Who Has Won the Most Grand Slam Titles in Tennis?

By Sarah Miller · June 6, 2043

Margaret Court holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis history with 24, followed closely by Serena Williams, who also won 23 major singles championships. These records span across the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—the four prestigious tournaments that constitute tennis’s Grand Slams. While Court achieved her titles primarily during the amateur and early Open Era (1960–1973), Serena dominated in the modern professional era (1999–2017). This article explores the careers of the most successful players in Grand Slam history, analyzes their achievements, and answers common questions about tennis’ all-time greats.

Who Has Won the Most Grand Slam Singles Titles in Tennis?

The quest for Grand Slam dominance has defined tennis greatness for over a century. Winning a major requires peak physical conditioning, mental resilience, and tactical mastery against the world’s best. Among all players, Margaret Court stands atop the leaderboard with 24 singles titles, a record unmatched in the sport’s history.

Key Players in the Grand Slam Record Conversation

Margaret Court – 24 singles titles (Australian Open dominance)
Serena Williams – 23 singles titles (modern era powerhouse)
Steffi Graf – 22 singles titles (including Golden Slam in 1988)
Nadine Wimmer, Björn Borg, and others trail behind in women’s and men’s categories

Historical Context: The Evolution of Grand Slam Tennis

Tennis has evolved significantly since the inception of the Grand Slam tournaments. The Open Era began in 1968, allowing professionals to compete alongside amateurs. This shift intensified competition and raised the level of play. Margaret Court won 13 of her 24 titles before the Open Era, while Serena Williams earned all of hers within it, making direct comparisons complex but still meaningful.

Pre-Open vs. Open Era Challenges

Less global competition pre-1968
Fewer tournaments per year, less travel
Different equipment and training methods
Modern athletes face deeper draws and higher physical demands

Breakdown of Margaret Court's 24 Titles

Australian-born Margaret Court amassed an extraordinary 24 singles majors between 1960 and 1973. Her success was especially pronounced at her home Grand Slam.

Tournament	Titles Won	Years Won
Australian Open	11	1960–66, 1969–71, 1973
French Open	5	1962, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1973
Wimbledon	3	1963, 1965, 1970
US Open	5	1962, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1973

Table data source:1, 2

Court’s dominance at the Australian Open—winning 11 times—is unparalleled. Her ability to win majors across clay, grass, and hard courts highlights her versatility. However, many of her victories came when international participation was limited, particularly from Eastern Europe and the Soviet bloc.

Serena Williams' Pursuit of Greatness

Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles between 1999 and 2017, the most in the Open Era. Her power-based game revolutionized women’s tennis, combining aggressive serving with relentless baseline pressure.

Tournament	Titles Won	Years Won
Australian Open	7	2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017
French Open	3	2002, 2013, 2015
Wimbledon	7	2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016
US Open	6	1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014

Table data source:3, 4

Serena’s consistency across two decades is remarkable. She won majors in three different decades and achieved a non-calendar-year Grand Slam (holding all four titles simultaneously) from 2014–2015. Her 23 titles are the most by any player in the Open Era, male or female.

Comparing Records Across Eras

While Margaret Court holds the numerical edge, debates persist over the legitimacy and context of her record compared to Serena’s. Key factors include:

Competition depth: Modern tennis features more elite players globally
Physical demands: Today’s athletes train like Olympians with advanced sports science
Tournament structure: Better seeding, longer matches, and faster surfaces affect outcomes
Calendar Grand Slam attempts: Steffi Graf won all four in 1988, a feat unmatched since

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Grand Slam Records

Who has the most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis history?

Margaret Court has won the most Grand Slam singles titles with 24, a record set between 1960 and 1973. Serena Williams is second with 23 titles, all won during the Open Era from 1999 to 2017.

Has anyone won all four Grand Slams in one year?

Yes. Only one player has achieved the Calendar Year Grand Slam in singles during the Open Era: Steffi Graf in 1988. She also won Olympic gold that year, completing the Golden Slam. Margaret Court did so in 1970, and Maureen Connolly in 1953 (pre-Open Era).

How many Australian Open titles did Margaret Court win?

Margaret Court won 11 Australian Open singles titles, the most by any player at a single Grand Slam tournament. Her wins spanned from 1960 to 1973, including seven consecutive titles from 1960 to 1966.

Is Serena Williams the greatest tennis player of all time?

Many consider Serena Williams the greatest female tennis player of all time due to her 23 Grand Slam singles titles (most in the Open Era), longevity, impact on the sport, and dominance across multiple surfaces. However, debates continue regarding whether she surpasses Margaret Court or Steffi Graf in all-time rankings.

Who has the most Grand Slam titles among active players?

As of 2025, Iga Šwiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are among the leading active women players. Šwiatek has won multiple French Opens, while Sabalenka claimed her first major at the 2023 Australian Open and added more in subsequent years. No active female player is close to challenging the all-time record of 24.