Most Wins in French Open Women’s Singles

The French Open at Roland Garros is the toughest test in tennis played on red clay that demands patience and strategy. Chris Evert’s seven titles remain the gold standard for the most wins in French Open women’s singles. Legends like Steffi Graf, Suzanne Lenglen, Margaret Court and Adine Masson have all left their mark on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Whereas rising talent Świątek already has four championships and the best win rate ever, she shows clear signs that she could challenge Evert’s record.

Top 5 Most Wins in French Open Women’s Singles

Here are the top 5 players with the most wins in French Open women’s singles with records spanning both the Amateur Era (before 1968) and the Open Era (after professionals were allowed).

Chris Evert (7 Titles)

Years Won: 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
Era: Open Era

Chris Evert is considered the best clay-court player in the history of tennis. She secured seven French Open titles which is more than any other female player and boasts an impressive 72-6 record in Paris. Her competition with Martina Navratilova made the 1980s a memorable era particularly her victories in 1985 and 1986. With a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles and an incredible clay streak of 125 consecutive wins, Evert’s achievements at Roland Garros remain the benchmark in tennis.

Suzanne Lenglen (6 Titles)

Years Won: 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1926
Era: Amateur Era

Suzanne Lenglen was the first major champion on clay courts. She claimed victory at the French Championships six times only missing out in 1924 due to illness. Her last two victories were significant as they marked the first French Opens that allowed international players. In her final French Open in 1926, she dominated Mary Browne with a score of 6-1, 6-0 before turning professional. Lenglen’s 181 consecutive wins set the benchmark for clay-court dominance long before Evert and Graf.

Steffi Graf (6 Titles)

Years Won: 1987, 1988, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999
Era: Open Era

Steffi Graf achieved an impressive six French Open titles solidifying her status as one of the greatest clay court players of all time. Her most notable victory occurred in 1988 when she defeated Natasha Zvereva with a stunning score of 6-0, 6-0 in only 32 minutes marking the quickest Grand Slam final ever. Graf compiled an outstanding 84-10 record in Paris and reached nine finals. Her speed and powerful forehand proved just as effective on clay as on hard courts and grass.

Margaret Court (5 Titles)

Years Won: 1962, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1973
Era: Amateur Era & Open Era

Margaret Court claimed five French Open titles showcasing her strength on clay as well. Her most significant victory occurred in 1969 when she achieved a calendar-year Grand Slam. Then in 1973, she made history by defeating Chris Evert just months after giving birth. Her 24 Grand Slam singles titles make her successes on clay an essential aspect of her record-setting career.

Adine Masson (5 Titles)

Years Won: 1897, 1898, 1899, 1902, 1903
Era: Amateur Era

Adine Masson was the inaugural women’s champion at the French Championships securing five titles. She was a dominant force in the early years when the competition was limited to French club players even defeating Kate Gillou in a challenging three-set final in 1903. Masson also clinched the first French doubles title in 1907. Her achievements occurred before the tournament went international but she laid the groundwork for future legends like Suzanne Lenglen and Chris Evert.