5 American women to win Australian Open since 2000 ft. Madison Keys, Serena Williams

The Australian Open has become a stage for American women to showcase their dominance in tennis. Since 2000, five different American women have lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. In fact, over the last 25 years, Americans have clinched the trophy 12 times, which is more than any other nation.

From Madison Keys’ dream run in 2025 to the queen of Melbourne Park Serena Williams, these champions have left their mark at the Slam Down Under. Here’s a look at the five American women who have won the Australian Open in the 21st century, starting from the most recent winner.

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1. Madison Keys' first-ever Grand Slam title (2025)

Madison Keys with her 2025 Australian Open trophy - Source: Getty

Madison Keys finally fulfilled her Grand Slam dream by winning the 2025 Australian Open, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final.

For years, Keys had been seen as one of the most dangerous players on tour, known for her powerful forehand and fearless game style. Despite reaching the 2017 US Open final and multiple Grand Slam semifinals, she struggled to break through. However, in Melbourne 2025, everything clicked.

Keys is considered one of the most skillful players on the tour, proven by her nine ATP tour titles. The 19th seed's high-risk tennis was at its best in Melbourne this year, enabling her to win the biggest title of her career.

Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka met for the 6th time in their career, and this was only the second time the American managed to win against the World No. 1.

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#2. Sofia Kenin - 2020

Sofia Kenin with the Australian Open 2020 trophy - Source: Getty

At just 21 years of age, Sofia Kenin clinched her first Major title at the 2020 Australian Open, stunning the tennis world.

The 14th seed in the tournament, Kenin’s road to the title included a semifinal victory over World No. 1 and home favorite Ashleigh Barty. Kenin also produced a remarkable comeback win over two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the final.

Not many expected her to win the title, but Kenin’s fearlessness and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments made her the youngest American woman to win a Grand Slam since Serena Williams in 1999.

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#3. Serena Williams - 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017

Serena Williams with the 2017 Australian Open trophy - Source: Getty

Serena Williams has been crowned champion seven times Down Under, which is more than any woman in the Open Era. In 2003, after winning her first title at the Australian Open, she completed her Career Slam.

Over the years, Serena proved to be nearly unbeatable in Melbourne, winning against the likes of Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, and her sister Venus Williams. Her final title in 2017, where she defeated Venus while she was pregnant, remains one of the greatest achievements in sports history.

Serena has an incredible win-loss ratio of 67-11 at Melbourne Park.

#4. Jennifer Capriati - 2001, 2002

Jennifer Capriati kissing her 2002 Australian Open trophy - Source: Getty

Jennifer Capriati won two consecutive Australian Open titles after taking a break from tennis for three years. Even though she returned to professional tennis in 1996, the American was still searching for her first Major title, which came in 2001. After winning the Australian Open and the French Open in the same year, she even achieved the World No. 1 ranking.

In both instances, Capriati defeated Martina Hingis in the final, making good on the potential she displayed as a teenager by winning the Olympic gold in 1992. Later, she was even inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

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5. Lindsay Davenport – the first Australian Open champion of the millennium (2000)

Lindsay Davenport with the 2000 Australian Open trophy - Source: Getty

The American dominance at the Australian Open this century was kickstarted by Lindsay Davenport in 2000, when she won her third Grand Slam in total and first Slam Down Under.

Davenport’s victory over Martina Hingis in the final broke the Swiss' three-year winning streak. Hingis made six consecutive final appearances from 1998 to 2002 at the Australian Open, which is a stat in itself.