Serena Williams’ 6-3 6-3 win over Caroline Wozniacki in the US Open final at Flushing Meadows this moning, matched legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert with 18 Slam singles crowns apiece.
She still sits behind Margaret Court (24 slams), Steffi Graf (22 slams) and Helen Wills Moody (19 slams).
The two legends joined Williams on the presentation podium to present her with an 18 carat gold necklace from Tiffanys to celebrate the occasion.
A gracious gesture from the two former players Williams most admires.
Not that Williams needed the handsome jewelry, having banked $4m in prizemoney today, taking her career earnings to $65m, the highest in women’s tennis, and the fourth overall.
The victory, just 19 days short of her 33rd birthday, was her sixth US Open, and third in succession, ending the Slam year on a high note after an ordinary season by her lofty standards.
Williams was beaten in the fourth round at the Australian by Ana Ivanovic 46 63 63, the second round at the French by unknown Spaniard Gabine Muguruza 62 62, and by another unknown South African Chanelle Scheepers 61 61 in the third round at Wimbledon before her comeback today.
The full scoreboard of the big three:
Serena Williams:
Five Australian Opens – 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2010.
Two French – 2002 and 2013.
Five Wimlbledons – 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, and 2012.
And six US – 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Martina Navratilova, now 57:
Three Australian – 1981, 1983, and 1985.
Two French – 1982 and 1984.
Nine Wimbledons – 1978, 1979, 1982, 1083, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1990.
And four US – 1983, 1984, 1986, and 1987.
Chris Evert, now 59:
Two Australian – 1982 and 1984.
Seven French – 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, and 1986,
Three Wimbledons – 1974, 1976, and 1981.
And six US – 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1982.
Navratilova and Evert played in the same era, which makes their Slam records even more outstanding.
So how do the three 18 Slam holders compare in career stats.
Chris Evert (1972-1989) leads with 1309 wins and 146 losses for an 89.96% success rate.
Serena Williams (1995-current) comes second with 677 wins and 118 losses for an 85.15% success rate.
With Martina Navratilova (1975-1999, with a comeback season in 2006) close by with 747 wins and 143 losses for an 83.9% success rate.
In WTA career titles won – Navratilova 177, Evert 157, and Williams 63.
Three of the very best together on Arthur Ashe centre court today, drawing thunderous standing applause as they deserve.
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