14 best players to never win the French Open

4. Venus Williams 

Injuries and illness may have kept Williams from rising even further up the record books in her storied career, but she still put together one of the best runs in the history of the sport in the early 2000s. A French Open title eluded her during the era, so Williams ranks as the greatest women’s singles player to never prevail at Roland Garros.

Credited with changing the women’s game with her powerful playing style, Williams was at her best on grass. She dominated Wimbledon from 2000-2008 with five singles championships, including successful title defenses in 2001 and 2008, and another two finals appearances.

With a pair of US Open titles in 2000 and 2001, Williams has seven career Grand Slam wins, tying her for 12th all-time in women’s tennis history. While she had some success in clay tournaments, Williams was unable to add to that total at the French Open.

Williams’ best chance came at the 2002 French Open, when she advanced all the way to the final as the second seed. Her sister Serena beat her in straight sets, and she has not been past the quarterfinals since.

The Williams’ sisters have also been a dominant force in the doubles game, and have won a pair of French Open championships. While Venus’ career may be on the downswing, she has a chance at a miracle run as the No. 9 seed at the 2016 French Open.

Next: 3. Novak Djokovic