The US Open is one of the most significant events in tennis held annually in New York at Flushing Meadows. Over the years, many legends have competed on its hard courts striving to make history. During the old Amateur Era, Richard Sears, William Larned and Bill Tilden each won 7 championships titles holding the record for most wins in US Open men’s singles. Since the Open Era started in 1968, the leading champions have been Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors each winning 5 titles.
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Top 5 Most Wins in US Open Men’s Singles
Here are the top 5 players with the most wins in US Open men’s singles with records spanning both the Amateur Era (before 1968) and the Open Era (after professionals were allowed).
| S. No. | Player | Titles |
| 1 | Richard Dudley Sears | 7 |
| 2 | William Augustus Larned (Bill Larned) | 7 |
| 3 | William Tatem Tilden II (Bill Tilden) | 7 |
| 4 | Pete Sampras | 5 |
| 5 | Roger Federer | 5 |
Richard Dudley Sears (7 Titles)
Years Won: 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887
Era: Amateur Era
Richard Dudley Sears was the first major star in American tennis. He clinched the inaugural U.S. National Championships in 1881 and continued to dominate for seven consecutive years. Sears never faced defeat at this event ending with an impressive record of 18 straight victories. His quick aggressive play at the net was revolutionary for his era and played a significant role in shaping the sport’s future. Even now, his seven championships place him among greats like William Larned and Bill Tilden.
William Augustus Larned (Bill Larned) (7 Titles)
Years Won: 1901, 1902, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911
Era: Amateur Era
Bill Larned was among the top tennis players in America during the early 1900s. He claimed victory at the U.S. National Championships seven times from 1901 to 1911. Larned faced tough competition from William Clothier and in 1908, they competed in the first five-set final ever in the tournament’s history. Despite dealing with arthritis, Larned’s clever baseline strategy allowed him to remain a dominant player for ten years earning him a legendary status in the sport.
William Tatem Tilden II (Bill Tilden) (7 Titles)
Years Won: 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1929
Era: Amateur Era
Bill Tilden known as “Big Bill,” was a tennis powerhouse in the 1920s. He clinched six U.S. National Championships consecutively from 1920 to 1925 and then at the age of 36, he secured a seventh title in 1929 making him the oldest champion in history. His strong serve and vibrant playing style turned him into a major celebrity and contributed to the rise of tennis in America. With seven championships, he is ranked alongside Richard Sears and Bill Larned as one of the greatest legends in the sport.
Pete Sampras (5 Titles)
Years Won: 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002
Era: Open Era
Pete Sampras ruled the tennis world during the 1990s. He secured five U.S. Open titles which ties him with Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer for the most in the modern era. His first victory in 1990 made him the youngest champion at just 19 years old and his last win in 2002 was a perfect send-off as he defeated Andre Agassi in his final match. Renowned for his powerful serve and strong net play, Sampras’s supremacy on hard courts established him as one of the greatest players of all time.
Richard Dudley Sears (5 Titles)
Years Won: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Era: Open Era
Roger Federer dominated the U.S. Open from 2004 to 2008 securing five consecutive titles. He triumphed over big names like Agassi, Roddick, Djokovic and Murray throughout that period. Overall, Federer made it to seven finals with his final appearance in 2015 showcasing his longevity in the sport. His graceful playing style and record-breaking streak solidify his status as one of the greatest champions in U.S. Open history.
