Which Female Player Has Won the Most US Open Titles?

The US Open is one of tennis’s four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments and has witnessed numerous terrific performances by some of the greatest players in tennis history. Among them, two female tennis players stand out for their remarkable dominance in New York, particularly in the realm of titles won. When we think of the most US Open titles for women, two legendary figures immediately come to mind: Serena Williams and Chris Evert. Their contributions to tennis history, achievements and playing styles are still carved in the sport’s memory. Let’s dive into two of the best female tennis players to ever lace them up at the US Open.

Chris Evert: Six US Open titles (1968, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1982, 1983)

Chris Evert, who won six US Open titles, was one of the most consistent and mentally tough players of her era. Evert’s career spanned the 1970s and 1980s, when she established herself as a dominant force on the WTA Tour. She was known for her precision, consistency and strategic mindset. Her game was based on her terrific one-handed backhand and ability to accurately construct points. Her playing style was characterized by a steady baseline game, with minimal unforced errors where she would often outlast her opponents in grueling rallies where she would wait for her opponent to make a mistake.

Evert’s US Open successes were a result of her cool, calm and collected approach in big matches. She was a master at executing the tactical aspects of the game, carefully positioning herself and selecting the right shot at the right time. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Evert’s rivalry with fellow legends such as Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King defined women’s tennis. 

However, she could consistently perform on the hard courts of the US Open, which set her apart. Evert’s six titles came with an unmatched consistency, as she reached a remarkable 16 consecutive semifinals at the US Open between 1971 and 1986, which solidified her as one of the best female tennis players ever.

Evert’s contribution to tennis history is very important. She helped elevate the profile of women’s tennis and was one of the first female athletes to embrace and popularize the sport in the media. Evert’s rivalries with other icons of the game, most notably with Navratilova, were pivotal in creating the exciting, competitive atmosphere that drew audiences to female tennis.

Serena Williams: Six US Open titles (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)

Serena Williams also has six US Open titles to her name and is often regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She started her tennis career at the age of 17, when she clinched her first US Open title in 1999, defeating Martina Hingis in straight sets. This victory marked the start of a career that would see Williams redefine the women’s game with her powerful serve and athleticism.

Her playing style is built on raw power, precision and relentless determination. Williams is known for her aggressive baseline play, using her forehand and serve as weapons to dominate opponents. Her serve was one of the fastest and most effective in the history of women’s tennis. This often made her an unstoppable force in the sport, allowing her to dictate play from the first point. Serena’s ability to hit winners from anywhere on the court, combined with her amazing stamina, made her a formidable competitor in the US Open.

Throughout her career, Williams’ resilience in high-pressure situations stood out. She would often come back from the brink of defeat, winning crucial matches with a belief in her abilities that never wavered. Her US Open victories, particularly those in 2012 and 2013, were marked by a display of strength and consistency that set her apart from her opponents.

Serena’s contributions to tennis go beyond her titles, as she changed how the sport is played today. Her dominance on the court has inspired countless young girls, particularly women of color, to take up the sport. Her advocacy for gender equality in sports and her powerful presence on the global stage have also solidified her legacy as a trailblazer for women’s sports.