Top 5 Youngest Women's Singles Champions in Wimbledon History

Wimbledon is often considered the most challenging tournament in tennis. Over the years, even some of the sport’s greatest legends—like Monica Seles, Justine Henin, and Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario—have come up short on its iconic grass courts. Despite dominating elsewhere, they were never able to lift the coveted Wimbledon trophy, which speaks volumes about just how tough this Grand Slam really is.

That said, a select few have not only conquered Wimbledon, but done so at an incredibly young age—fulfilling a lifelong dream in their teenage years. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five youngest women ever to win the Wimbledon singles title.

5. Chris Evert (1974) – 19 years, 335 days

Chris Evert claimed her first Wimbledon title in 1974 with a commanding 6–0, 6–4 victory over Olga Morozova in the final. Her path to the crown featured a standout semifinal triumph over defending champion Billie Jean King—a significant milestone for the rising American star. Renowned for her unwavering baseline play and exceptional mental fortitude, Evert would go on to capture three Wimbledon singles titles over the course of her legendary career.

4. Evonne Goolagong (1971) – 19 years, 309 days

Evonne Goolagong's triumph at the 1971 Wimbledon Championships was the stuff of fairytales. Just 19 years and 309 days old, the young Australian captivated the crowd with her effortless grace and athleticism. In a dream final, she defeated her idol, Margaret Court, 6–4, 6–1, to claim her first Wimbledon singles title.

Goolagong’s remarkable run also included a semifinal victory over defending champion Billie Jean King, showcasing her poise on the sport’s biggest stage. This victory marked the beginning of her Wimbledon legacy—one she would complete nine years later with a second title in 1980.

3. Steffi Graf (1988) – 19 years, 19 days

Steffi Graf’s breakthrough at Wimbledon in 1988 marked a defining moment in tennis history. At just 19 years and 19 days old, the German phenom stunned the world by dethroning the legendary Martina Navratilova in the final, rallying from a set down to win 5–7, 6–2, 6–1. Navratilova had dominated Wimbledon for six consecutive years, making Graf’s triumph all the more extraordinary.

Her path to the title was anything but easy, featuring impressive victories over top-10 opponents Natalia Zvereva and Gabriela Sabatini. This Wimbledon crown was a cornerstone of Graf’s unprecedented Golden Slam—winning all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year. She would go on to capture seven Wimbledon singles titles in total, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

2. Maria Sharapova (2004) – 17 years, 75 days

In 2004, Maria Sharapova stunned the tennis world by defeating defending champion Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final, 6–1, 6–4, with fearless shot-making and remarkable composure. On her path to the title, she also overcame former champion Lindsay Davenport in the semifinals, rallying from a set down in a dramatic comeback.

Sharapova's victory marked a historic moment—she became the first Russian woman to win Wimbledon. Although her career would go on to include four more Grand Slam titles, the 2004 Wimbledon crown remained her only triumph at the All England Club.

1. Martina Hingis (1997) – 16 years, 278 days

In 1997, Martina Hingis made history by becoming the youngest women’s singles champion at Wimbledon in the Open Era, capturing the title at just 16 years and 278 days old. Already ranked World No. 1, Hingis impressed fans and critics alike with her remarkable court intelligence and calm under pressure throughout the tournament.

In the final, she faced seasoned Czech player Jana Novotná, who was hoping to finally lift the trophy after a heartbreaking loss in the 1993 final. Hingis lost the first set but bounced back with incredible poise, winning 2–6, 6–3, 6–3 in a display of maturity well beyond her years. Along the way, she also defeated rising stars like Anna Kournikova.

Although Hingis would never win another Wimbledon singles title, she went on to collect four more Grand Slam singles trophies, along with three doubles and two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles—securing her place as one of tennis’s all-time greats.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com