A look at the tennis players who have won Olympic gold in women’s singles ft. Steffi Graf, Serena Williams
Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Venus Williams: Olympic gold medalists
A look at the tennis players who have won Olympic gold in women’s singles ft. Steffi Graf, Serena Williams
Tennis at the Olympics was introduced in the inaugural edition in 1896 and was restricted to male athletes, but it was discontinued after 1924. That led to the amateur era, included only as a demonstration sport at the Games in 1968 and 1984 with an age limit of under-21.
Finally, it was reinstated as a full sport from the 1988 edition onward, played on outdoor hardcourts and marking the beginning of the open era. Since then, we have veritably come a long way as the 2024 Paris Olympics will host an equal number of male and female sportspersons.The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of global sporting excellence and winning the gold medal is the most cherished dream of every player. Here, we look at the list of gold medalists in the women’s singles event, in which a different player has tasted victory in each edition.
#1 Steffi Graf
22-time Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf won the inaugural gold for the sport at Seoul 1988, triumphing over Gabriela Sabatini of Argentina. The two had earlier teamed up to claim the Wimbledon doubles crown.Steffi Graf at Wimbledon 1995 (Getty Images)
Steffi Graf at Wimbledon 1995
Such was the dominance of Graf that she was the only player to complete the calendar year Golden Slam (winning the Olympics and all four Grand Slams – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – in the same year).
She also paired with Claudia Kohde-Kilsch to secure the bronze in the women’s doubles. Graf and her husband, Andre Agassi remain the only tennis couple to have won the Olympic gold, Agassi having won in 1996.
#2 Jennifer Capriati
Jennifer Capriati at the draw ceremony of WTA Finals
A teenage American, Jennifer Capriati, despite going a set down early on, put up a spirited show to overcome the challenge of the heavy favorite defending champion and then-World No. 1, Steffi Graf in Barcelona. She became the youngest-ever player to achieve the stunning feat of Olympic supremacy in tennis.
#3 Lindsay Davenport
Lindsay Davenport, captain of Team USA at Billie Jean King Cup 2024
A young Lindsay Davenport captured the gold medal by defeating Spaniard Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, the reigning French Open winner and holder of two Olympic medals. The Atlanta Games remains the only edition in which the USA secured the top spot in both the women’s and men’s singles, with Andre Agassi taking the men’s honors.
#4 Venus Williams
Venus Williams at Miami Open, 2024
Venus Williams completed a hat trick of gold medals at the Olympic Games for Team USA. She combined with younger sister Serena to claim gold in the doubles category as well. The two have contributed to a phenomenal nine Olympic medals for the American contingent, with Venus Williams becoming the most successful player having amassed a total of five medals.
#5 Justine Henin-Hardenne
Justine Henin at Wimbledon, 2010
In a rare battle of single-handed backhands on the female tour, the Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne emerged victorious over France’s Amelie Mauresmo in straight sets. Henin was hailed for hitting one of the most elegant single-handed backhands of all time, alongside Roger Federer. To date, it remains the only Olympic gold in tennis by Belgium.
#6 Elena Dementieva
Elena Dementieva at the US Open, 2010
A silver medalist at Sydney in 2000 after having lost to Venus Williams, Elena Dementieva got redemption in Beijing in 2008 by conquering compatriot Dinara Safina. The only podium sweep in the history of Olympic tennis was achieved by Russia, with Vera Zvonareva taking the bronze.
#7 Serena Williams
Serena Williams at Rio 2016
Serena Williams repeated the golden double feat of her elder sister by standing atop the podium in both singles and doubles, partnered with Venus. She decimated Maria Sharapova in straight sets involving a first set bagel, 6-0, 6-1 to complete her career Golden Slam (winning the Olympic gold and all four Grand Slams in one’s career).
She is also the only player to accomplish a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
#8 Monica Puig
Monica Puig at Wimbledon, 2019
Monica Puig created history for Puerto Rico by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal in the history of the Olympics across all sporting events. She held her nerves to beat German Angelique Kerber in three sets. The unseeded Puig demonstrated exceptional mental strength to topple four seeds – Angelique Kerber, Petra Kvitova, Garbine Muguruza and Anastasia Pavyluchenkova.
#9 Belinda Bencic
Belinda Bencic at Billie Jean King Cup, 2023
Belinda Bencic grabbed the gold by defeating Czech Marketa Vondrousova, and the doubles silver alongside Viktorija Golubic. Belincic could not replicate her Olympic glory at Grand Slams despite reaching a career-high ranking of 4. However, she has been a fantastic team player, winning the Fed Cup and Hopman Cup for Switzerland.
These illustrious winners have carved their names in the history books through their journey of skill, athleticism and perseverance. Paris 2024 will see yet another new Olympic champion, as none of the previous gold medalists are participating and will undoubtedly add another glorious chapter to this storied legacy, providing the grandest sporting stage a chance to bid farewell to the legends and welcome the youngsters.
