Open Era tennis records – Women's singles
The Open Era is the current era of professional tennis. It began in 1968 when the Grand Slam tournaments allowed professional players to compete with amateurs, ending the division that had persisted in men's tennis since the dawn of the sport in the 19th century. The first "open" tournament was held in Bournemouth, England, followed by the inaugural open Grand Slam tournament a month later. All records are based on data from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the official sites of the four Grand Slam  tournaments. Active streaks and active players are in boldface. WTA rankings achievements. WTA rankings began in 1975. These weekly rankings determine tournament eligibility and seedings. At the end of each year they also become the official WTA season rankings. Year-end rankings total through 2021 Prize money. See WTA Prize money. As prize money has increased strongly in recent decades, the lists of prize money leaders for the Open Era (since 1968) and for the WTA Tour period (since 1973) are the same.