The US Open Women’s Singles event was first won by Ellen Hansell in 1887.
Since then, players from 18 different countries have won the title.
Aryna Sabalenka – of Belarus – was the last to do so, beating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 in the 2025 final.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
One player who never won the US Open singles title was Evonne Goolagong – the former world number one player who won 14 major titles across singles and doubles.
Remarkably, Goolagong reached the final four years in a row but was unable to win the title even once.
Evonne Goolagong’s US Open heartbreak
Goolagong, born in Griffith, Australia, first qualified for the US Open final in 1973.
Margaret Court, a 24-time major singles champion, stopped Goolagong in her tracks; triumphing 7–6, 5–7, 6–2.
The Australian found herself in the final once again in 1974, and she looked set to win the title after taking a one set lead against Billie Jean King.
King roared back to claim the title, beating Goolagong 3–6, 6–3, 7–5.
Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, was the next player to crush Goolagong’s US Open dreams.
The American beat Goolagong 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 in the 1975 final, capturing her first New York title.
The pair contested a rematch at the very same stage of the 1976 event. Again Evert emerged victorious, this time winning 6-3, 6-0.
Evert also beat Goolagong in the 1976 Wimbledon final: 6-3, 4-6, 8-6.
Evonne Goolagong’s last Grand Slam title
Goolagong’s final major triumph occurred at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships.
The Australian, who also won the 1971 singles title, defeated Chris Evert 6–1, 7–6 to win the 1980 title.
“I was getting fed up of being a runner-up. It made me all the more determined,” Goolagong admitted afterwards, as reported by The News Telegram on July 6, 1980.
Goolagong lost 11 of her 18 Grand Slam singles finals.
“It wasn’t nearly as emotional in 1971,” she continued. “Then I felt like I was just exploring everything.
“I didn’t realise how important Wimbledon was.
“Now I have matured a lot. It felt a lot different.
“I think this has to be one of the most exciting moments of my life.”
Goolagong made her final major appearance at the 1983 French Open, losing in the third round to Chris Evert.
