Several American women have won the Australian Open over the years, but who was the first?
Since the event began in 1922, 26 American women have won the Australian Open.
The latest American to lift the title was Madison Keys, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka in this year’s final.
Serena Williams, Chris Evert, and Jennifer Capriati all won multiple titles at the event, representing the United States down under.
But interestingly, the first American winner of the Australian Open never returned to defend her title…
Dorothy Cheney was the first American woman to win the Australian Open
Dorothy Cheney (Then Dorothy Bundy) was the daughter of Tennis Hall of Famer May Sutton Bundy.
She made her debut at the US Open in 1936, reaching the quarterfinals, and continued to find success in New York over the years.
It was at the Australian Open, however, that she enjoyed the best result of her career, winning the title in 1938.
Dorothy Cheney at the 1938 Australian Open
- 1938 Australian Open 2R [WIN] vs Joan Walters, 6-3, 8-6
- 1938 Australian Open QF [WIN] vs (6) May Hardcastle, 6-3, 6-4
- 1938 Australian Open SF [WIN] vs (5) Eleanor Hopman, 6-2, 6-3
- 1938 Australian Open F [WIN] vs (7) Dorothy Stevenson, 6-3, 6-2
Cheney was only required to win four matches, as she beat the number-five, six, and seven seeds en route to the title.
She never returned to defend her title for several reasons.
Back then, the Australian Open wasn’t considered a ‘major’ tournament as it is today, and the top players rarely made the trip down under.
There were also the logistical difficulties involved in travelling to Australia, which they had to contend with.
That led Cheney to focus on her home US Open, although she was unable to add that title to her trophy cabinet, despite reaching nine quarterfinals.
Dorothy Cheney’s Grand Slam performance timeline
| Grand Slam | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1948 | 1955 | 1959 |
| Australian Open | – | – | W | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| French Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | SF | – | – | – |
| Wimbledon | – | – | 4R | – | – | – | – | – | – | SF | – | – | – |
| US Open | QF | SF | SF | QF | QF | QF | SF | SF | QF | 1R | 2R | 3R | 1R |
She played her final Grand Slam tournament aged 43, losing in the first round of the US Open.
Cheney finished her career with a major title to her name and will forever be remembered as the first American woman to win in Australia.
She sadly passed in 2014, but did so as a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, just like her mother.
Who will be the next American woman to win the Australian Open?
Keys won this year’s title, but can another American take the crown in 2026?
World number three Coco Gauff is the obvious pick, having added to her Grand Slam tally at this year’s French Open.
Gauff was a losing quarterfinalist at the 2025 Australian Open, but reached the semifinals a year earlier, and looks comfortable on Rod Laver Arena.
Who will win the 2026 Australian Open?
Gauff’s fellow American Amanda Anisimova may well be another to look out for, having qualified for the last two Grand Slam finals of 2025.
The world number four made real strides forward this year and has the firepower to win the biggest titles on tour.
She has yet to prove herself in Melbourne, though, and lost in the second round to Emma Raducanu this January.
While there is a lot of talk about the young Americans, Anisimova and Gauff, veteran star Jessica Pegula could be one to watch aswell.
The 31-year-old is as consistent as they come, and will be determined to finally get her hands on a Grand Slam title in the new year.
Who will be the biggest disappointment at the 2026 Australian Open?
Finally, Keys herself shouldn’t be discounted. She didn’t play her best tennis post-Melbourne, admittedly, but she is still the defending champion and deserves a mention.
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious at the 2026 Australian Open, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 18.
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