King won 12 career major singles titles; eight were in the Open Era. Her 1972 season included Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. That three-major year gives this singles ranking a firm sporting basis, alongside the wider importance of her role in building women’s professional tennis.

She beats Henin on the larger Open Era major record, while Seles edges her on nine titles and early dominance. A ranking of influence could place King much higher, but changing that criterion would change the contest. Here, founding the WTA is context rather than an extra singles championship.

Source: Records.

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