002, 2013, and 2015). Serena’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes translated effectively to clay, making her a force to be reckoned with on the surface. From 2012 to 2018, Serena had an 84-5 record on clay.
Serena Williams: Power Meets Clay
Serena Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players, demonstrated her versatility by achieving significant success on clay courts. While not her preferred surface, Williams adapted her powerful game to the slower conditions, winning 13 WTA titles on clay. Her victories include three French Open titles (2002, 2013, and 2015), showcasing her ability to conquer the surface. Williams also won the Italian Open in 2002 and 2016.
Serena’s adaptability was on full display in 2013 when she was undefeated on clay and won five titles. Her success on clay highlights her remarkable talent and versatility, proving that she could dominate any surface.
The Modern Era: Iga Świątek and the Future of Clay
In recent years, Iga Świątek has emerged as a dominant force on clay, with four French Open titles (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024). Her impressive record and aggressive style of play make her a formidable competitor on the surface. Świątek leads all currently active players with five Grand Slam titles and the best clay winning percentage.
Świątek’s dominance marks a new chapter in clay-court tennis, inspiring the next generation of players to embrace the challenges and rewards of the surface. As the clay season continues, it’s exciting to witness how new stars will rise and contribute to the rich history of women’s tennis on clay.
The Enduring Legacy of Clay Court Tennis
These WTA legends have not only won numerous titles on clay but have also inspired millions of fans with their skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Their achievements have helped elevate women’s tennis to new heights, and their legacy continues to inspire aspiring players around the world.
As the clay season unfolds each year, the echoes of these past champions resonate on the red dirt, reminding us of the rich history and tradition of women’s tennis on clay. From Evert’s unparalleled dominance to Graf’s versatility and Serena’s power, these legends have left an indelible mark on the sport, solidifying their place among the greatest clay-court players of all time.
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