Top five youngest women's singles champions at Wimbledon

At just 16, Martina Hingis made history by becoming the youngest ever Wimbledon winner.

Wimbledon is arguably the toughest tennis tournament, with several legendary players who have found success nearly everywhere having failed to lift the trophy at the prestigious grass-court event. Monica Seles, Justine Henin, and Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario are three of the most shocking names not to win a title at the All England Club.

However, some managed to fulfill their dreams at a very young age. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five youngest women’s singles champions at Wimbledon.

5. Chris Evert (1974) – 19 years, 335 days

Chris Evert captured her maiden Wimbledon crown in 1974, defeating Olga Morozova 6–0, 6–4 in the final. Evert’s run included a semifinal win over defending champion Billie Jean King, a major scalp for the young American. Known for her baseline consistency and mental toughness, the American would go on to win three Wimbledon singles titles during her illustrious career.

4. Evonne Goolagong (1971) – 19 years, 309 days

Evonne Goolagong’s 1971 Wimbledon title was a fairytale run. At 19 years, 309 days, the Australian charmed the crowds with her grace and athleticism, defeating her idol Margaret Court 6–4, 6–1 in the final.

Goolagong’s path to the title also included a semifinal win over defending champion Billie Jean King. This was her first of two Wimbledon singles titles, with her second coming nine years later.

3. Steffi Graf (1988) – 19 years, 19 days

Steffi Graf’s first Wimbledon title in 1988 was a pivotal moment in tennis history. At 19 years and 19 days old, Graf dethroned the legendary Martina Navratilova in the final, 5–7, 6–2, 6–1, ending Navratilova’s six-year reign at SW19.

The German’s path to glory included wins over top-10 players Natalia Zvereva and Gabriela Sabatini. This victory was part of her historic Golden Slam, as she won all four majors and Olympic gold in 1988. Graf went on to win seven Wimbledon singles titles before calling time on an incredible career.

2. Maria Sharapova (2004) – 17 years, 75 days

In 2004, Maria Sharapova stunned defending champion Serena Williams in the final, winning 6–1, 6–4 with fearless hitting and unshakable poise. En route to the title, she also defeated former champion Lindsay Davenport in the semifinals, coming back from a set down.

Sharapova’s victory made her the first Russian woman to win Wimbledon. In a career that was expected to achieve much success, Sharapova’s 2004 win was her only Wimbledon triumph, alongside four other Grand Slam victories.

1. Martina Hingis (1997) – 16 years, 278 days

Martina Hingis made history in 1997 by becoming the youngest Wimbledon women’s singles champion of the Open Era at just 16 years and 278 days old. Already the World No. 1, Hingis showcased her remarkable court sense and composure throughout the tournament. In the final, she faced the experienced Jana Novotná, who was seeking redemption after a heartbreaking loss in the 1993 final.

Hingis dropped the first set but staged a ruthless turnaround to win 2–6, 6–3, 6–3, displaying maturity beyond her years. Along her path, the teenager also overcame future stars like Anna Kournikova.

The Swiss icon never won another Wimbledon singles title, but managed to claim four more Grand Slam majors, alongside three doubles and two mixed doubles crowns.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram