Queens of the Clay: The Greatest Italian Open Champions

The Italian Open, held annually in Rome, is one of the most prestigious clay-court tournaments in the world. Winning this title is a significant achievement, and some players have dominated the event throughout its history. Here are the six women with the most Italian Open titles:

1. Chris Evert (5 Titles)

Chris Evert reigns supreme as the most successful woman in the history of the Italian Open, with an impressive five titles. Her dominance spanned from 1974 to 1982, a period where she showcased her exceptional clay-court skills.

• 1974: Evert defeated Martina Navratilova 6-3, 6-3.
• 1975: She again triumphed over Navratilova, this time with a score of 6-1, 6-0.
• 1980: Evert beat Virginia Ruzici 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
• 1981: Another victory against Virginia Ruzici.
• 1982: Evert defeated Hana Mandlíková 6-0, 6-2.

Evert’s consistent performance and ability to win against top players solidified her legacy as a clay-court legend. She also holds the record for seven French Open singles titles. Throughout her career, Evert won 157 singles titles and maintained a .900 winning percentage, the best in history for both men and women.

2. Conchita Martínez (4 Titles)

Conchita Martínez is the only woman to win four consecutive Italian Open titles, achieving this feat from 1993 to 1996. Known for her versatility and skill on clay, Martínez consistently outplayed her opponents during this period.

• 1993: Martínez defeated Gabriela Sabatini 7-5, 6-1.
• 1994: She beat Martina Navratilova 6-3, 6-2.
• 1995: Martínez triumphed over Arantxa Sánchez Vicario 6-3, 6-1.
• 1996: She won against a young Martina Hingis 6-2, 6-2.

Martínez’s success at the Italian Open highlights her ability to perform under pressure and adapt her game to different opponents. In 1994, she also became the first Spanish woman to win Wimbledon. Over her career, Martínez won 33 singles and 13 doubles titles and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020.

2. Gabriela Sabatini (4 Titles)

Gabriela Sabatini, a prominent player from Argentina, also boasts four Italian Open titles. Her victories came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, demonstrating her dominance on clay courts during that era.

• 1988: Sabatini defeated Helen Kelesi 6-1, 6-7(4-7), 6-1.
• 1989: She beat Arantxa Sánchez Vicario 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
• 1991: Sabatini defeated Monica Seles.
• 1992: She won against Monica Seles again.

Sabatini’s achievements include a US Open title in 1990 and a Wimbledon doubles title in 1988 with Steffi Graf. She reached the finals of the WTA Tour Championships in 1988 and 1994. Sabatini was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.

2. Serena Williams (4 Titles)

Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, also secured four Italian Open titles. Her wins showcase her versatility across different surfaces, including clay.

• 2002: Williams defeated Justine Henin 7-6(6), 6-4.
• 2013: She beat Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3.
• 2014: Williams defeated Sara Errani 6-3, 6-0.
• 2016: She won against Madison Keys 7-6(5), 6-3.

Serena’s career includes 23 major singles titles, the most in the Open Era. She has won 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles and is the only player to achieve a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.

5. Iga Świątek (3 Titles)

Iga Świątek is a rising force in women’s tennis, with three Italian Open titles already to her name. Her recent successes indicate a promising future at this tournament.

• 2021: Świątek defeated Karolína Plíšková 6-0, 6-0.
• 2022: She beat Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2.
• 2024: Świątek triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3.

Świątek’s achievements include multiple Grand Slam titles, including four French Open titles. In 2024, she won the Italian Open without dropping a set or facing a tiebreak, marking her as the fifth woman to achieve this feat multiple times. She was also the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win both Madrid and Rome in the same season.

5. Maria Sharapova (3 Titles)

Maria Sharapova, known for her competitive spirit and powerful game, also claimed three Italian Open titles. Her victories highlight her ability to perform well on clay, adding to her diverse portfolio of titles.

• 2011: Sharapova defeated Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4.
• 2012: She beat Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5).
• 2015: Sharapova triumphed over Carla Suárez Navarro 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Sharapova’s career includes winning all four Grand Slam titles. Her third Italian Open title in 2015 was her 35th WTA tour title.