Top 10 British Women’s Tennis Players in History
From Boulter to Jones.
In 2024, British women’s tennis witnessed a historic milestone. For the first time in 37 years, five British players advanced to the second round of a Grand Slam. While bookmakers haven't exactly shown overwhelming faith in the Brits’ chances at major tournaments, the best odds still favour Emma Raducanu to lift the Wimbledon trophy.
The 10 Greatest British Women’s Tennis Players of All Time
It's clear that women’s tennis in Britain is emerging from a long period of stagnation. And perhaps, it is entering a new golden era—something that has happened more than once over the past century. Here is our look at the greatest British female tennis players in history.
10. Katie Boulter
Years Active: 2013–Present
Highest WTA Ranking: 27 (2024)
Titles: 2 WTA (Singles)
Grand Slam Titles: None
Katie Boulter emerged as Britain’s No.1 in the 2020s, stepping into the spotlight with her powerful groundstrokes and fierce competitive spirit. Her run to the third round of Wimbledon in consecutive years (2022–2023) and a WTA title in Nottingham cemented her as a key player in a post-Murray era.
Off the court, Boulter has been a role model for younger players, often speaking about body image and mental health. She's also known for her relationship with fellow tennis pro Alex de Minaur, which made headlines in the tennis world.
9. Jo Durie
Years Active: 1977–1995
Highest WTA Ranking: 5 (1984)
Titles: 2 WTA (Singles), 5 WTA (Doubles)
Grand Slam Titles: None (2 Mixed Doubles)
Jo Durie was the last British woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in singles before Emma Raducanu. In 1983, she made the semis of both the French and US Open, achieving what few others had during the Open Era. A formidable doubles player too, she won two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles with Jeremy Bates.
Durie later became a coach and commentator, and was one of the first British players to speak openly about the physical demands of life on tour. Her legacy endures in her contributions to women’s tennis development.
8. Anne Keothavong
Years Active: 2001–2013
Highest WTA Ranking: 48 (2009)
Titles: 20 ITF (Singles)
Grand Slam Titles: None
Anne Keothavong may not have collected WTA titles, but her influence is undeniable. A consistent British No.1 throughout the 2000s, she was the first Brit to break into the top 50 since Jo Durie.
Born to Laotian parents, she brought diversity and resilience to the British tennis scene and later became Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain. Under her leadership, Britain reached the World Group playoffs for the first time in decades.
7. Johanna Konta
Years Active: 2006–2021
Highest WTA Ranking: 4 (2017)
Titles: 4 WTA (Singles)
Grand Slam Titles: None
Johanna Konta was a late bloomer, rising rapidly through the ranks after switching allegiance from Australia to Britain. She reached the semi-finals at three different Grand Slams and was widely praised for her analytical, composed style of play. Her 2017 Wimbledon semi-final run reignited hopes of a home champion.
Konta retired in 2021 and became a mother shortly after. In retirement, she’s stayed connected to the sport, offering sharp insight as a pundit while also exploring interests in wellness and psychology.
6. Virginia Wade
Years Active: 1968–1986
Highest WTA Ranking: 2 (1975)
Titles: 55 (Singles)
Grand Slam Titles: 3 (Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open)
Wade was the last British woman to win Wimbledon, doing so in 1977 during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee—an iconic moment in British sport. A versatile player who could succeed on all surfaces, she was one of the few players to win Grand Slam titles on grass, clay, and hard courts.
Wade also earned a degree in mathematics from Sussex and has been one of the game's most respected commentators since her retirement. Her signature glasses and tactical brilliance made her a unique figure in tennis history.
5. Dorothy Round
Years Active: 1926–1939
Highest Ranking: N/A (Pre-WTA Era)
Titles: 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Championships
Grand Slam Titles: 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Dorothy Round was a graceful champion and the first British woman to win both Wimbledon and the Australian Championships. Known for her sportsmanship and deeply held religious beliefs, she famously refused to play on Sundays.
She was a champion on and off the court, often writing for newspapers and participating in charitable causes. Her elegant game and sense of fair play made her a beloved figure in interwar British sport.
4. Emma Raducanu
Years Active: 2018–Present
Highest WTA Ranking: 10 (2022)
Titles: 1 (Grand Slam)
Grand Slam Titles: 1 (US Open)
Emma Raducanu made history in 2021 by winning the US Open as a qualifier—without dropping a set. The then-18-year-old became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since 1977 and captivated a global audience with her poise, intelligence, and baseline precision.
Her post-victory years were marred by injuries and coaching changes, but Raducanu remains one of the most marketable and talked-about athletes in the world. Whether she adds to her Grand Slam tally or not, her 2021 run will remain one of the most astonishing in tennis history.
3. Sue Barker
Years Active: 1973–1984
Highest WTA Ranking: 3 (1977)
Titles: 15 WTA (Singles)
Grand Slam Titles: 1 (French Open)
Before she became the face of Wimbledon broadcasting, Sue Barker was a world-class tennis player. She won the 1976 French Open and reached the semi-finals at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Injuries cut her playing career short, but her legacy extends far beyond the court.
As a BBC presenter, Barker became the voice of British tennis for over three decades, anchoring Wimbledon coverage and A Question of Sport. In 2022, she retired from broadcasting, having earned universal respect for her professionalism and charm.
2. Angela Mortimer
Years Active: 1948–1965
Highest WTA Ranking: N/A (Pre-WTA)
Titles: 55 Amateur titles
Grand Slam Titles: 3 (Wimbledon, French Open, Australian Open)
Angela Mortimer achieved the rare feat of winning Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces of her era—grass, clay, and the early hard courts of Australia. She won Wimbledon in 1961 despite being partially deaf, a triumph of willpower and talent.
Mortimer was also part of the first all-British women’s Wimbledon final in the Open Era and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Her determination and classic style left a lasting impression on British tennis.
1. Ann Jones
Years Active: 1955–1971
Highest Ranking: N/A (Pre-WTA)
Titles: 13 Major Titles (including Doubles & Mixed)
Grand Slam Titles: 3 (Wimbledon, French Open x2)
Ann Jones was a dominant force on clay and eventually conquered Wimbledon in 1969, defeating Billie Jean King in the final. That win was the culmination of a career defined by elegance and tactical mastery.
Jones also won multiple doubles titles and helped lead Britain to success in the Federation Cup. After retiring, she became a prominent tennis administrator and commentator, advocating for greater recognition of women in sport.
Napoli
Empoli
Atlético Madrid
Valladolid
Bournemouth
Fulham
Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona
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