Winners of the Most Tennis Grand Slam Titles
Quick Answer
Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court both hold records with 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Serena Williams is second among women with 23 titles.
- Men's leader: Novak Djokovic with 24 titles
- Women's leader: Margaret Court with 24 titles
- Active players: Djokovic is still competing in 2025
As the ultimate standard for excellence in the game, grand slam titles are the pinnacle of success in professional tennis. These consist of winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, the four major championships.
Although winning one of these major competitions can define a player's career, winning several tournaments in a row solidifies their place among the greatest of all time. Find out all the winners of the Grand Slam titles here.
Serena WilliamsGrand Slam Tournaments
The four major tennis championships: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Learn More →Calendar Grand Slam
Winning all four majors in a single calendar year - tennis's rarest achievement.
Learn More →Career Grand Slam
Winning each of the four majors at least once during a player's career.
Learn More →The Grand Slam stage has been the scene of some of the most amazing tales and historical achievements in tennis. The "calendar Grand Slam," which consists of winning all four majors in the same year, is a remarkable accomplishment that only five singles players have ever achieved.
From Wimbledon's quick grass to Roland Garros's sluggish clay courts, every tournament has its own distinct surface, history, and obstacles that test adaptability and tenacity.
Singles Grand Slam Winners
The race for Grand Slam supremacy continues to evolve. Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, finished one title short of matching Margaret Court's all-time record. Among the men, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with Novak Djokovic establishing himself as the most successful male player in Grand Slam history.
The Evolution of Grand Slam Tennis
The landscape of professional tennis has evolved significantly since the Open Era began in 1968. Before this pivotal change, only amateur players could compete in Grand Slam tournaments, which meant many of the world's best players were excluded once they turned professional.
“When you are at a Grand Slam, it’s the ultimate stage — the pressure is immense, the field is deep, and you have no room for error. Everything counts.”
— Novak Djokovic, during a 2024 Wimbledon press conference.
Breaking Down the Records
Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles has stood as the women's benchmark since 1973. Her achievement includes 11 Australian Open titles, 5 French Opens, 3 Wimbledons, and 5 US Open championships. Court won 13 of her titles during the amateur era and 11 in the Open Era.
Serena Williams came remarkably close to matching Court's record, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles between 1999 and 2017. Her dominance spanned nearly two decades, showcasing remarkable longevity at the highest level of the sport. Williams won 7 Australian Opens, 3 French Opens, 7 Wimbledons, and 6 US Opens.
Pro Tip: When comparing players across eras, consider that the Open Era (post-1968) featured stronger competition as it allowed both amateurs and professionals to compete together.
The Big Three Era in Men's Tennis
The men's game has been defined by the "Big Three" of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Together, they won 66 Grand Slam singles titles, dominating the sport for nearly two decades. Their rivalry elevated tennis to new heights of popularity and athletic achievement.
Djokovic's path to 24 Grand Slam titles included remarkable consistency across all surfaces. He holds the record for most Australian Open titles with 10, and has won each major at least three times. His mental toughness and physical conditioning have allowed him to extend his career at the highest level well into his late 30s.
Surface Specialists and All-Court Champions
Different Grand Slam tournaments are played on different surfaces, creating unique challenges for players. The Australian Open and US Open are played on hard courts, the French Open on clay, and Wimbledon on grass. Some players excel on specific surfaces while others demonstrate mastery across all conditions.
Rafael Nadal's dominance at the French Open stands as one of sport's most impressive achievements. With 14 titles at Roland Garros, he earned the nickname "King of Clay." His 112-3 record at the French Open represents a winning percentage of 97.4%, unmatched in Grand Slam history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most Grand Slam tennis titles?
In women's tennis, Margaret Court holds the all-time record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles. In men's tennis, Novak Djokovic currently leads with 24 titles as of 2025.
How many Grand Slam titles does Serena Williams have?
Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles during her career, one short of Margaret Court's all-time record.
Which player has won all four Grand Slams in a single year?
Only five players have achieved a calendar-year Grand Slam in singles: Don Budge (1938), Maureen Connolly (1953), Rod Laver (1962, 1969), Margaret Court (1970), and Steffi Graf (1988).
What is the difference between a Career Grand Slam and a Calendar Grand Slam?
A Career Grand Slam means winning all four majors at least once during a player's career. A Calendar Grand Slam requires winning all four majors in the same calendar year, which is much rarer.
How many Grand Slam titles did the Big Three win combined?
Djokovic (24), Nadal (22), and Federer (20) won a combined 66 Grand Slam singles titles. They dominated men's tennis for nearly two decades, winning 66 of 78 Grand Slams from 2003 to 2023.
References
- International Tennis Federation. (2025). "Grand Slam Tournament Records." ITF Official Records.
- ATP Tour. (2025). "Historical Grand Slam Winners." ATP Tour Statistics Database.
- WTA Tour. (2025). "All-Time Grand Slam Champions." WTA Official Records.
- Tennis Hall of Fame. (2024). "Grand Slam Achievement Analysis." International Tennis Hall of Fame Archives.
- ESPN Tennis. (2025). "Complete Grand Slam Singles Winners List." ESPN Sports Statistics.