Like their counterparts at the ATP, WTA stars also have prestigious year-end championships. The tournament also includes 8 highest ranked female players of the season. From 2014 to 2018, the event took place in Singapore and now from 2019 to 2029, it has moved to Shenzhen China. We look at the 5 most successful champions in the tournament’s history since its inception in 1972.
5. Monica Seles
If it was not the stabbing incident in Germany in April 1993, Monica would have added much more to her already illustrious career. The former World Number 1 was in the form of her life from 1990 to 1992.
During this period Seles won these WTA championships thrice in succession. After her stabbing incident Seles did not play the tournament for few years and would never lift the trophy again.
4. Chris Evert
The great American was the 1st winner of the WTA year-end Championships in 1972. She repeated the feat next year in 1973. During those 2 years, the tournament was held on Evert’s beloved Clay.
Chrissie would again raise the trophy in 1975 and 1977, this time on the Carpet Court. This made the Queen of Clay a 4 time Champion at the prestigious tournament.
3. Serena Williams
Serena won the year end Championship 1st time way back in 2001 when she was aged just 20. The younger Williams sibling received a walkover when Lindsay Davenport opted out of the match.
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It was a long wait for the 23 Slam Champion for the 2nd title, which came after 8 years in 2009, when Serena defeated her elder sister Venus in the finals. Three more consecutive titles would follow from 2012 to 2014, making Serena the 5 time Champion at this prestigious tournament.
2. Steffi Graf
Graf has been regarded as one of the most complete players ever to pick up a racquet. She was certainly the most consistent one at all surfaces.
Graf won the ATP year-end title for the 1st time in 1987 and her 5th and final win came in 1996. In her journey, Steffi would defeat great players of her era like Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis in these finals.
1. Martina Navratilova
Martina has been an example of fitness and consistency for many succeeding generations of tennis players. The Czech born American has 8 year end titles in her amazing tally of 167 singles titles.
She won the ATP finals 5 times in succession during 1983 to 1987 and is the only female tennis player to do so. This places her at the top of the list among the winners of season finale tournament.