Top five oldest women's singles champions at Wimbledon

American great Serena Williams is the oldest Wimbledon champion.

“Age is no barrier, it’s a limitation you put on your mind” rings true for these remarkable women who have defied expectations, showcasing resilience, adaptability, and enduring excellence. Even in the latter stages of their careers, several have conquered the sport’s most prestigious and demanding Grand Slam.

With grass offering only a brief competitive window each season and demanding supreme versatility, we take a look at the oldest female champions who have etched their names in the history of Wimbledon.

5. Ann Jones – 30 years, 9 months, 24 days

Ann Jones became the fifth-oldest women’s singles champion in the Open Era when she won her only Wimbledon title in 1969. The British left-hander defeated Billie Jean King in the semifinals and then Nancy Richey in the final 6–4, 6–7, 9–7.

Known for her tactical play and clay-court prowess, Jones’s Wimbledon triumph added to her illustrious cabinet, which comprised two French Open titles in 1961 and 1966.

4. Billie Jean King – 31 years, 6 months, 29 days

Billie Jean King captured her sixth and final Wimbledon singles crown in 1975 at 31 years of age to call time on a legendary career. In the final, she overcame Evonne Goolagong Cawley 6–0, 6–1, showcasing her aggressive net play and championship experience.

King’s Wimbledon legacy is immense, with six singles titles at the All England Club (1966, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1975) and a record 20 total Wimbledon titles across all disciplines.

3. Virginia Wade – 31 years, 11 months, 24 days

Virginia Wade delighted the home crowd by winning the Championship in 1977, becoming the oldest Open Era champion at that time. Wade downed Betty Stöve 4–6, 6–3, 6–1 in the final, marking the tournament’s centenary and Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.

It was her only Wimbledon singles title and the third and final Grand Slam singles trophy of her career, alongside one Australian Open and US Open triumph.

2. Martina Navratilova – 33 years, 8 months, 16 days

Martina Navratilova won her record ninth Wimbledon singles title in 1990 at 33 years, 8 months, and 16 days. The American beat Zina Garrison 6–4, 6–1 in the final, capping a dominant grass-court era. Her serve-and-volley style made her nearly unbeatable at SW19, and her nine singles titles (1978, 1979, 1982–87, 1990) are a record in the Open Era.

1. Serena Williams – 34 years, 287 days

Serena Williams owns the record for the oldest women’s singles champion in Wimbledon’s Open Era, when she won her seventh title in 2016 at 34 years by defeating Angelique Kerber 7–5, 6–3 in the final, equaling Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles at that time.

Known for her power and mental toughness, Serena’s seven Wimbledon crowns (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016) place her among the all-time greats at the All England Club.

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