Who was the last American women’s singles champion at the French Open?

Americans haven’t been very successful at the French Open in recent history, as, in most cases, their game suits better with the hard courts.

Since the Open Era began in 1968, nine different American players have combined for 19 singles titles in the French capital.

American women players who won the French Open title

As for women, there’s a name that pops up quickly in the mind of tennis fans: Serena Williams. The younger of the Williams sisters won the trophy three times (2002, 2013, 2015).

Did part of her inspiration come from Jennifer Capriati? Maybe. The Florida native, a 1992 Olympic gold medalist, defeated Kim Clijsters in three sets in 2001.

The other two women who won the French Open are two of the greatest tennis players of all time. One of them is Martina Navratilova, who won it in 1982 and 1984. The 18-time Grand Slam tournament winner beat Adrea Jaeger and Chris Evert in the final, respectively. No player has won more singles tournaments (167) than Navratilova since the Open Era began.

Chris Evert is the other name that stands out. The American won the title in 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986, being the second most successful player at Roland Garros only behind Nadal. She won at least one major during 13 consecutive years.

A pioneer in equality, Billy Jean King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, being Roland Garros one of them in 1972, beating Australia’s Evonne Goolagong in straight sets. She became the first woman in the history of sports to win $100,000 in a year.

Nancy Richey became the first French Open champion during the Open Era, paving the way for success in Paris since then for the rest of the American players.

Before the Open Era, eight American women won French Open titles: Helen Willis Moody, Margaret Osborne duPont, Patricia Canning Todd, Doris Hart, Shirley Fry, Maureen Connolly, Althea Gibson and Darlene Hard

List of French Open winners