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The Greatest Women’s Tennis Rivalries of All Time 🎾


What better stage than the court to witness top competitors go head-to-head time and time again. Women’s tennis has produced some of the most captivating rivalries in sports history. While these rivalries were fierce, these athletes highly respected each other and in many cases befriended each other showing us that you can defeat your opponent on the court while still elevating them in the sport! 


These rivalries have shaped the sport, inspired generations, and elevated the level of competition. Here are some of the greatest women’s tennis rivalries of all time:


1. Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova


Head-to-Head Record: 80 matches (Navratilova leads 43-37)

Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s rivalry is often regarded as the greatest in tennis history. Spanning 16 years, this iconic duel featured contrasting personalities and playing styles: Evert’s baseline consistency versus Navratilova’s aggressive serve-and-volley game. The two legends met in 14 Grand Slam finals, with Navratilova winning 10 of those encounters. Despite their intense battles, their mutual respect and friendship have become a hallmark of their rivalry, showcasing the best of sportsmanship.


AWSN is now airing the documentary about them: Invincible: Rivalry Evert vs. Navratilova. Check schedule for local times.





2. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles


Head-to-Head Record: 15 matches (Graf leads 10-5)

Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles
Steffi Graf and Monica Seles

The Graf-Seles rivalry was poised to dominate the 1990s before tragedy struck. Monica Seles burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, challenging Steffi Graf’s dominance with her powerful two-handed strokes and fearless demeanor. The two met in three consecutive Grand Slam finals in 1992 and 1993, splitting victories. However, Seles’s career was tragically interrupted by a stabbing incident in 1993. Despite the shortened rivalry, their matches remain some of the most memorable in tennis history.


3. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams


Head-to-Head Record: 31 matches (Serena leads 19-12)

Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams
Venus Williams and Serena Williams

The Williams sisters have redefined women’s tennis with their athleticism, power, and longevity. While their rivalry has featured numerous high-stakes matches, including nine Grand Slam finals, it’s also a story of family and mutual support. Serena and Venus have competed fiercely against each other on the court while standing united off it. Their battles have not only captivated fans but also broken barriers and inspired the next generation of players.



The Greatest Women’s Tennis Rivalries of All Time 🎾


4. Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova


Head-to-Head Record: 22 matches (Serena leads 20-2)

 Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
 Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova

Though lopsided in terms of wins, the Serena Williams-Maria Sharapova rivalry was one of the most talked-about in the 2000s and 2010s. Sharapova’s shocking win over Serena in the 2004 Wimbledon final set the stage for a high-profile rivalry marked by contrasting styles and personalities. Serena dominated most of their encounters, but the intensity and star power of their matches drew massive global attention.



5. Margaret Court vs. Billie Jean King


Head-to-Head Record: 32 matches (Court leads 22-10)

Margaret Court vs. Billie Jean King
Margaret Court and Billie Jean King

Margaret Court and Billie Jean King’s rivalry defined women’s tennis in the 1960s and early 1970s. Court’s all-around game and physical strength contrasted with King’s net play and tactical intelligence. Their matches often carried additional weight, as King became a prominent advocate for gender equality in sports during this period. Together, they helped elevate women’s tennis to new heights.


6. Justine Henin vs. Kim Clijsters


Head-to-Head Record: 25 matches (Henin leads 13-12)

Justine Henin vs. Kim Clijsters
Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin

The rivalry between the Belgian stars Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters captivated fans in the early 2000s. Their contrasting styles—Henin’s finesse and one-handed backhand versus Clijsters’s athleticism and power—produced thrilling encounters. Despite their on-court battles, both players maintained a cordial relationship, reflecting the professionalism and respect that defined their era.




Honorable Mentions


  • Monica Seles vs. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario: A clash of baseliners with contrasting levels of aggression.

  • Venus Williams vs. Lindsay Davenport: A rivalry characterized by power and precision.

  • Naomi Osaka vs. Serena Williams: A budding rivalry highlighted by generational shifts in the sport.

Naomi Osaka vs. Serena Williams
Serena Williams consoles Naomi Osaka

These rivalries have not only produced unforgettable matches but have also driven the evolution of women’s tennis. The players’ battles on the court and their stories beyond it have enriched the sport’s history, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire fans and athletes alike. As the next generation of players emerges, new rivalries are sure to captivate audiences, but the legends of the past will always hold a special place in tennis lore.


We love witnessing how the rivalries evolved over time. From staunch competitors, to respected peers, to friends, sisters, and even from rookie to idol showing us that you can defeat your opponent on the court while still elevating them in the game. 


Check the live AWSN schedule for local times. 

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