Top five players with most year-end WTA World No. 1 finishes

Chris Evert was the first player to record consecutive year-end WTA World No. 1 finishes.

Very few have been able to find their names in history for being ruthless on the court for countless years in the rapidly changing world of women’s tennis. These sportswomen, besides their exceptional skills on the court, are today the undisputed queens of WTA rankings.

The intial of the WTA tour saw domination from the American players but their reign could not sustain for long. Over the years players from around the globe have cemented their legacy in the top of the rankings. Chris Evert became the first player to end the WTA season as a World No #1 in 1975.

Here we discuss the top five players who have fulfilled the rare honor of ending a year as the world’s number one tennis player.

5. Lindsay Davenport (4)

This powerful American commences our list with four year ending WTA World No.1 finishes. Lindsay Davenport first tasted the top spot in 1998. She continued to enjoy that status in 2001, 2004, and 2005. Davenport has earned a strong resume with 55 career singles titles and three Grand Slam singles crowns.

Davenport’s massive forehand strokes and serve meant that no one could have stood in her way, especially when she was fit, and the fact that she could carry on the performance over a very considerable period of time is no small testimony to her ability and energy. Despite the stiff competition from such players as the Williams sisters and Justine Henin, Davenport managed to maintain her No 1 ranking by coupling her physique with a tactical all-court game.

4. Chris Evert (5)

American icon, Chris Evert, features fourth on this list as she finished five years as year-end WTA World No. 1. In 1975, she achieved her first victory at the top, and she repeated in 1976, 1977, 1980, and 1981. Often she had to content herself against arch-rival Martina Navratilova, but consistency and accuracy on the court made Evert one of the great players of her generation.

With 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 157 career singles victories, she cemented her legacy as one of the greatest tennis players. The characteristic topspin groundstrokes she possessed along with smooth court coverage was a nightmare for the opponents.

3. Serena Williams (5)

The legendary Serena Williams is third on the list with most year-end WTA World No. 1 finishes, with five such achievements. She reached number one ranking for the first time in 2002 and repeated the feat four more times in 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

No one has ever come close to match her phenomenal success that made her one of the greatest in sports history by amassing 23 Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era.

Serena’s raw strength, athleticism, and mental strength have inspired millions of tennis enthusiasts and aspiring players from all over the world. The sheer force of her serve to the crushing power of her groundstrokes, Serena’s game was a study in the art of using both power and precision in every aspect of her game.

Also Read: Full list of players who have finished year-end WTA World No. 1

2. Martina Navratilova (7)

Czech-American tennis icon Martina Navratilova stands second, courtesy of seven year-end WTA World No. 1 finishes. She first led the WTA rankings in 1978 and again headed it in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986. Navratilova’s long running rivalry with Chris Evert, whom she headed into the year’s end for seven consecutive seasons, is the most fascinating storyline in the journals of tennis.

Navratilova’s 167 career singles titles and 18 Grand Slam singles crowns speak to her unrivaled dominance during the prime of her career. Powerful serves, crisp volleys, and relentless athleticism defined Navratilova’s game, which represented the very essence of modern, all-court tennis. Her ability to adapt to all surfaces and thrive upon them sealed her place among the greatest players of all time.

1. Steffi Graf (8)

No one has dominated the women’s game of tennis like Steffi Graf, who finshed as WTA year-end World No #1 a record eight times. Graf’s first year-end No. 1 ranking came in 1987, and she successfully defended the number one ranking through 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996.

During this period, she ruled her sport like no athlete in history, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles and, in 1988, becoming the first tennis player to complete the “Golden Slam,” winning all four major championships and the Olympic gold medal.

Graf’s clinical and relentless playing style combined with her mental toughness made her nearly unbeatable at her peak. She concluded her fabulous career with 107 WTA singles titles to make her one of the sport’s all-time greats.

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