South African Open (tennis) 1891 to 1967 during the Amateur Era – was Eric Sturgess, who won eleven titles between 1939 and 1957 and lost a further final in 1947 to Eustace Fannin. He also holds the overall record for the most consecutive titles won – seven between 1948 and 1954. Five players share the record for the most male wins at the tournament in the Open Era – Rod Laver (1969, 1970), Jimmy Connors (1973, 1974), Harold Solomon (1975, 1976), Vitas Gerulaitis (1981, 1982) and Aaron Krickstein (1992, 1993). The most successful female player at the South African Championships – played from 1891
1971 US Open – Women's Singles 1971 US Open – Women's Singles Two-time reigning champion Margaret Court did not defend her title. Billie Jean King defeated Rosemary Casals 6–4, 7–6 (5-2) in the final to win the Women's Singles tennis title at the 1971 US Open. This tournament was notable for being the first Grand Slam appearance in which Chris Evert competed in the main draw, she made it to the semi-final. She competed in 19 consecutive US Open tournaments until her retirement in 1989. The seeded players are listed below. Billie Jean King is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.