Miami Open Queens: Serena and Graf Lead the Pack in Finals Appearances

The Miami Open, often called the “Winter Wimbledon,” has witnessed legendary performances from the world’s top female tennis players. While many have graced the courts of this prestigious tournament, some have consistently risen to the occasion, reaching the coveted final match multiple times. Among these titans, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf stand out as the queens of the Miami Open, showcasing their dominance and leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.

Top Women’s Singles Finalists at the Miami Open

Several women have distinguished themselves by reaching the final match of the Miami Open multiple times. These players have consistently demonstrated their skill, tenacity, and ability to perform under pressure on the Miami hard courts.

1. Serena Williams: The Undisputed Champion (8 Finals)

Serena Williams holds the record for the most Miami Open titles and final appearances in women’s singles, with an astounding eight titles and eight final appearances. Her victories span over a decade, marking her dominance at the tournament.

• 2002: Defeated Jennifer Capriati 7-5, 7-6
• 2003: Defeated Jennifer Capriati 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
• 2004: Defeated Elena Dementieva 6-1, 6-1
• 2007: Defeated Justine Henin 0-6, 7-5, 6-3
• 2008: Defeated Jelena Janković 6-1, 5-7, 6-3
• 2013: Defeated Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
• 2014: Defeated Li Na 7-5, 6-1
• 2015: Defeated Carla Suárez Navarro 6-2, 6-0

Serena’s eight Miami Open titles also makes it one of the four tour-level events she has won six or more times, the others being the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

2. Steffi Graf: A Pioneer of the Game (7 Finals)

Steffi Graf, a legend in the world of tennis, reached the Miami Open final seven times, securing five titles. Her consistent performance in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s solidified her place among the tournament’s all-time greats.

• 1986: Lost to Chris Evert 4-6, 2-6
• 1987: Defeated Chris Evert 6-1, 6-2
• 1988: Defeated Chris Evert 6-4, 6-4
• 1989: Lost to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario 6-7, 4-6
• 1994: Defeated Arantxa Sánchez Vicario 6-1, 6-3
• 1995: Defeated Kim Clijsters 6-1, 6-3
• 1996: Defeated Chanda Rubin 6-1, 6-3

Graf’s five Miami Open titles stood as the record until Serena Williams matched it in 2008 and surpassed it in 2013.

3. Chris Evert and Maria Sharapova (5 Finals)

Chris Evert, an American icon, reached five finals, securing one title.

• 1985: Lost to Martina Navratilova 2-6, 4-6
• 1986: Defeated Steffi Graf 6-4, 6-2
• 1987: Lost to Steffi Graf 1-6, 2-6
• 1988: Lost to Steffi Graf 4-6, 4-6
• 1989: Lost to Gabriela Sabatini 1-6, 4-6

Maria Sharapova also reached five finals, but was never able to win the title.

• 2005: Lost to Kim Clijsters 3-6, 5-7
• 2006: Lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova 4-6, 3-6
• 2011: Lost to Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 4-6
• 2012: Lost to Agnieszka Radwańska 5-7, 4-6
• 2013: Lost to Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 0-6

4. Venus Williams (4 Finals)

Venus Williams has reached the Miami Open final four times, winning three titles.

• 1998: Defeated Anna Kournikova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1
• 1999: Defeated Serena Williams 6-1, 4-6, 6-4
• 2001: Defeated Jennifer Capriati 4-6, 6-1, 7-6
• 2010: Lost to Kim Clijsters 2-6, 1-6

Other notable finalists

Several other players have reached the final of the Miami Open multiple times, including:

• Gabriela Sabatini (3 Finals, 1 Title)
• Monica Seles (2 Finals, 2 Titles)
• Jennifer Capriati (4 Finals, 0 Titles)
• Victoria Azarenka (3 Finals, 3 Titles)
• Kim Clijsters (2 Finals, 2 Titles)
• Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (3 Finals, 2 Titles)
• Ashleigh Barty (2 Finals, 2 Titles)

The Williams Sisters’ Impact

The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, have had a tremendous impact on the Miami Open. Together, they have won 11 titles, with Serena claiming eight and Venus securing three. Their fierce competitiveness and outstanding achievements have captivated audiences and inspired countless aspiring tennis players. In 1999, they played against each other in the final with Venus winning the match.

2025 Miami Open

In the 2025 Miami Open, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in the final, 7–5, 6–2. She won the title without dropping a set, the first woman to achieve this since Victoria Azarenka in 2016.

Conclusion

The Miami Open has been a stage for some of the most remarkable female tennis players in history. Serena Williams and Steffi Graf’s multiple final appearances and title wins demonstrate their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As the tournament continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly witness new stars rising and challenging the records set by these legends, further enriching the legacy of the Miami Open.