Clay Court Queens: Evert, Swiatek, Henin & Open Era Greats

The allure of clay court tennis is undeniable. The slow, high-bouncing surface demands patience, strategy, and exceptional athleticism. While many players excel on faster surfaces, only a select few have truly mastered the art of clay court tennis. This article explores the Open Era’s ten greatest clay-court players, highlighting their achievements, statistics, and unique playing styles. We’ll delve into the careers of Chris Evert, Iga Swiatek, and Justine Henin, among other legends, to determine what makes them the best on this challenging surface.

Defining Clay Court Greatness

Before diving into the rankings, it’s crucial to define what constitutes a “great” clay-court player. Several factors come into play:

• French Open Titles: Roland Garros is the ultimate test of clay-court prowess. The number of titles won here is a primary indicator of dominance.
• Overall Clay Court Titles: Winning titles at other clay-court events, such as the Rome Masters, Monte Carlo Masters, and Barcelona Open, demonstrates consistency and versatility.
• Win Percentage: A high win percentage on clay signifies a player’s ability to consistently perform well on the surface.
• Longevity: Sustained success over many years showcases a player’s adaptability and enduring skill.
• Head-to-Head Records: Dominating rivalries against other top clay-court players further solidifies one’s status.
• Consecutive Wins: Winning streaks on clay highlight a player’s ability to maintain peak performance over extended periods.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top 10 clay-court players of the Open Era.

The Reigning Monarch: Rafael Nadal

No discussion about clay-court tennis can begin without mentioning Rafael Nadal. Known as the “King of Clay,” Nadal’s dominance on this surface is unparalleled.

• French Open Titles: Nadal holds a record 14 French Open titles, surpassing all other male or female players. He won the event nearly every year between 2005 and 2014.
• Overall Clay Court Titles: Nadal has won an Open Era record of 63 clay court titles.
• Win Percentage: His career win percentage on clay is an astonishing 90.5% (484–51 record).
• Consecutive Wins: Nadal holds the record for the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era, with 81 consecutive victories on clay between 2005 and 2007.
• Clay Slam: In 2010, Nadal became the only player to win all of the clay tournaments at Grand Slam and Masters 1000 level in one season.

Nadal’s relentless athleticism, powerful forehand, and unwavering mental fortitude make him a formidable opponent on clay. His ability to generate extreme topspin allows him to control the court and dictate play, overwhelming opponents with his aggressive style. He is universally regarded as the greatest clay-court player of all time.

The American Queen of Clay: Chris Evert

Chris Evert’s name is synonymous with clay-court dominance in women’s tennis. Her consistent baseline game and unwavering focus made her a force to be reckoned with on the red dirt.

• French Open Titles: Evert won seven French Open titles (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986), a record that stood for 27 years until broken by Rafael Nadal.
• Overall Clay Court Titles: Evert boasts an Open Era record of 66 clay-court titles, far surpassing Steffi Graf’s 32.
• Win Percentage: Her career winning percentage on clay courts is an incredible 94.55% (382–22), a WTA Tour record.
• Consecutive Wins: Evert had a 125-match clay court winning streak that ran from August 1973 to May 1979, encompassing 24 tournaments.

Evert’s remarkable consistency and mental toughness set her apart. She reached the semifinals or better in 52 of the 56 majors she played. Her ability to neutralize opponents’ attacks and patiently construct points made her a dominant force on clay.

The Belgian Maestro: Justine Henin

Justine Henin’s elegant style and powerful one-handed backhand made her a captivating player on clay. Her versatility and tactical acumen allowed her to excel on all surfaces, but she particularly thrived at Roland Garros.

• French Open Titles: Henin won four French Open titles (2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007), including a three-peat from 2005 to 2007.
• Consecutive Sets Won: From 2005 to 2010, she won 40 consecutive sets at Roland Garros.
• Overall Clay Court Record: Henin had an 85% win percentage (130-22) on clay, winning 13 clay court titles out of a total of 43.

Henin’s ability to move swiftly around the court and strike the ball with precision made her a formidable opponent. Her one-handed backhand was a weapon that she used to dictate play and hit winners from all angles. Henin’s mental toughness and unwavering belief in her abilities allowed her to overcome adversity and achieve great success on clay.

The Polish Powerhouse: Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek has quickly established herself as a dominant force on the WTA Tour, particularly on clay. Her aggressive style and tactical intelligence have led to multiple Grand Slam titles at a young age.

• French Open Titles: Swiatek has won four French Open titles (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024).
• Clay Court Titles: She has secured 10 WTA Tour titles on clay.
• Win Percentage: Swiatek boasts an impressive 89% win record on clay (89 wins out of 100 matches).

Swiatek’s dynamic movement, impeccable footwork, and ruthless top-spin forehand are amplified on clay. She is the only active player to have secured double-digit titles on clay, surpassing the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. As of April 2025, she is seeking to become the first woman to sweep clay titles in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros in the same season since 2013.

Other Clay Court Titans

While Nadal, Evert, Henin, and Swiatek stand out, other players have also left their mark on clay:

• Björn Borg: The Swede won six French Open titles and was known for his incredible fitness and mental toughness.
• Ivan Lendl: Lendl reached the French Open final five times, winning it three times, and was a consistent force on clay.
• Gustavo Kuerten: The Brazilian captured three French Open titles and was known for his charismatic personality and exciting playing style.
• Arantxa Sánchez Vicario: The Spanish player won three French Open titles and was known for her tenacity and court coverage.
• Serena Williams: Although not her preferred surface, Serena won three French Open titles and demonstrated her versatility and power on clay.
• Steffi Graf: Graf won six French Open titles.

The Top 10: Ranked

Based on the criteria outlined earlier, here’s a possible ranking of the Open Era’s top 10 clay-court players:

1. Rafael Nadal
2. Chris Evert
3. Justine Henin
4. Björn Borg
5. Iga Swiatek
6. Ivan Lendl
7. Gustavo Kuerten
8. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
9. Steffi Graf
10. Serena Williams

This list is, of course, subjective and open to debate. Different fans will have their own criteria and preferences.

Conclusion

Clay court tennis demands a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. The players on this list have demonstrated these qualities in abundance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From Nadal’s unparalleled dominance to Evert’s remarkable consistency and Swiatek’s ascendant career, these athletes have captivated audiences with their performances on the red dirt. As new generations of players emerge, the legacy of these clay-court legends will continue to inspire and shape the future of tennis.