Top 10 Players with Most Weeks at No. 1 in WTA Rankings

Tennis is a globally famous sport and over the year, the sport only grew grander. As a result, it gave rise to many players, both men and women, who dominated the sport and even became the face of the sport.

The sport is also very competitive and everyday player rises with the dream to claim the throne of Number One. Many female players have claimed the title throughout the history of the sport. However, because of the nature of the sport, only a few could keep the ‘Rank 1’ title for a long period.

Every fan and younger female players want to know the names, who carried the title of World Number One for the longest period. So, here is the list of the Top 10 players with most weeks at the WTA Rank 1.

#10. Caroline Wozniacki

At tenth place we got Caroline Wozniacki who sat on the Number One throne for 71 weeks. It might not impress you being at the last of the list, but let me remind you there are hundreds of players. Therefore, even reaching the top spot is itself a big feat.

Wozniacki was known for her footwork and her defensive playing style. Further, she was the first woman from Scandinavian country to reach the number one position.  She moved away from the court in 2020 after the Australian Open.

#9. Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty the reigning WTA Finals champion and also the current number one. She has been on the top spot for 81 weeks.

The current World No.1 might not have a big stature. However, the right-handed is a magnificent server and also a versatile player, who can play on any kind of court. She is still playing and continues to dominate the tennis court. Therefore, Barty might move up on this table in the future.

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#8. Lindsay Davenport

The former American player, Lindsay Davenport has bee the WTA Number One for 98 weeks. Further, she has been the year-end number one four times.

Davenport is one of the best baseline players in the history of tennis. She has won 55 singles titles,among which are three Grand Slam titles. She has also made a name at Olympics and WTA Championships.

#7. Justine Henin

At seventh place on this Top 10 list we got the Belgian legend, Justine Henin. The former World No.1 was at the top spot for 117 weeks.

Henin won seven Grand Slam singles’ titles and was one of the driving force behind the growth of Tennis in Belgium. Further, the Belgian maestro was known for her single-handed backhands, as this kind of playing is rare in female players. She was also an versatile player, who could play on all kind of courts.

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#6. Monica Seles

Monica Seles ranked WTA Number One for 178 weeks and had a great career on the court with bagging nine Grand Slam titles.

The former tennis player player for Yugoslavia and United States. Further, she was the first youngest female player to win French Open and also won eight major titles during her teenage days.

Many tennis experts believed the Hungarian descendant could have become much greater player. However, after an on-court knife attack in 1993, she lost her prime form.

#5. Martina Hingis

Switzerland has given some great players to the world of tennis like Roger Federer and Martina Hingis. The former WTA Number 1 was there for 209 weeks. Therefore, she is the first to cross the 200 mark on this Top 10 list.

The Swiss professional made many records like youngest Grand Slam Champion to youngest World No.1. Further, she won a total of 25 major titles throughout her career. However, she had to permanently move away from the tennis court after going through many injuries.

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#4. Chris Evert

The former American superstar might be one of the greatest tennis player in the history. Chris Evert rose to the rank of Number One and was there for 260 weeks.

She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and had a winning percentage of 89.97% in singles, which is still the highest in both men and women in the Open Era. She further had a record 94.55% winning on clay courts. Without a doubt, she dominated the courts because of her excellence.

#3. Serena Williams

At third place we got a legend who still continues to shine on the court and it is none other than Serena Williams. The American star was the World Number One for a total  319 weeks.

Williams has won 39 Grand Slams, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The American  pro not only dominated the singles division but also was phenomenal in double. She won 14 major doubles along side her elder sister.

Further, the current World No. 8 sat on the throne of Number One for a consecutive 186 weeks, a record only shared with Steffi Graff.

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#2. Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest player to appear on the tennis court. She dominated the sport at Number One for 332 weeks.

Navratilova is the most successful player in the history of American tennis. She is the only American player who won 59 Grand Slam titles. Further, the record remains untouched in both men’s and women’s categories. Martina got infamous because of her extreme physical conditions and powerful shots. She is also the “Queen of Wimbledon,” winning nine times.

#1. Steffi Graf

At first place on this list of Top 10 , we got the legendary Steffi Graf. The German pro ranked WTA Number One for a total 377 weeks, which is record still remains unbroken. Further, she also has a record consecutive 186 weeks at rank 1, which she shares with Williams.

Graf had won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and also made many records. She is the only player to win all four Grand Slams and Olympic medal in the same calendar year. She is also the only player, both men and women, to ever win all four Grand Slams at least four times.

Her versatility of playing at all kinds of courts, footwork and powerful forehand drives became her most notable traits. Her athletic and aggressive baseline playing style  became foundation to many modern style of plays today.

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