50+ Famous Female Tennis Players

Retired Female Tennis Players

The following tennis players are retired from the sport, and many are no longer with us.

Hopefully, resources like this one do their small part to help keep their memory, accomplishments, and influence on our sport alive.

As a side note, although I’ve included Olympic accomplishments for each player, tennis was dropped as a sport in 1924 and added back in 1988, so many players in this list never had the opportunity to compete.

Steffi Graf

One of the greatest female tennis players of all time, Steffi Graf, is a legend of the sport.

In October 1982, she went pro, and throughout her career, she broke numerous records and claimed one of the highest title counts of any player in history.

Steffi won 107 singles titles, 22 of which were Grand Slam tournaments. She’s also one of only five players to complete a Grand Slam, winning all five majors in a single season.

On top of it all, she ended up marrying Andre Aggasi, one of the greatest male tennis players of all time and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable players in history.

In 2004, Steffi Graf was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Margaret Court

Margaret Court is considered by many to be the greatest female tennis player of all time, and for a good reason.

She holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles at 23 and earned 19 victories at Grand Slam events. In total, Margaret has 192 titles to her name.

One factor that makes her accomplishments unique is that her records span the amateur and open eras, which tends to lead to some debate regarding whether she’s truly the best player ever to play the sport or not.

At the Australian Open, she even has a stadium named after her. In recent years, Margaret has received significant media attention due to her negative LGBTQ views.

In 1979, Margaret Court was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Martina Navratilova

Like Steffi and Margaret, Martina’s achievements in tennis are staggering, and she’s one of the most famous female tennis players as a result.

She holds 18 singles and 31 doubles Grand Slam titles, a fraction of her total titles in both disciplines. She’s also a former world No.1 in singles and doubles.

These days, Martina makes regular appearances commentating for tennis tournaments and remains actively involved in and around the sport, which has helped her maintain exposure to fans worldwide.

In 2000, Martina Navrativola was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Chris Evert

American Chris Evert is a former world No. 1 tennis player and sports broadcaster whose significant achievements are some of the greatest in history.

She won 157 titles during her career, including 18 Grand Slam tournaments, and was accomplished in doubles too.

For 11 years, Chris Evert was the president of the WTA, and she’s a sports analyst and broadcaster.

In 1995, Chris Evert was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Billie Jean King

For several reasons, Billie Jean King is one of the most recognizable names in tennis.

First, she recorded some of the best results in tennis, including 12 Grand Slam singles titles and a world No. 1 ranking.

In 1970, Billie Jean King was also a member of the Original 9 who stood against the disparity in prize money for female tennis players.

Furthermore, in 1973, Billie defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes, garnering thousands of spectators and millions watching on TV.

These days Billie Jean King remains heavily involved with the sport and has continually pushed for gender equality and equal prize money for women.

In 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center rebranded as the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, helping to give her name even wider recognition.

In 1987, Billie Jean King was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Monica Seles

Monica Seles officially retired in 2008 with a stellar career.

She holds 10 Grand Slam singles titles and ascended to world No. 1 for the first time in March of 1991.

Her skills were arguably some of the best, but a tragic stabbing event in 1993 derailed her career. Although she did return to tennis in 1994, she never quite regained her prior form that was so incredibly consistent before the attack.

Despite that, she continued to play for years and made many deep runs at the Grand Slam events.

In 2009, Monica Seles was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Justine Henin

Belgium tennis star Justine Henin remains one of the best to play the game and delivered consistent results throughout her career.

She’s a seven-time Grand Slam winner in singles and reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in October of 2003.

Justine is particularly well known for her one-handed backhand, during a time when the two-handed backhand was taking over.

Evonne Goolagong

Australian Evonne Goolagong is a highly successful female tennis player who retired in 1983.

As a former world No. 1, she won seven Grand Slam singles events and six in doubles.

In 1988, Evonne Goolagong was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Martina Hingis

Former world No. 1, Martina Hingis, is an exceptional player from Switzerland who enjoyed strong results in singles and doubles.

Martina won five Grand Slam tournaments in singles and thirteen in doubles. In total, she accumulated 43 singles and 64 doubles titles.

In 2007, Martina made headlines when she tested positive for a banned substance, which despite very low levels, she subsequently received a two-year ban from the sport.

Furthermore, Martina’s career is noteworthy because she retired twice and officially left the game in 2017.

In 2013, Martina Hingis was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Lindsay Davenport

American Lindsay Davenport had a long career that started in 1993 and lasted until 2010.

During her time as a professional athlete, she reached the world No. 1 ranking and won six Grand Slam titles, three in singles and doubles.

Linsday Davenport also gained national recognition during her 1996 triumph at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, winning gold in singles.

Lindsay has remained visible in recent years through her coaching career with active player Madison Keys.

Ashleigh Barty

Australian tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, is the second female tennis player to achieve a world No. 1 ranking, which she reached on June 24, 2019, and has held for a total of 109 weeks.

As a result of her consistent performance, Barty has won three Grand Slam titles, two in singles and one in doubles.

Notably, Barty is well-known for taking a hiatus from tennis in 2014 due to her hectic schedule and constantly being away from the sport. During the break, she played cricket professionally but eventually returned to tennis in 2016.

Caroline Wozniacki

Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki retired recently during the 2020 season after a successful career on the WTA tour that started in 2005.

Her only singles title came at the Australian Open in 2018, but she came close to winning the US Open twice as a finalist in 2009 and 2014. In October 2010, Caroline ascended to world No. 1.

Caroline is also well known for her multiple stints as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. Furthermore, her relationships have garnered attention, including her engagement to Rory Mcllroy, which he broke off.

Caroline eventually married former NBA basketball player David Lee.

Amélie Mauresmo

French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo turned pro in 1993 and eventually retired in 2009.

She’s a two-time Grand Slam winner at the Australian and US Open and reached the No. 1 ranking in the world in 2004.

In total, she won 25 singles titles and came close to winning in doubles at Wimbledon, reaching the finals in 2005.

Dinara Safina

In 2000, Dinara Safina turned pro, and her consistent performance over the years brought her most significant achievement of world No. 1 in 2009.

Dinara never managed to win a Grand Slam, but she came close on several occasions, reaching the finals of the Australian Open once and the French Open twice.

However, in 2007, Dinara did win the US Open doubles with partner Nathalie Dechy. In 2008, she won a silver medal at the Olympics.

Tracy Austin

American Tracy Austin had an excellent career, seeing her capture two Grand Slam victories at the US Open in 1979 and 1981.

Not long after her first US Open triumph, Tracy reached the world No. raking in April 1980.

Since retiring, Tracy has gained additional exposure as a commentator at many Grand Slam events, including the French, US, and Australian Open.

Maria Sharapova

Russian Maria Sharapova made a name for herself in tennis, but her influence extends far beyond the sport.

Maria is a five-time singles Grand Slam Champion who reached the world No. 1 ranking in 2005. In 2012, she captured a silver medal at the Olympics in London.

On the back of her tennis results and physical appearance, Maria received some of the most lucrative sponsorships of any female athlete in history. As a result, she became the world’s highest-paid female athlete for 11 consecutive years. In 2006, Sports Illustrated also featured her in their Swimsuit Issue.

Toward the end of her career, Maria tested positive for a banned substance, leading to a 15-month suspension from professional tennis. Although she returned to the sport, her best results were behind her, and she eventually retired in 2020.

Jelena Janković

Serbian tennis player Jelena Janković is a former world No. 1 tennis player who enjoyed significant success throughout her career.

Although she never captured a Grand Slam title in singles, she came closest in 2008 as a US Open finalist, where she lost to Serena Williams. However, it’s worth noting that Jelena did win one Grand Slam event in mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2007 with Jamie Murray.

From 2004 to 2017, Jelena participated in every Grand Slam tournament, with her best years from 2006 to 2010. She also reached over 600 wins throughout her career, ending at 644.

Back surgery in 2017 effectively ended her career as she has not played a professional match since.

Jennifer Capriati

American Jennifer Capriati was a successful female tennis player who went pro in 1990 and stayed on tour until 2004.

She won three Grand Slam titles during her career, including the Australian Open twice and the French Open once.

In October 2001, her most successful year on tour, she reached the world’s No. 1 ranking.

Off the court, Jennifer has a few odd events that made headlines, including a drug overdose in 2010.

In 2012, Jennifer Capriati was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Arantxa Sánchez Vicario

Spanish tennis player Arantxa Sánchez Vicario had an early start when she defeated world No. 1, Steffi Graf, at the French Open at only 17 years old in 1989.

Arantxa would claim a total of four singles titles, but she was also a finalist in an additional four Grand Slam events. Furthermore, she would achieve the world No. 1 ranking in February of 1995.

Outside of singles, Arantxa was also highly accomplished in doubles with a total of 69 titles, including six Grand Slam victories.

In 2007, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Ana Ivanovic

Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic is a former world No. 1 tennis player who won 15 singles titles throughout her career.

Her most significant win came a few years after turning pro in 2003 when she won the French Open in 2008. She was a finalist at the tournament the prior year and also made the finals of the Australian Open in 2008.

From 2005 to 2016, Ana didn’t miss a Grand Slam event for a total of 48 appearances.

Beyond the court, Ana has made various appearances in magazines, which have helped increase her exposure. Examples include Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, FHM, and Vanity Fair.

Li Na

Chinese tennis player Li Na led a successful career as a professional tennis player from 1999 to 2014.

In 2011, she became the first Grand Slam singles champion from Asia when she won the French Open. In 2014, she won her second at the Australian Open.

Due to her success as an Asian tennis player, she became one of the most famous athletes in the world with broad marketability.

In 2013, she appeared on the cover of Time magazine, recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. Forbes also named her to their Celebrity 100 list, recognizing the highest-paid athletes in the world.

In 2019, Li Na was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Johanna Konta

Although Johanna Konta never captured some of the most significant achievements in the sport, she’s well known as former British No. 1 who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2017.

Her best result at a Grand Slam is the semi-finals, which she reached at every tournament except the US Open, where she made it to the quarters on one occasion.

Johanna is the most recent retiree on our list of players, leaving the sport in December 2021.

Anna Kournikova

Although Anna Kournikova received harsh criticism over the years for her off-court endeavors and modeling, she made a strong name for herself and is one of the most recognizable names in tennis.

Anna started her career in 1995 and delivered decent performances in singles with a career-best semi-final appearance at Wimbledon in 1997. She was never able to win a title in singles. However, despite that, she did achieve a top 10 ranking.

Her most notable results came in doubles while partnered with Martina Hingis. Together they won the Australian Open in 1999 and 2002.

Outside of tennis, Anna appeared in several magazines, including Sports Illustrates Swimsuit Issue, People, and FHM, to name a few.

Anna is also well known for having a long-term relationship with Enrique Iglesias.

Helen Wills Moody

You have to look back quite a ways to recognize Hellen Willis’ achievements, but she goes down as one of the most prolific female tennis players in history.

She won 31 Grand Slam tournaments across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Furthermore, she became the No. 1 tennis player and held that position for an astonishing nine years.

During that period, she had a 180 match winning streak, which is somewhat hard to fathom.

As a result of her success, she became a global celebrity and went down as one of the best in history.

In 1959, Helen Wills Moody was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Maureen Connolly

American Maureen Connolly’s career as an amateur tennis player goes down as one of the most successful, despite her career being cut short by a horseback riding accident.

Maureen won nine singles Grand Slam events, two in doubles and one in mixed doubles. She also was recognized as the world’s No. 1 female tennis player in 1952.

Furthermore, Maureen Connolly is one of only five players to complete a Grand Slam, where she won every major tournament in 1953. Her dominance was significant and undoubtedly would have extended further if not for the riding accident.

In 1968, Maureen was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Molla Mallory

Norwegian tennis player Malloa Mallory is one of the tennis’ first celebrities, having played in the early 1900s.

At the time, the Australian Open hadn’t begun, and during some of her most successful years of the tour, the French Open and Wimbledon didn’t occur due to World War 1.

By far, her most significant accomplishments occurred at the US Open, then called the US National Championships. She won the tournament eight times, including four consecutive from 1915 to 1918.

In 1958, Molla Mallory was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Suzanne Lenglen

French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen is famous for her success on the court and her decision to turn pro in 1926.

During her career, she won eight singles and eight doubles Grand Slam events and became recognized as the No. 1 player in 1921.

In 1926, Suzanne Lenglen played the Match of the Century, defeating Helen Willis. Suzanne prevailed, winning in straight sets.

After a series of misunderstandings at Wimbledon in 1925, she decided to turn pro to earn money playing tennis, a decision that led to significant criticism.

In 1978, Suzanne Lenglen was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Maria Bueno

Maria Bueno is the most successful South American female tennis player in history, which doesn’t surprise most when they consider her achievements on the court.

Maria’s success kicked off in 1958, but she didn’t win her first major until 1959 at Wimbledon, which she followed up with a title at the US Open.

One of Maria’s most unique achievements came in 1960 when she won a Grand Slam in doubles, the first woman ever to achieve the feat. She also became the No. 1 ranked female tennis player in 1959.

In 1978, Maria Bueno was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Gabriella Sabatini

Argentinian Gabriella Sabatini turned pro in 1985 and enjoyed a successful, albeit somewhat short, career on tour before retiring in 1996.

Although her Grand Slam count doesn’t show it, she was highly successful at these events with nine semi-final appearances and a finals appearance at Wimbledon.

Her success lifted her ranking to a career-high of No. 3 in 1989, the year before she’d win the title at the US Open in 1990.

In 2006, Gabriella was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Jana Novotná

In 1987, Jana Novotná joined the professional tour, which she continued until 1999.

Her best result in singles came in 1998 at Wimbledon, but she made a handful of additional deep runs at the other Grand Slam events.

However, Jana’s most significant achievements came in doubles as a 12 time Grand Slam Champion who amassed 76 titles in the discipline.

In 2005, Jana Novotná was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.