The 17 Active WTA Players to Win a Grand Slam Singles Title: Iga Świątek with 5, Naomi Osaka in 3rd
The world of women’s tennis has seen a multitude of champions rise to the occasion over the years. Among these champions, Grand Slam titles stand as the pinnacle of achievement, a testament to the skill, resilience, and determination required to prevail at the sport’s highest level. As of 2024, there are 17 active players on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour who have secured at least one Grand Slam singles title. These women have etched their names in tennis history, each contributing their own unique styles and personalities to the sport. Among them, Iga Świątek stands tall with five Grand Slam singles titles, while Naomi Osaka is in third place with four. This article will take an in-depth look at each of these 17 players, their career trajectories, and how they’ve achieved such success.
1. Iga Świątek: 5 Grand Slam Titles
Iga Świątek, the Polish powerhouse, has become one of the most dominant players in women’s tennis. With five Grand Slam singles titles as of 2024, Świątek has quickly established herself as the future of the sport. Her Grand Slam wins include:
- 2020 French Open: Świątek won her first Grand Slam at just 19 years old, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise. Her victory was dominant, as she did not lose a single set throughout the tournament.
- 2022 French Open: She won her second title at Roland Garros, showcasing her ability to perform on the biggest stage in the sport, securing her place as one of the top players in the world.
- 2022 US Open: Świątek continued her impressive form, winning the US Open in a resounding fashion. This victory further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.
- 2023 French Open: Her third French Open title cemented her as a dominant force on clay courts, where she has consistently excelled.
- 2023 US Open: Świątek claimed her second US Open title, completing a career-defining year and reinforcing her status as one of the leading players of her generation.
Świątek’s ability to adapt her game across different surfaces—particularly on clay—has made her a favorite to win major tournaments in the years to come. With her youthful energy, exceptional work ethic, and mental fortitude, Świątek seems poised to challenge for more titles in the future.
2. Serena Williams: 23 Grand Slam Titles (Retired)
Though Serena Williams has retired from tennis, her legacy as the most dominant player in the history of women’s tennis is unparalleled. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Williams stands as the player with the most major singles titles in the Open Era. Her career spanned more than two decades, and her triumphs include:
- 7 Australian Open titles
- 3 French Open titles
- 7 Wimbledon titles
- 6 US Open titles
Williams’ powerful serve, incredible athleticism, and unmatched mental toughness made her a force to be reckoned with on the court. Although her career is over, her influence on the sport continues to be felt, and her record may stand for many years to come.
3. Naomi Osaka: 4 Grand Slam Titles
Naomi Osaka has established herself as one of the most promising players in tennis. With four Grand Slam singles titles, Osaka has made a significant impact on the sport. Her Grand Slam wins include:
- 2018 US Open: Osaka won her first Grand Slam title in a dramatic final against Serena Williams, marking the beginning of her rise to stardom.
- 2019 Australian Open: Osaka followed up her US Open win with a second major title, defeating Petra Kvitová in the final.
- 2021 Australian Open: Osaka captured her second Australian Open title, cementing her place as one of the sport’s elite players.
- 2021 US Open: Osaka won her third Grand Slam at the US Open, making her one of the most feared players on hard courts.
Known for her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness, Osaka has also been a strong advocate for social justice, using her platform to speak out on important issues. After a break from the sport, she continues to be a key figure on the WTA tour and could add to her Grand Slam collection in the coming years.
4. Simona Halep: 2 Grand Slam Titles
Simona Halep, the Romanian tennis star, has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour for over a decade. With two Grand Slam singles titles, Halep’s accomplishments include:
- 2018 French Open: Halep won her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, securing her place among the sport’s elite.
- 2019 Wimbledon: In one of the most impressive performances in recent history, Halep defeated Serena Williams in straight sets to win her second major title.
Halep is known for her incredible movement, tactical intelligence, and counter-punching style. Though her career has been marred by injury setbacks, she remains one of the sport’s most respected players.
5. Ashleigh Barty: 3 Grand Slam Titles (Retired)
Ashleigh Barty was one of the most well-rounded players in tennis before she shocked the world by retiring from the sport at just 25 years old. Her three Grand Slam singles titles include:
- 2019 French Open: Barty won her first Grand Slam title with a dominant performance on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
- 2021 Wimbledon: She captured her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, showcasing her versatility on all surfaces.
- 2022 Australian Open: Barty won her third major title on home soil, marking the culmination of a career filled with promise.
Barty was known for her all-around game, combining powerful groundstrokes with superb net play. Her decision to retire left a hole in the women’s game, but her legacy as one of the sport’s most consistent players remains intact.
6. Petra Kvitová: 2 Grand Slam Titles
Petra Kvitová, the Czech powerhouse, has been one of the most successful players of her generation. With two Grand Slam titles to her name, Kvitová’s victories include:
- 2011 Wimbledon: Kvitová captured her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating Maria Sharapova in the final.
- 2014 Wimbledon: She added a second Wimbledon title, defeating Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in the final.
Kvitová’s left-handed, powerful game has made her one of the most dangerous players on grass courts. Despite battling injuries throughout her career, she remains a fan favorite and a formidable presence on the WTA tour.
7. Angelique Kerber: 3 Grand Slam Titles
Angelique Kerber, the German tennis star, is known for her incredible defense, quick movement, and tactical intelligence. She has won three Grand Slam singles titles, including:
- 2016 Australian Open: Kerber won her first Grand Slam by defeating Serena Williams in the final.
- 2016 US Open: She followed up her Australian Open win with a second major title at the US Open.
- 2018 Wimbledon: Kerber claimed her third Grand Slam title with a victory over Serena Williams in the final.
Kerber’s consistent and disciplined play has made her a perennial contender at major tournaments, and she remains a force on the WTA tour.
8. Venus Williams: 7 Grand Slam Titles
Venus Williams, the older sister of Serena, has had an extraordinary career that has spanned over two decades. With seven Grand Slam singles titles, she remains one of the greatest players in tennis history. Her Grand Slam victories include:
- 5 Wimbledon titles
- 2 US Open titles
Venus Williams is known for her power, athleticism, and competitive spirit. While she has not won a major title in recent years, she remains a respected figure in the sport and continues to compete at a high level.
9. Caroline Wozniacki: 1 Grand Slam Title
Caroline Wozniacki, the Danish tennis star, has been one of the most consistent players in the world. She won her first and only Grand Slam singles title at the 2018 Australian Open, where she triumphed over Simona Halep in a thrilling final. Wozniacki’s defensive skills, combined with her mental toughness, made her a formidable opponent throughout her career.
10. Garbiñe Muguruza: 2 Grand Slam Titles
Garbiñe Muguruza, the Spanish tennis star, has captured two Grand Slam singles titles:
- 2016 French Open
- 2017 Wimbledon
Muguruza is known for her powerful baseline game and aggressive style of play. Her victories at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon showcased her ability to perform on different surfaces and solidified her place as one of the top players in the game.
11. Sloane Stephens: 1 Grand Slam Title
Sloane Stephens, the American tennis player, won her first Grand Slam title at the 2017 US Open. Stephens has been known for her athleticism, quickness, and mental fortitude, and her triumph at the US Open remains one of the most memorable moments of her career.
12. Emma Raducanu: 1 Grand Slam Title
Emma Raducanu made history at the 2021 US Open when she won the title as a qualifier, becoming the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title. Her win was one of the most remarkable achievements in recent tennis history.
13. Bianca Andreescu: 1 Grand Slam Title
Bianca Andreescu, the Canadian rising star, won her first Grand Slam title at the 2019 US Open, defeating Serena Williams in the final. Andreescu’s victory was a sign of her immense talent and potential, and she is widely regarded as one of the future stars of the sport.
14. Belinda Bencic: 1 Grand Slam Title
Belinda Bencic, the Swiss tennis star, won her first Grand Slam title at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, defeating Markéta Vondroušová in the final.
15. Markéta Vondroušová: 1 Grand Slam Title
Markéta Vondroušová won her first Grand Slam title at the 2019 French Open, where she defeated American tennis star Sloane Stephens in a thrilling final.
16. Coco Gauff: 1 Grand Slam Title
Coco Gauff, the American teenager, won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, securing a major milestone in her young career.
17. Aryna Sabalenka: 1 Grand Slam Title
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open, marking a breakthrough moment in her career.
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