Queens of Clay: Ranking the French Open’s Fiercest Competitors

The French Open, held annually at Roland Garros, is the ultimate test of skill and endurance on clay courts. Over the years, some incredible female athletes have dominated this Grand Slam, achieving remarkable win rates and etching their names into tennis history. Let’s explore the seven women who boast the best win percentages at the French Open, showcasing their unparalleled prowess on the Parisian clay. To qualify for this list, players must have a minimum of 25 wins in women’s singles matches at the French Open.

1. Iga Świątek: The Reigning Champion (95.2%)

Iga Świątek has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with at Roland Garros. As of June 3, 2025, Świątek holds an impressive 40-2 record at the French Open, translating to a staggering 95.2% win rate. This record places her at the top of the list, surpassing even the most legendary names in women’s tennis.

• Dominance on Clay: Świątek’s aggressive playing style and exceptional court coverage make her a natural fit for clay courts.
• Recent Success: She has won the French Open title four times (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024), showcasing her consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
• Ongoing Streak: Świątek is currently on a 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros, equaling Serena Williams’s longest winning run in a women’s singles Grand Slam this century.
• Historical Comparison: At 24 years old, Świątek is already drawing comparisons to Chris Evert, another queen of clay, and is rapidly accumulating main-draw wins at Roland Garros.

2. Chris Evert: The Clay Court Legend (94.55%)

Chris Evert is synonymous with clay-court tennis, and her record at the French Open speaks for itself. She holds the record for the most French Open titles in the Open Era, with seven victories (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986).

• Unmatched Consistency: Evert’s remarkable consistency and mental fortitude made her a formidable opponent on any surface, but especially on clay.
• Overall Win Rate: Evert won 382 of the 404 matches played on clay courts, with a remarkable 94.55% win rate. Her career win record is even more dramatic: 1309 wins out of 1455 singles matches played, and her 89.97% win rate is the second highest of the Open Era, for men’s and women’s singles.
• Dominant Era: Evert’s reign at Roland Garros spanned over a decade, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players of all time.
• Lasting Impact: Her influence on the game is still felt today, with many players aspiring to emulate her success on clay.

3. Margaret Court: A Champion Across Eras

Margaret Court, an Australian tennis icon, boasts an impressive record at the French Open.

• Multiple Titles: Court secured multiple French Open titles during her illustrious career, showcasing her versatility across different surfaces.
• Grand Slam Dominance: Renowned for her powerful serve and aggressive net play, Court dominated women’s tennis in both the amateur and Open Eras.
• Overall Impact: Court’s achievements at Roland Garros contributed to her status as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport.

4. Suzanne Lenglen: A Pioneer of the Game

Suzanne Lenglen, a French tennis pioneer, left an indelible mark on the sport with her revolutionary playing style and charismatic personality.

• Early Dominance: Lenglen dominated women’s tennis in the early 20th century, winning six French Open titles (1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925, and 1926).
• Aggressive Style: Known for her aggressive, “masculine” style of play, Lenglen challenged the conventions of her time and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
• National Hero: Lenglen became a national hero in France, captivating audiences with her athleticism and flair.
• Legacy: The Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, the trophy awarded to the women’s singles champion at the French Open, is named in her honor, cementing her legacy as a true icon of the sport.

5. Steffi Graf: A Force on All Surfaces

Steffi Graf, one of the most dominant players in tennis history, also excelled at the French Open.

• Multiple Championships: Graf won the French Open six times (1987, 1988, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 1999), showcasing her ability to conquer the clay courts of Roland Garros.
• Golden Slam: In 1988, Graf achieved the “Golden Slam,” winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in the same year, a feat unmatched in tennis history.
• Versatile Player: Graf’s powerful serve, aggressive groundstrokes, and athleticism made her a threat on any surface, including clay.
• Lasting Legacy: Her success at Roland Garros contributed to her status as one of the greatest players of all time.

6. Monica Seles: A Rising Star

Monica Seles burst onto the tennis scene in the late 1980s and quickly established herself as a dominant force, particularly at the French Open.

• Consecutive Titles: Seles won three consecutive French Open titles from 1990 to 1992, displaying her exceptional talent and potential.
• Aggressive Style: Known for her aggressive two-handed game and relentless attacking style, Seles overwhelmed opponents with her power and precision.
• Unfortunately Interrupted: Her career was tragically interrupted in 1993 when she was stabbed during a match, but her achievements at Roland Garros remain a testament to her incredible talent.
• Resilience: Seles’s resilience and determination to return to the sport after her injury inspired fans around the world.

7. Serena Williams: Power and Dominance (83.1%)

Serena Williams, one of the most dominant and influential players in the history of tennis, also boasts an impressive record at the French Open. Serena Williams finished her career with a 69-14 (83.1%) record at the French Open.

• Multiple Titles: Williams won the French Open three times (2002, 2013, and 2015), demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt her power game to the slower clay surface.
• “Serena Slam”: She held all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously on two separate occasions, a feat known as the “Serena Slam,” further solidifying her dominance in the sport.
• Overall Impact: Williams’s impact on tennis extends far beyond her on-court achievements. She has inspired countless players with her athleticism, determination, and outspokenness.
• A True Champion: Her success at Roland Garros is a testament to her incredible talent and unwavering competitive spirit.

These seven women represent the pinnacle of achievement at the French Open. Their remarkable win rates and multiple titles have cemented their place in tennis history, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. As the tournament continues to evolve, their legacies will endure as symbols of excellence, perseverance, and the enduring allure of the clay courts at Roland Garros.