Grand Slam tournaments signify the peak of a tennis player’s career. They comprise the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Winning these prestigious titles marks exceptional skill, determination, and endurance. Read on to discover 15 athletes who have the highest Grand Slam wins.
Monica Seles – 9 Grand Slam Titles
A former tennis prodigy, Monica Seles sealed her achievements with four Australian Open, 3 French Open, and 2 U.S. Open titles. Seles was famous for her aggressive baseline play and powerful two-handed strokes. She continued to make impacts despite a stabbing injury in 1993.
Rod Laver – 11 Grand Slam Titles
By winning two calendar-year Grand Slams, he established himself as one of the most accomplished tennis players. The Australian tennis legend also won all four Grand Slam titles in one calendar year. In 1962, Laver was ranked as the world’s top amateur by Tingay, Ned Potter, and a panel of 13 experts.
Björn Borg – 11 Grand Slam Titles
Between 1976 and 1980, the player captured five consecutive Wimbledon Championships and between 1974 and 1978, he won six French Open titles. Equally adept on grass and clay courts, the athlete’s dominance remains unprecedented, characterized by precise strokes, strategic play, and intense focus.
Roy Emerson – 12 Grand Slam Titles
This Australian tennis legend won six Australian Open including in 1961 and 1963, French Open in 1963, Wimbledon in 1964, and the U.S. Open in 1961. These records stood tall for years, and while the game has changed since his time, his contributions remain significant.
Billie Jean King – 12 Grand Slam Titles
Billie Jean King pioneered the fight for gender equality in sports, advocating for the establishment of the Women’s Tennis Association. This is highlighted by her victory in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes.” Overall, Billie captured 39 major singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles.Pete Sampras – 14 Grand Slam Titles
At one time, Pete Sampras had the highest records in men’s tennis. Pete’s Grand Slam victories include seven Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open titles, and two Australian Open titles. He was known for his powerful serve-and-volley game, exceptional athleticism, and mental toughness.
Chris Evert – 18 Grand Slam Titles
Chris Evert is one of tennis’ all-time greats, known for her mental toughness. Her achievements include a record 7 French Open titles, 6 U.S. Open titles, three Wimbledon crowns, and 2 Australian Open victories. Interestingly, Evert has also reached an extraordinary 34 Grand Slam finals.
Martina Navratilova – 18 Grand Slam Titles
A pioneer of the serve-and-volley game, Martina won a record 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 doubles titles, and ten mixed doubles titles. Her most dominant singles performances were at Wimbledon, where she won a record nine championships between 1978 and 1990.
Helen Wills Moody – 19 Grand Slam Titles
As one of the most dominant tennis players in history, she once had a 180-match winning streak. Helen’s career, which started in the 1920s before the Open Era, recorded eight Wimbledon titles, seven U.S. Championships, and four French Championships.
Roger Federer – 20 Grand Slam Titles
Over his illustrious career, Roger Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including eight Wimbledon wins, six Australian Opens, five U.S. Opens, and one French Open. The athlete is celebrated for his dominance at Wimbledon, where his elegant style contributed to a record-breaking legacy.
Steffi Graf – 22 Grand Slam Titles
An icon of the sport, Steffi Graf dominated on grass, clay, and hard courts alike. Her unmatched versatility and steady performances made a lasting impact on tennis, culminating in 22 Grand Slam titles, including the 1988 “Golden Slam,” where she won all four major championships.
Rafael Nadal – 22 Grand Slam Titles
As of 2023, Nadal’s Grand Slam titles are the second-most in men’s tennis. This tally includes a record 14 French Open titles that underscore his prowess. Nadal’s Grand Slam victories include two Wimbledon titles, four U.S. Open titles, and two Australian Open titles.
Serena Williams – 23 Grand Slam Titles
With an astounding 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, Serena Williams carved out a legacy that transcends tennis. Her dominance was most evident at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, where she won 7 titles each. Though retired, her impact on the sport remains.
Margaret Court – 24 Grand Slam Titles
Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam titles is a record that still stands today. She ruled the tennis courts in the 1960s and 1970s, excelling at the Australian Open with 11 victories. However, the majority of her wins came before the Open Era.
Novak Djokovic – 24 Grand Slam Titles
His achievements span all major tournaments, including 10 Australian Open titles, 7 Wimbledon championships, 3 U.S. Open titles, and 4 French Open crowns. Djokovic is the only male player to have achieved the “Double Career Grand Slam,” winning each major at least twice.
The Highest Grand Slam Winners of All Time