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.
Active streaks and active players are in boldface.
<div style="display:inline-table; vertical-align:top;">
</div>
<div style="display:inline-table; vertical-align:top;">
</div>
<small>Court claimed both US National titles played in 1968 & 1969 alongside the US Open, but these tournaments were subsequently downgraded to non-Grand Slam status.</small>
|-
Tennis was reinstated as an official Olympic sport in 1988. There have been nine tournaments in the Open Era.
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.
<small>Correct with (â²) indicating active streaks.</small>.
Year-end rankings total through 2023
See WTA Prize money. As prize money has increased dramatically 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.