Wimbledon 2024 is just around the corner, and tennis fans are excited for another instalment of action at Centre Court. Last year’s ladies’ singles was enthralling, with Markéta Vondroušová beating Ons Jabeur in the final, 6–4, 6–4 to win her first ever Grand Slam.
The Czech international, currently ranked world number six, is hoping to pick up some momentum after a disappointing set of results at the French Open and Berling Championships. However, she still commands a good chance of retaining her Wimbledon title, narrowly behind Aryna Sabalenka and Cori Gauff when hoping to join Carlos Alcaraz in becoming a consecutive champion and defying the Wimbledon winner odds.
Victory in London would be a second Wimbledon won and put her in a strong position to join some of the best women’s tennis players at Wynnman's hill. However, there is still a lot of work to be done.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most successful female tennis players of all time and look at their wins at Wimbledon.
Martina Navratilova
With an unparalleled record of nine Wimbledon singles titles, Martina Navratilova is the undisputed queen of the All-England Club. Her dominance spanned the 1980s, with victories from 1978 to 1990. Navratilova's serve-and-volley game was perfectly suited to Wimbledon's grass courts, allowing her to dismantle opponents with precision and agility. One of her most memorable victories came in 1982, where she defeated Chris Evert in a thrilling final, marking the beginning of her reign as Wimbledon’s most successful champion.
Serena Williams
With seven Wimbledon titles, Serena Williams has left a lasting impression on the prestigious tournament.
Known for her powerful serve and relentless baseline play, Serena's victories at Wimbledon are a testament to her versatility and dominance on grass.
Her 2016 Wimbledon final victory against Angelique Kerber is particularly memorable. It marked her 22nd Grand Slam title, tying her with Steffi Graf's Open Era record. Serena's emotional and powerful performance showcased her unparalleled determination and resilience.
Steffi Graf
Renowned for her exceptional athleticism and versatile game, Steffi Graf's legacy at Wimbledon is marked by seven championship titles. Her powerful forehand and swift movement made her a dominant force on grass courts, contributing to a formidable reputation that saw her dominate the tennis betting odds for years.
Graf's Wimbledon triumphs span from her first victory in 1988, where she defeated Martina Navratilova, to her final win in 1996 against Arantxa Sánchez Vicario.
One of Graf's most memorable finals was her 1995 straight-sets victory over Sánchez Vicario, showcasing her supreme control and strategic prowess.
Beyond her Wimbledon success, she captured a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, cementing her status as one of tennis's all-time greats and significantly influencing the game's evolution during her era.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King's six Wimbledon singles titles in the 1960s and 1970s solidified her status as one of the sport’s legends. King's aggressive net play and sharp volleys were ideally suited to the grass courts of Wimbledon.
King was always more than simply a tennis player both on and off the court. As a staunch advocate for women's equality and inclusion in sports, she has paved the way for generations of women who have come after her and succeeded in both tennis and beyond.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams, with five Wimbledon singles titles, is renowned for her grace and power on the court. While perhaps not as renowned as her sister, her dominance at Wimbledon began in the early 2000s, with her first victory at the turn of the millennium where she defeated Lindsay Davenport in the final.
Her 2008 final victory against her sister was particularly poignant, showcasing a high level of athleticism and sibling rivalry, cementing her legacy as one of Wimbledon's greats.
“I can't believe that it's five. When you're in the final against Serena, five seems so far away. She played so awesome so it was really a task," she said. “It’s unbelievable that I have won five, especially with some of the injuries that I've had. To know every time, I come back I have the chance to make history... I love this place.”
