The allure of Wimbledon and the unique demands of grass court tennis have historically separated the greats from the good. On this surface, power, agility, and tactical acumen blend to create legends. This list celebrates the ten greatest female grass-court players of all time, considering their records, titles, and overall impact on the game.
1. Martina Navratilova: The Queen of the Lawns
When one thinks of women’s tennis on grass, Martina Navratilova immediately comes to mind. Navratilova’s record at Wimbledon is unparalleled, having won a record nine singles titles. Her athleticism, serve-and-volley game, and aggressive net play were perfectly suited to the surface. From 1982 to 1987, she won six consecutive Wimbledon titles, showcasing her dominance. In total, Navratilova won 32 titles on grass courts with a 307-40 record, boasting an impressive 88.47% winning percentage. She also secured 120 match wins at Wimbledon, the most of any player at a Grand Slam in the Open Era. Some tennis historians assert that Navratilova’s peak grass court period saw her achieve a remarkable 168-6 record from 1982 to 1990, underscoring her status as the greatest female grass-court champion of all time.
2. Serena Williams: Power and Dominance
Serena Williams brought a combination of power and mental toughness to the grass courts that few could match. She won seven Wimbledon singles titles. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game were particularly effective on grass, leading to numerous victories. From 2000 to 2009, Serena had a 56-5 record on grass, with a winning percentage of 91.8%. Overall, Serena has a 107-16 record on grass, with eight titles. She is also the only player to have achieved the rare Roland Garros-Wimbledon double this century, winning both in the same year.
3. Steffi Graf: Grace and Precision
Steffi Graf’s all-around game and athleticism made her a formidable opponent on any surface, including grass. Graf won seven Wimbledon titles. Her strong forehand, excellent footwork, and strategic play allowed her to dominate many matches on the surface. Graf played exactly 100 matches on grass and lost just 15 times, giving her a win rate of 85.0%, the fourth highest among WTA tour players.
4. Margaret Court: The Pioneer
Margaret Court’s powerful serve-and-volley game was well-suited to grass courts. She won three Wimbledon titles. Court played during a time when three of the four majors were played on grass, contributing to her record of 19 grass-court major titles, the most for any player, male or female. This includes 11 Australian titles, 5 US titles, and 3 Wimbledon championships.
5. Billie Jean King: A Champion for Equality
Billie Jean King was not only a champion on the court but also a champion for equality in sports. She won six Wimbledon singles titles. King’s quickness, excellent court coverage, and aggressive net play made her a force to be reckoned with on grass. King won 11 grass court majors out of the 12 majors she won overall, including 1 Australian Championship, 6 Wimbledons, and 4 US championships.
6. Chris Evert: Consistency and Grace
Chris Evert’s consistency and mental toughness made her a formidable opponent on grass, although it wasn’t her preferred surface. She won three Wimbledon titles. Evert’s strategic play and ability to stay calm under pressure allowed her to have a successful career on grass, amassing an impressive 242 wins and only 45 defeats, giving her a win percentage of 87.36%, the third highest in WTA history.
7. Venus Williams: A Force on Grass
Venus Williams has had a remarkable career on grass, marked by her five Wimbledon triumphs. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game made her a tough competitor. With four additional Wimbledon finals appearances, her consistency on grass is notable. Venus boasts a grass-court win percentage of 81.66%, ranking her sixth in WTA tour history, with 98 wins and 22 defeats on the surface.
8. Maureen Connolly: “Little Mo”
Maureen Connolly, nicknamed “Little Mo,” was a dominant force in the early 1950s. She won three consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1952-1954. Her powerful baseline game and aggressive style made her a formidable opponent on grass. Connolly lost the first two majors she played in, but then proceeded to win the next 9 majors she played, including the Grand Slam in 1953. Of those 9 majors, 7 were on grass. In her career, Connolly was 145-10 on grass for a percentage of 93.55.
9. Suzanne Lenglen: The Elegant Pioneer
Suzanne Lenglen was a dominant player in the early 20th century. She won six Wimbledon titles. Lenglen’s graceful style and dominance made her a pioneer in women’s tennis.
10. Evonne Goolagong Cawley: The “Sunshine Supergirl”
Evonne Goolagong Cawley was known for her graceful style and athleticism. She won two Wimbledon titles. Goolagong Cawley’s fluid movement and tactical skills made her a popular and successful player on grass.
Honorable Mentions
While the above players stand out, several others deserve recognition for their grass-court achievements:
- Maria Sharapova: Won Wimbledon in 2004, showcasing her power game on grass.
- Angelique Kerber: Won Wimbledon in 2018, demonstrating her adaptability on the surface.
The Modern Game
The game continues to evolve, and several modern players are making their mark on the grass courts:
- Aryna Sabalenka: A powerful player with a game well-suited for grass.
- Elena Rybakina: The 2022 Wimbledon champion, demonstrating her prowess on grass.
- Iga Swiatek: While still developing her grass-court game, her adaptability makes her a potential future champion.
Conclusion
The legacy of these ten players extends beyond their titles and records. They have inspired generations of tennis players and fans with their skill, determination, and passion for the game. As the grass-court season continues, their achievements serve as a reminder of the rich history and enduring appeal of tennis on this unique surface. Their names are etched in the annals of tennis history, celebrated for their unparalleled achievements and lasting impact on the sport.
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