Most Men’s and Women’s Winners of the US Open Tennis

By Dan Holmes Contributor Updated: 16 October 2024

Dan Holmes Contributor

Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.

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Winners of the US Open Tennis

The US Open, one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, has a rich history dating back to 1881. We see a fascinating array of champions who have left indelible marks on the sport, both male and female champions. The evolution of tennis and the societal backdrop against which these champions played add layers to their stories.

This tournament is easily the most sports event in the country, which is why fans love to bet on the US Open tennis. This article examines those athletes to win the most US Open titles.

Both men and women have carved their names into history by winning titles at the US Open, which is played annually in New York City.

Bill Tilden: The 1920s Giant

Often regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Big Bill Tilden dominated the US Open in the 1920s. He won seven singles titles (1920-1925, 1929), a record that stood for decades. Tilden’s era was characterized by his pioneering play style, which combined powerful serves with strategic net play.

His matches were not just physical contests but also cerebral duels, reflecting his deep understanding of the game. Tilden’s success came during a period of significant social and economic change in the United States, the Roaring Twenties. The country was experiencing unprecedented economic growth and cultural change, and Tilden’s charisma and skill made him a fitting sports icon for the time.

Richard Sears: Most US Open Titles Male

Before Tilden, Richard Sears had already set a high bar in the late 19th century and early 1900s, although most of his titles came before 1905. Still, his dominance (seven titles from 1881 to 1887) laid the foundation for the tournament’s prestige. By 1905, tennis was evolving, and Sears’s influence was evident in the players who followed. Though he played prior to the time of US Open grand slam winners, Sears was a legend in his era.

Bill Johnston: A Rival to Tilden

Tilden’s contemporary and frequent rival, Johnston won the US Open twice (1915, 1919). Known for his strong forehand and foot speed, Johnston was a formidable player whose style contrasted with Tilden’s more cerebral approach.

Their matches captivated audiences, showcasing the strategic depth of the sport. Johnston’s victories came during World War I and the subsequent years of recovery, periods of significant upheaval and change.

Fred Perry: US Open Grand Slam Winner

Fred Perry, a British player who won three consecutive US Open titles from 1933 to 1936, brought international flair to the tournament. Perry’s baseline play and powerful strokes set him apart, and his rivalry with American players symbolized the growing international nature of tennis. His success in securing the most US Open titles occurred during the Great Depression, a time when sports offered an escape for many struggling Americans.

Jimmy Connors: The Bad Boy of Tennis

Jimmy Connors dominated the US Open in the 1970s and early 1980s, winning five singles titles (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983). Connors was known for his aggressive baseline play, two-handed backhand, and fiery temperament. His rivalry with Bjorn Borg, another tennis legend, was a highlight of this era.

Connors’s success coincided with significant social and political changes in the US, including the end of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. His fiery personality and tenacious play mirrored the turbulent times, endearing him to fans who admired his resilience. His grit helped Jimmy become an answer to the query: who won the most US Open titles male?

Pete Sampras: The Pistol

With his calm demeanor and powerful serve-and-volley game, Pete Sampros won five US Open titles (1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002). Sampras’s style was a throwback to an earlier era, yet his athleticism and precision were distinctly modern. His rivalry with Andre Agassi, characterized by contrasting styles and personalities, captivated fans.

Sampras’s success in the 1990s came during a period of economic prosperity and technological advancement in the US, and his dominance on the court reflected the nation’s optimistic spirit. Sampras rates among the best of those who won the most US Open titles male.

Roger Federer: The Maestro

Roger Federer, considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time, won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008. Federer’s graceful play, characterized by a powerful serve, fluid movement, and impeccable shot-making, redefined excellence in tennis.

His matches against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic became legendary. Federer’s era coincided with significant global events, including the rise of digital technology and the 2008 financial crisis, yet his play was a constant source of inspiration and joy.

Federer’s dominance stretched across the era before widespread legal gambling all the way through the emergence of the best sportsbooks with tennis markets.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic: The Modern Titans

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have also left significant marks on the US Open as two of the players to win the most US Open titles male. Nadal, known for his relentless energy and topspin-heavy forehand, has won four titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019). His success came as the US grappled with economic recovery and social change, with Nadal’s determination resonating with fans worldwide.

Djokovic, with his remarkable flexibility and defensive skills, has also won four titles (2011, 2015, 2018, 2021). His era reflects a time of globalization and technological integration, with Djokovic’s play symbolizing adaptability and resilience.

The venerable US Open has seen some of the greatest champions in tennis history. From Tilden’s cerebral play in the roaring twenties to Federer’s elegant dominance in the 2000s, each era’s champions have reflected the evolving nature of the sport and the times in which they lived. These players have not only shaped the history of tennis but also captured the spirit of their respective eras.

Women Who Won the Most US Open Titles

Let’s turn to the great female tennis champions of the US Open. The US Open has served as a stage for many of the greatest female players in the sport’s history. Several remarkable women have etched their names into the annals of tennis history by securing the most US Open titles female.

Molla Bjurstedt Mallory

Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, a Norwegian-born American player, holds the record for the most US Open titles women have won in the early 20th century, with eight titles from 1915 to 1926.

Mallory’s style was characterized by her relentless baseline play and remarkable consistency. She was known for her tenacity and ability to outlast her opponents in long rallies. Her era saw the US emerging from World War I, with tennis providing a sense of normalcy and entertainment during a time of recovery.

Helen Wills Moody

Helen Wills Moody, another legend in tennis and among the most US Open titles female winners, won seven US Open titles between 1923 and 1931. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and unyielding focus, Moody’s dominance was a hallmark of the sport during the 1920s and 1930s.

Unlike Mallory, Moody’s game was more aggressive, often overwhelming opponents with her strength and precision. Her calm demeanor and athletic prowess set a new standard for women’s tennis, inspiring many future champions.

Chris Evert: The Darling of American Tennis

One of the sport’s most consistent and skilled players, Evert won six US Open titles from 1975 to 1982. Evert’s baseline game, characterized by her impeccable two-handed backhand and strategic play, revolutionized women’s tennis.

Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova, who herself was a US Open grand slam winner, is one of the most storied in tennis history. During Evert’s era, the US was undergoing significant cultural shifts, and her calm, collected demeanor on the court provided a contrast to the tumultuous times.

Serena Williams: The Modern Powerhouse

Serena Williams, a dominant force in modern tennis, has secured six US Open titles, with victories spanning from 1999 to 2014. Williams’ game is marked by her powerful serve, athleticism, and fierce competitiveness.

She brought a new level of physicality to women’s tennis, which has influenced a generation of players. Williams’ success came during a period of globalization and technological advancement, and her presence has significantly contributed to the global appeal of the sport.

US Open Women’s Titles History

The champions with the most US Open titles women have won each brought unique qualities to the sport, reflecting the evolving nature of tennis.

Mallory’s baseline play and consistency were crucial in an era where stamina often decided matches. Her success during the early 20th century laid the groundwork for future American dominance in tennis.

Mallory’s style of relentless defense and patience is a stark contrast to the more aggressive and physical style seen in later champions. She may not be remembered by many current tennis fans, but Mallory ranks with those women with the most US Open titles female.

Moody, with her powerful strokes and aggressive play, exemplified the athleticism and skill that began to define women’s tennis in the interwar period. Her ability to dominate with strength and precision was a significant evolution from the endurance-focused game of Mallory. Moody’s era was one of refinement in technique and strategy, setting higher standards for athletic performance.

Evert’s career marked a return to strategic play and consistency, combined with a level of precision and finesse that became her trademark. Her baseline game and mental toughness made her a formidable opponent, and her rivalry with Navratilova highlighted the diversity of playing styles that could succeed at the highest levels. Evert’s approach to the game, emphasizing control and consistency, contrasts with both the earlier defensive styles and the later power games.

Williams’ era was defined by power and athleticism. Her ability to dominate with her serve and groundstrokes pushed the physical boundaries of the sport. Williams’ influence extended beyond her titles; she reshaped expectations of what female athletes can achieve, both on and off the court. Her style, marked by aggressive play and physical dominance, reflected the modern era’s emphasis on power and speed. No woman ever played with such grace and raw power as Serena.

These women, each in their respective eras, demonstrated that there are multiple paths to greatness in tennis. From Mallory’s stamina and baseline play to Williams’ power and athleticism, the evolution of playing styles among those with the most US Open titles highlights the dynamic nature of the sport and the diverse ways excellence can be achieved.

Who Has Won the Most US Open Tennis Titles?

Players with the Most Men’s Titles in the US Open Tennis Tournament

1. Richard Sears – 7 titles (1881-1887)
1. Bill Larned – 7 titles (1901, 1902, 1907-1911)
1. Bill Tilden – 7 titles (1920-1925, 1929)
4. Jimmy Connors – 5 titles (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983)
4. Pete Sampras – 5 titles (1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002)
4. Roger Federer – 5 titles (2004-2008)
7. John McEnroe – 4 titles (1979, 1980, 1981, 1984)
7. Rafael Nadal – 4 titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)
7. Novak Djokovic – 4 titles (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023)
7. Robert Wrenn – 4 titles (1893, 1894, 1896, 1897)
11. Fred Perry – 3 titles (1933, 1934, 1936)
11. Ivan Lendl – 3 titles (1985, 1986, 1987)
11. Malcolm Whitman – 3 titles (1898, 1899, 1900)
11. Oliver Campbell – 3 titles (1890, 1891, 1892)

Top 15 Players with the Most Women’s Titles in the US Open Tennis Tournament, and US Open grand slam winners:

1. Molla Bjurstedt Mallory – 8 titles (1915-1918, 1920-1922, 1926)
2. Helen Wills – 7 titles (1923-1925, 1927-1929, 1931)
3. Chris Evert – 6 titles (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982)
4. Serena Williams – 6 titles (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)
5. Steffi Graf – 5 titles (1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1996)
5. Margaret Court – 5 titles (1962, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1973)
7. Martina Navratilova – 4 titles (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
7. Pauline Betz – 4 titles (1942, 1943, 1944, 1946)
7. Billie Jean King – 4 titles (1967, 1971, 1972, 1974)
10. Louise Brough – 3 titles (1947, 1948, 1950)
10. Mary Browne – 3 titles (1912, 1913, 1914)
10. Juliette Atkinson – 3 titles (1895, 1897, 1898)
10. Margaret Osborne duPont – 3 titles (1948, 1949, 1950)
10. Maureen Connolly – 3 titles (1951, 1952, 1953)
10. Kim Clijsters – 3 titles (2005, 2009, 2010)