Who is the best female 1 Slam winner (Open Era)?

[Mainad]

We have a thread for the guys, now what about the gals?

Here is the full list (in chronological order):

1. Sue Barker (1976 French Open)
2. Mima Jausovec (1977 French Open)
3. Kerry Melville Reid (1977 Australian Open)
4. Chris O'Neill (1978 Australian Open)
5. Virginia Ruzici (1978 French Open)
6. Barbara Jordan (1979 Australian Open)
7. Gabriela Sabatini (1990 US Open)
8. Conchita Martinez (1994 Wimbledon)
9. Iva Majoli (1997 French Open)
10.Jana Novotna (1998 Wimbledon)
11.Anastasia Myskina (2004 French Open)
12.Ana Ivanovic (2008 French Open)
13.Francesca Schiavone (2010 French Open)
14.Li Na (2011 French Open)
15.Petra Kvitova (2011 Wimbledon)
16.Samantha Stosur (2011 US Open)
17.Marion Bartoli (2013 Wimbledon)

 

[Brian11785]

We have a thread for the guys, now what about the gals?

Here is the full list (in chronological order):

1. Sue Barker (1976 French Open)
2. Mima Jausovec (1977 French Open)
3. Kerry Melville Reid (1977 Australian Open)
4. Chris O'Neill (1978 Australian Open)
5. Virginia Ruzici (1978 French Open)
6. Barbara Jordan (1979 Australian Open)
7. Gabriela Sabatini (1990 US Open)
8. Conchita Martinez (1994 Wimbledon)
9. Iva Majoli (1997 French Open)
10.Jana Novotna (1998 Wimbledon)
11.Anastasia Myskina (2004 French Open)
12.Ana Ivanovic (2008 French Open)
13.Francesca Schiavone (2010 French Open)
14.Li Na (2011 French Open)
15.Petra Kvitova (2011 Wimbledon)
16.Samantha Stosur (2011 US Open)
17.Marion Bartoli (2013 Wimbledon)

My first impulse is to go with Conchita. Two GS runner-ups. Loads of other titles (I'm sure someone on this list has more, but I am too lazy to look it up.) A fun game to watch. Her, Sabatini or Novotna.....

I didn't realize that Barbara Jordan won a singles Slam. Granted the draw was pretty weak, but still.....learn something new every day.

 

[chicagodude]

We have a thread for the guys, now what about the gals?

Here is the full list (in chronological order):

1. Sue Barker (1976 French Open)
2. Mima Jausovec (1977 French Open)
3. Kerry Melville Reid (1977 Australian Open)
4. Chris O'Neill (1978 Australian Open)
5. Virginia Ruzici (1978 French Open)
6. Barbara Jordan (1979 Australian Open)
7. Gabriela Sabatini (1990 US Open)
8. Conchita Martinez (1994 Wimbledon)
9. Iva Majoli (1997 French Open)
10.Jana Novotna (1998 Wimbledon)
11.Anastasia Myskina (2004 French Open)
12.Ana Ivanovic (2008 French Open)
13.Francesca Schiavone (2010 French Open)
14.Li Na (2011 French Open)
15.Petra Kvitova (2011 Wimbledon)
16.Samantha Stosur (2011 US Open)
17.Marion Bartoli (2013 Wimbledon)

Hmm, tough one...
Probably between Sabatini, Novotna and Martinez for me. I wouldn't rule out Li Na and Kvitova for winning another slam, so I didn't consider them yet.

 

[rockandroll]

1. Sabatini
2. Novotna (close behind Gaby)
3. Martinez (close behind Jana)















4. Na
5. Stosur
6. Kvitova
7. Ivanovic
8. Bartoli
9. Barker- despite in reality not winning a real slam and not even being a real slam winner for that reason
10. Majoli
11. Schiavone
12. Myskina
13. Melville- 1 of 6 on this list who in reality won a non slam (eg- nobody played)




14. Ruzici- very weak slam winner, who won non slam (eg- nobody played)
15. Jausovec- very weak slam winner, who won non slam (eg- nobody played)







16. Barbar Jordan- joke slam winner, who won non slam (eg- nobody played)
17. Chris O Neill- joke slam winner, who won non slam (eg- nobody played)

 

[Brian11785]

^^ Wow. We are all three in agreement with Martinez, Novotna and Sabatini being the top three.

 

[rockandroll]

^^ Wow. We are all three in agreement with Martinez, Novotna and Sabatini being the top three.

It also shows how funny the Graf haters talk of Graf's so called weak era is (mostly perpetuated by bitter fans of Serena, Navratilova, or Seles, the latter being most funny as Seles is the same era), yet her era produced what all consider the 3 best players to not win more than 1 slam by a huge margin.

 

[Graf=GOAT]

In my opinion Kvitova's level was the most impressive.

 

[Mustard]

Gabriela Sabatini.

 

[Brian11785]

It also shows how funny the Graf haters talk of Graf's so called weak era is (mostly perpetuated by bitter fans of Serena, Navratilova, or Seles, the latter being most funny as Seles is the same era), yet her era produced what all consider the 3 best players to not win more than 1 slam by a huge margin.

I mean, with Graf's, then Seles's, then Graf's dominance, coupled with ASV filling in some gaps those years, there didn't leave much room for very good players to win much.

I mean, if Navratilova had been three or four years younger or Seles a couple of years older, that might have complicated Graf's dominance 87-90. But the hypotheticals are only that.

 

[rockandroll]

I mean, with Graf's, then Seles's, then Graf's dominance, coupled with ASV filling in some gaps those years, there didn't leave much room for very good players to win much.

I mean, if Navratilova had been three or four years younger or Seles a couple of years older, that might have complicated Graf's dominance 87-90. But the hypotheticals are only that.

Poor Sabatini peaked from 87-92 which was dominated by Navratilova, Graf, and Seles completely. Post 92 when the womens game began to suffer (from the Seles stabbing, Graf's constant injuries, Capriati's burnout, Sabatini's fade, Navratilova's retirement, Fernandez's constant injuries) Sabatini was herself on massive decline so could not capatilize. Sanchez was coming into her prime by then, so could and did capatilize fully. Yet even Sanchez who was probably a bit lucky in her own era, might have won more than 4 slams in many other eras. The last 5 or 6 years, post Henin's retirement, there would be pretty much nobody to challenge her on clay for instance, other than possibly the Serena of this year.

 

[augustobt]

Kvitova. Her problem is completely mental (and physical shape), she would've taken the 2012 AO if she weren't so afraid of being #1 and the whole pressure behind it.

She slaughtered Sharapova in that wimbledon final. Not mention that she had an edge over Vika too.

 

[rockandroll]

The 2012 Australian Open might be the career turning point forever for headcase Kvitova. When you have a 1 dimensional game too you need to be super fit and mentally strong and confident, none of which she currently is. Then again had she won that event, she wouldnt be part of this topic anyway.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

1. Sabatini
2. Novotna (close behind Gaby)
3. Martinez (close behind Jana)

Pretty good list.

 

[rockandroll]

Na and Ivanovic with more votes than Novotna and Martinez is only proof of the heavy bias to current and recent players on this forum. Anyone that actually followed tennis through the 90s as I did, know this two inconsistent headcases with their scaterred careers arent even close at this point. The same reason nearly everyone here insists Federer or Nadal is the GOAT, when in reality neither one probably is.

Sabatini, Novotna, and Martinez all mantained a consistenly very high elite level of tennis for nearly a decade. They didnt win more slams since in the case of Sabatini and Novotna they were not mentally strong enough to beat 2 or 3 of Graf, Seles, Navratilova, Hingis, Sanchez Vicario in a row very often, and in Martinez's case she just didnt have a big enough game. Playing today they would spend virtually their entire careers ranked higher than hot and cold and perennial choker Na and 14 month flash in the pan Ivanovic and have much more overall success though.

 

[kiki]

Reid,

jUSOVEC,bARKER AND rUZICI...BUT YES, cONCHITA AND gABRIELA DESERVE IT, BOTH WERE FANTASTIC PLAYERS THAT , IN CURRENT DULL ERA, WOULD BE TOO MUCH TO MASSUME...

 

[tennisaddict]

Must be Ruzici. She understands tennis better when she said 'Fed and Dmitrov are the only complete tennis players'.

 

[Vanhool]

I picked Kvitova because she hasn't reached her potential yet. She will end up winning several slams and will be more highly regarded than all the others in this list.

I'm feeling very bold today.

 

[TERRASTAR18]

It also shows how funny the Graf haters talk of Graf's so called weak era is (mostly perpetuated by bitter fans of Serena, Navratilova, or Seles, the latter being most funny as Seles is the same era), yet her era produced what all consider the 3 best players to not win more than 1 slam by a huge margin.

you think that might of had to do with seles as well. and common sense when your era(serena) contains some many hofers and serena still is on pce to break court's record you are gonna believe serena's era is stronger and in turn graf's weaker.

 

[Straightshooter]

My top three:

1. Jana - finished her career strong, usually overlooked.

2. Conchita - solid baseliner, just below Jana but outperformed Sabatini.

3. Sabatini - mentally frail and a flake, she choked far too often.


I have Jana first for 2 main reasons: 4 slam finals and her #2 singles ranking. Also throw in 24 singles titles and 76 doubles, Jana is the best one slam winner.

Between Conchita and Sabatini, I give Conchita the edge as her 33 singles titles trumps Sabatini's total of 27. In addition, Conchi's highest singles ranking was #2 (same as Jana), while Sabatini only reached #3.


Sabatini could beat Steffi and Monica, Jana and Conchita couldn't, but Conchita and Jana had better careers then Sabatini.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Sabatini is overrated

 

[Chico]

Had to vote for Ana.

 

[Kenshin]

My top three:

1. Jana - finished her career strong, usually overlooked.

2. Conchita - solid baseliner, just below Jana but outperformed Sabatini.

3. Sabatini - mentally frail and a flake, she choked far too often.


I have Jana first for 2 main reasons: 4 slam finals and her #2 singles ranking. Also throw in 24 singles titles and 76 doubles, Jana is the best one slam winner.

Between Conchita and Sabatini, I give Conchita the edge as her 33 singles titles trumps Sabatini's total of 27. In addition, Conchi's highest singles ranking was #2 (same as Jana), while Sabatini only reached #3.


Sabatini could beat Steffi and Monica, Jana and Conchita couldn't, but Conchita and Jana had better careers then Sabatini.

Tough question but I like your reasoning.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

Kvitova. Her problem is completely mental (and physical shape), she would've taken the 2012 AO if she weren't so afraid of being #1 and the whole pressure behind it.

She slaughtered Sharapova in that wimbledon final. Not mention that she had an edge over Vika too.

My best one slam wonders are

1. Jana Novotna, she doesn't get ENOUGH credit for overcoming her mental problems and winning Wimbledon in 1998. I think it took a lot of determination and courage for Novotna to exorcise the demons of 1993 choking to Graf. Novotna also was a great doubles player too.

2. Conchita Martinez won Wimbledon just like Novotna and she did reach the finals of the French Open and Australian Open. Martinez has won 33 WTA singles titles more than Sabatini and Novotna. Martinez also got to number 2 in the world just like Novotna she was more consistent than Sabatini.

3. Gabriela Sabatini is the most overrated WTA player in history. So much was expected of Sabatini YET she failed to deliver. It looked like from late 1990 when Sabatini surprised Graf and beat her to win the US OPEN and then up to the 1991 Wimbledon final she was going to become a great champion. HOWEVER, Gaby choked the Wimbledon final she served for the match TWICE and she was two points away from winning Wimbledon. Sabatini also told the press after choking the Wimbledon final she was satisfied that's when I knew her career as a top player was over. Sure enough in 1992, Sabatini had ONE more shot at Grand slam glory at the 1992 French Open she was the favourite to win NOT Graf or Seles. Sabatini had beaten both Graf and Seles on clay leading up to the French Open. However, sure enough Sabatini choked she lead Seles 4-2 in the third set but could not put Monica away.

After the 1992 French Open choke Sabatini NEVER contended for a grand slam again her career was over.

Kvitova is young, but I do agree she choked that Australian Open semifinal against Maria Sharapova. Kvitova has the game to dominate BUT the girl is out of shape. Have you seen Kvitova's stomach it is like a spare tire LOL! Honestly, Petra needs to be training harder on and off the court.

I don't know why Kvitova doesn't also work on the mental side of the game she clearly should be in the top 5 in the world or higher she's too talented to be wasting her awesome talent.

 

[rockandroll]

Had to vote for Ana.

Yeah since her 18 month blip as a top 10 player shows she is better than Sabatini, Novotna, Martinez types who were top 5 caliber for 5 or more years straight. Not to mention her stellar opposition to win that slam (Safina in the final, ROTFL).

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Ivanovic is one of the weakest player to win a grand slam indeed

 

[Chico]

Yeah since her 18 month blip as a top 10 player shows she is better than Sabatini, Novotna, Martinez types who were top 5 caliber for 5 or more years straight. Not to mention her stellar opposition to win that slam (Safina in the final, ROTFL).

Sabatini sure, but Jana "Choking Machine" Novotna and Conchita "Moonbal" Martinez, you got to be kidding me. :shock:

Who Martinez beat to win Wimbledon? 38 years old Navratilova??? ROTFL. The flukiest and most undeserving slam in WTA history. Should have gone to Seles if there was no stabbing.

Ana was in two other slam finals also.

 

[rockandroll]

Sabatini sure, but Jana "Choking Machine" Novotna and Conchita "Moonbal" Martinez, you got to be kidding me. :shock:

Who Martinez beat to win Wimbledon? 38 years old Navratilova??? ROTFL. The flukiest and most undeserving slam in WTA history. Should have gone to Seles if there was no stabbing.

Ana was in two other slam finals also.

Why were Jana and Conchita in the top 5 for many years, while Ana could only last less than 2 years as a top 10 player then. As for your names you could call Ana forehand only and choking Ivanovic

Ana won her FO title only due to Henins retirement one month earlier anyway. Henin owns Roland Garros, and owns Ana even moreso.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbePRO5kNkc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrSekt2P_8Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPXze33tCGI

I have no idea the planet Seles dominated and was the one to beat at Wimbledon pre stabbing or any other time in her career, but it isnt the one I live. What is better, actually beating 37 year old Navratilova in a Wimbledon final, or at your all time peak losing 6-2, 6-1 to Graf in the Wimbledon final. I will take the former.

 

[Chico]

Once more. We never got to see peak Seles in action, thanks to your fellow Gunther and his despicable act you are trying to erase and minimize here. Which speaks volumes about you.

Sorry but you fail. No need to waste more time here.

 

[rockandroll]

Once more. We never got to see peak Seles in action, thanks to your fellow Gunther and his despicable act you are trying to erase and minimize here. Which speaks volumes about you.

Sorry but you fail. No need to waste more time here.

Seles has nothing to do with this topic. Seles is a top 12 player all time, and a great 9 slam winner. Stick to Ana. Obviously you cant counter any of my points about her, thus it is your fail. Because I am nice I will give you one last chance though:

1. If Ana is really better than Martinez, Novotna, and Sabatini, why couldnt she even last more than 2 years as a top 10 player, when Martinez, Novotna, and Sabatini all spent 5 plus years as a top 5 player (and sorry you cant base any of that on the Seles stabbing as that is only 1 spot lower for say Martinez, who was top 3 while Seles was away, so would be top 4 still).

2. You mock who Martinez beat in her Wimbledon final, yet do you actually think beating SAFINA is any better, and not to mention the lock to win that years French Open and Anas Master her whole career retired one month before. Sabatini meanwhile beat Steffi Graf to win her lone slam (although given what an ardent Graf hater you are, I am sure you will now try and argue Safina is a better tennis player than Graf, lol).

3. What is Anas edge exactly. Can you even name a single thing.

If you cant answer any of these you concede you have no case to make for Ana.

 

[TMF]

Ivanovic is one of the weakest player to win a grand slam indeed

Not a surprise since many have said starting 2008 was a weak era.

 

[rockandroll]

Not a surprise since many have said starting 2008 was a weak era.

2008-2011 is the weakest era for womens tennis so the winners in that span (Ivanovic, Stosur, Schiavone), along with joke Australian Open winners Chris O Neill and Barbara Jordan, would have to be at the bottom of all 1 slam champs.

 

[Straightshooter]

Sabatini sure, but Jana "Choking Machine" Novotna and Conchita "Moonbal" Martinez, you got to be kidding me. :shock:

Who Martinez beat to win Wimbledon? 38 years old Navratilova??? ROTFL. The flukiest and most undeserving slam in WTA history. Should have gone to Seles if there was no stabbing.

Ana was in two other slam finals also.

You can call Conchita's slam a fluke if you wan't, but she took advantage of the moment. And if Conchita was a "moonballer", what does that make Sabatini then?. If I remember right, Sabatini's game was downright boring, and she moonballed Steffi Graf to death in some of their matches. Not to mention Sabatini would take her sweet time playing Steffi, so much so Steffi would become frustrated playing Sabatini.

And Sabatini was just as much a choker as Jana, if not more so. At least Jana made up for her choking by winning Wimbledon, while Sabatini continued to gag right up till her retirement. Sabatini should be embarrassed by some of her chokes: 1991 Wimbledon against Steffi, 1993 French against Mary Joe, and 1995 Lipton against Kimiko. These are her best known, but Sabatini has other chokes on her resume as well. Give Jana credit for hanging around and improving, while Sabatini gave up and faded away.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

Why are people mentioning Ana Ivanovic she's a FLUKE champion. Give me a break! Ivanovic only won the French Open in 2008 due to good timing. Once Justine Henin retied she got her chance and won the French. Henin dominated Ivanovic.

Ivanovic is not that great a player she's very overrated. Notice she's still NOT in the top 10. The media hype Ana because she's a pretty young lady but in terms of results she's NOT top 10 because she's TOO INCONSISTENT. Ivanovic plays the top players like Azarenka tough but NOT consistent enough to get the win.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

2008-2011 is the weakest era for womens tennis so the winners in that span (Ivanovic, Stosur, Schiavone), along with joke Australian Open winners Chris O Neill and Barbara Jordan, would have to be at the bottom of all 1 slam champs.

I disagree about Samantha Stosur she BEAT Serena FAIR & SQUARE in the US OPEN women's final in 2011! Sam DESTROYED Serena in the US OPEN final beating her 6-2 6-3. Sam was on her game and she just overpowered Serena. The match is on YOU TUBE if you need to rewatch it! No way, was Sam Stosur's grand slam victory over Serena a joke she EARNED IT!

Also, Sam is one of only TWO players on the WTA Tour along with Venus who have beaten Serena at least TWICE in the grand slams. People need to give Sam more credit she also knocked off Serena at the French Open in 2010 in the quarterfinals.

Stosur should have won the French Open in 2010 but she choked against Schiavone in the finals. Sam played so well beating Henin and Serena back to back and then beating Jankovic. I don't think it is fair to compare Ivanovic to Stosur. Stosur is the better player.

 

[Straightshooter]

Why were Jana and Conchita in the top 5 for many years, while Ana could only last less than 2 years as a top 10 player then. As for your names you could call Ana forehand only and choking Ivanovic

Ana won her FO title only due to Henins retirement one month earlier anyway. Henin owns Roland Garros, and owns Ana even moreso.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbePRO5kNkc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrSekt2P_8Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPXze33tCGI

I have no idea the planet Seles dominated and was the one to beat at Wimbledon pre stabbing or any other time in her career, but it isnt the one I live. What is better, actually beating 37 year old Navratilova in a Wimbledon final, or at your all time peak losing 6-2, 6-1 to Graf in the Wimbledon final. I will take the former.

Jana and Conchita were top 5 for many years, simply because they were very good players. And had it not been for Steffi, Monica, and Arantxa, they most assuredly would have attained the number one ranking. Still, Conchita and Jana both made it to #2, while Sabatini only got to #3. For me, that's proof enough Conchita and Jana were better than Sabatini. Once again, the top three one slam winners for women should be:

1. Jana (100 career titles, singles & doubles, nuff said)

2. Conchita (33 singles titles)

3. Sabatini (Chokatini, oops, I mean Sabatini, is the greatest underachiever in womens' tennis history. At least I found one category we can call Sabatini "the greatest" in.

Anyone who disagrees with this ranking should get their head examined.

 

[nat75]

Gaby of course.

 

[nat75]

Jana and Conchita were top 5 for many years, simply because they were very good players. And had it not been for Steffi, Monica, and Arantxa, they most assuredly would have attained the number one ranking. Still, Conchita and Jana both made it to #2, while Sabatini only got to #3. For me, that's proof enough Conchita and Jana were better than Sabatini. Once again, the top three one slam winners for women should be:

1. Jana (100 career titles, singles & doubles, nuff said)

2. Conchita (33 singles titles)

3. Sabatini (Chokatini, oops, I mean Sabatini, is the greatest underachiever in womens' tennis history. At least I found one category we can call Sabatini "the greatest" in.

Anyone who disagrees with this ranking should get their head examined.

You call her chokeatini and yet you put Jana ahead? And FYI nobody cares about doubles. Sabatini has a winning record agaisnt both and has a better record against the top players. Enough said.

 

[reversef]

1 Gabriela Sabatini


2 Conchita Martinez
3 Jana Novotna

 

[crazyups]

Kvitova should not be in this conversation as well as Stosur and Li Na since their careers are not over and they have a great chance to get another slam. That being said, they would wipe out the other one slam wonders just from the physical aspect alone. Even in the other eras. Kvitova's talent is off the charts, if only she would train harder.

 

[rockandroll]

I was initially going to pick Gaby but I changed to Jana since she should have won Wimbledon 1993, Wimbledon 1997, and Wimbledon 1998. She had all 3 finals and choked the first two. Maybe even the 1991 Australian Open over Seles when she was up 7-5, 3-3, and lost 9 of the last 10 games with unforced error after unforced error, nothing amazing Seles did really, so that is 4 slams she should have won. I cant really think of any slam Sabatini should have won outside the 1990 U.S Open that she did win, except maybe Wimbledon 1991.

Either way Sabatini, Novotna, and Martinez are miles better than the others. The only one who is maybe close to the same caliber of player is Na Li, who might exit the 1 slam class anyway.

 

[Graf=GOAT]

Why are people mentioning Ana Ivanovic she's a FLUKE champion. Give me a break! Ivanovic only won the French Open in 2008 due to good timing. Once Justine Henin retied she got her chance and won the French. Henin dominated Ivanovic.

Ivanovic is not that great a player she's very overrated. Notice she's still NOT in the top 10. The media hype Ana because she's a pretty young lady but in terms of results she's NOT top 10 because she's TOO INCONSISTENT. Ivanovic plays the top players like Azarenka tough but NOT consistent enough to get the win.

Ana's problems are 100% mental. Her serve and FH combo are vicious and are more than enough to dominate current weak WTA field. She also seems to have good genetics and hardly ever gets injured. But endless choking and lack of confidence has reduced her to being a mediocre player that she is today. After Henin, she could have been a multi FO champion and won a few slams at AO and USO as well.

 

[rockandroll]

I think you are overrating Ana. Her only real weapon is her forehand, and even that isnt a Graf or even Serena Williams level forehand. Her serve is only pretty good, and a minor weapon at most. Her backhand isnt good. She isnt a good mover. She has no variety, feel, guile. Someone like Sharapova clearly never was good enough to dominate the WTA and at her best she had a way more complete and better overall bashing game (bashing is all either lady can do) game than one shot wonder Ana.

 

[Graf=GOAT]

I think you are overrating Ana. Her only real weapon is her forehand, and even that isnt a Graf or even Serena Williams level forehand. Her serve is only pretty good, and a minor weapon at most. Her backhand isnt good. She isnt a good mover. She has no variety, feel, guile. Someone like Sharapova clearly never was good enough to dominate the WTA and at her best she had a way more complete and better overall bashing game (bashing is all either lady can do) game than one shot wonder Ana.

That has got to be a joke. Ana's FH >>>>>> Williams' FH easily. In fact S.Williams' FH is vastly overrated by some posters here. I'd actually argue that its her weakness, prone to sudden hemorrhages of unforced errors.

I'd also say she's a decent mover for someone 1.85m and her BH isn't that bad (okay topspin BH is bad, but slice is decent).

I actually don't think I am overrating Ana. After Henin's departure, clay would be ridiculously easy to dominate for her, considering her FH power and ability to slide. That confidence could have easily carried her to a AO and USO wins.

 

[Laurie]

Interesting question.

I like Conchita Martinez the most here, she won over 30 tournaments, won the Italian Open 4 years in a row (the only player to do that I think), and of course won Wimbledon even though she was a clay court specialist! Also played in an Australian Open final and French Open final.

Jana Novotna also is up there, great doubles specialist too. Her WTA masters win in 1997 propelled her to Wimbledon glory in 1998. Rather bizarrely, when Mauresmo won the WTA masters in 2005 (also against Mary Pierce) I predicted she would win Wimbledon in 2006 and she did just that, Mary Pierce clearly the x factor.

I was a huge Sabatini fan and she was the first live match I ever saw back in 1995 against Lisa Raymond at Wimbledon. Out of all of these players Sabatini should have been in Mauresmo's and Mary Pierce's camp with two slams at least, she should have won Wimbledon in 1991 but threw it away. but then again, Novotna did the same in 1993 - what an earth did Graf do to these players?

How on earth can anyone here vote for Ana Ivanovic on tennis grounds?

 

[rockandroll]

How on earth can anyone here vote for Ana Ivanovic on tennis grounds?

Nobody did. It was either hotness grounds for a few men (the same reason Sabatini is further ahead in the poll than she should be, and Conchita has almost no votes), or Serbian obsessive Nationalistic pride (Chico) grounds for one.

I just noticed Sam Stosur has 6 votes. That is even crazier than Ana having 4. The girl has what, 3 WTA singles titles. Her doubles career (for those who care about that) is nothing on Novotna`s either.

 

[Laurie]

Nobody did. It was either hotness grounds for a few men (the same reason Sabatini is further ahead in the poll than she should be, and Conchita has almost no votes), or Serbian obsessive Nationalistic pride (Chico) grounds for one.

I just noticed Sam Stosur has 6 votes. That is even crazier than Ana having 4. The girl has what, 3 WTA singles titles. Her doubles career (for those who care about that) is nothing on Novotna`s either.

Thanks, I never actually looked at the poll until you mentioned it. But we have to remember, collectively this forum doesn't take womens tennis seriously at all.

 

[tennis_hack]

Why is Mauresmo in the poll, she got two Slams, yo.

 

[rockandroll]

Why is Mauresmo in the poll, she got two Slams, yo.

Look closer. She isnt on the poll.

 

[tennis_hack]

Look closer. She isnt on the poll.

Apologies.

Anyway, Schiavone gets my vote.

 

[monfed]

Serena Williams...OH WAIT :lol: