In the fiercely competitive world of women’s tennis, achieving the status of world No. 1 is a remarkable feat. However, an even more exclusive club consists of players who not only claimed the top spot but also surpassed 100 match wins while reigning supreme. Let’s delve into the exceptional careers of these eight tennis legends.
Chris Evert
Chris Evert, born on December 21, 1954, stands as an American and the foremost world no. 1 tennis player in the open era. Revered as one of the greatest players in tennis history, Evert secured 18 major singles titles, including seven French Open and six US Open titles.
Dominating women’s tennis alongside her formidable rival Martina Navratilova, Evert held the world No. 1 singles ranking for an astounding 260 weeks. Her unparalleled achievements are reflected in the 316 matches played and her impressive 91% win rate as the world no. 1, winning 289 matches.
Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova, born on October 18, 1956, is a Czech-born former professional tennis player who later became a naturalized American citizen. Heralded as one of the greatest players ever, Navratilova clinched a remarkable 18 major singles titles.
She holds a record 31 major women’s doubles titles as well. Reigning as world no. 1 for an incredible 332 weeks, she played 532 matches when on top of the rankings and emerged victorious in 498, boasting an impressive 94% win rate.
Monica Seles
Monica Seles, born on December 2, 1973, is a former world No. 1 tennis player who excelled while representing both Yugoslavia and the United States. Seles claimed nine major singles titles, showcasing her prowess from a young age. Ranked world No. 1 for 178 weeks, she played 223 matches, winning 202 with a commendable 91% win rate.
Steffi Graf
Steffi Graf, born on June 14, 1969, is a German former professional tennis player known for her exceptional achievements. Graf secured 22 major singles titles, achieving the Golden Slam in 1988, a feat unmatched by any player to date.
Iga Świątek zajmuje 7. miejsce w klasyfikacji najlepszego bilansu zwycięstw zawodniczek, które wygrały minimum 100 meczów jako nr 1.
Ranking sporządzony na podstawie danych z serwisu Tennis Abstract pic.twitter.com/QV5Q7RTG2u
— Statystyki & Info Tenisowe (@tenisowe_s) January 4, 2024
Ranked world no. 1 for a record 377 weeks, Graf played 473 matches during her stay at the top. She won a staggering 443 matches, maintained an impressive 94% win rate, and is heralded as one of the most elite players and the most dominant world no. 1 among her peers.
Martina Hingis
Martina Hingis, born on September 30, 1980, is a Swiss former world no. 1 player. As the first Swiss player to attain a major title and a world No. 1 ranking, Hingis left an indelible mark. Holding the world no. 1 position for 209 weeks, she participated in 347 matches, securing victory in 294 and maintaining an 85% win rate.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams, born on September 26, 1981, is an iconic American former professional tennis player. Recognized as one of the greatest in the sport, Williams boasts 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles, the most in the Open Era.
Her career extended even after giving birth to her daughter Olympia, and she continued playing Grand Slams in her quest to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles. Dominating as world no. 1 for 319 weeks, she played 335 matches, triumphing in 303, with an impressive 90% win rate.
Justine Henin
Justine Henin, born on June 1, 1982, is a Belgian former world No. 1 tennis player. Instrumental in elevating Belgium as a force in women’s tennis, Henin secured seven Grand Slam singles titles. Holding the world No. 1 position for 117 weeks, she engaged in 115 matches, winning 104 with a remarkable 90% win rate.
Iga Swiatek
Last but not least, the latest entrant is Polish, Iga Swiatek, born on May 31, 2001, currently reigning as the world no. 1 in women’s tennis. A four-time major singles champion, Swiatek’s achievements include winning the French Open and the US Open.
As the current world no. 1 for 84 weeks running, she participated in 116 matches, emerging victorious in 100 and maintaining an 86% win rate. Her 100th match win has come at the expense of Qinwen Zheng at the 2024 United Cup.
Iga Świątek została 8. tenisistką, która wygrała co najmniej 100 meczów jako nr 1 (od 1984).
1. Navratilova 498
2. Graff 443
3. S. Williams 303
4. Hingis 294
5. Evert 289
6. Seles 202
7. Henin 104
8. Świątek 100— Statystyki & Info Tenisowe (@tenisowe_s) January 3, 2024
These women tennis players not only ascended to the zenith of the sport but also demonstrated unwavering dominance over fellow players when on top of the rankings, etching their indelible names in the annals of women’s tennis history.