Suzanne Lenglen

Suzanne Lenglen was born on May 24, 1899, in Compiègne, France. She would go on to become one of the first female sports celebrities and a pioneer in professional women's tennis. Lenglen is known for her grace on the court and her daring fashion choices, including wearing dresses that exposed her forearms and eventually her calves, which was considered shocking for the time. Her influence on the game was profound, and she became a symbol of the new woman in the 1920s.

At the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Suzanne Lenglen won her first Olympic gold medal in women's singles tennis. She defeated British player Dorothy Holman in the final to secure the victory. Lenglen also won a gold medal in the women's doubles and a bronze medal in the mixed doubles during these games. Her performance at the 1920 Olympics solidified her reputation as one of the greatest tennis players of her era.

Suzanne Lenglen won her first Wimbledon Ladies Singles title on June 29, 1921. She defeated American player Elizabeth Ryan in the final. This victory marked the beginning of her dominance at Wimbledon, where she would win a total of six singles titles. Lenglen's style of play, which combined both elegance and power, captivated the audiences and helped popularize women's tennis as a spectator sport.

By July 8, 1922, Suzanne Lenglen had become known for her remarkable undefeated streak in singles matches. Starting from 1921, she had not lost a single match, establishing her as the most dominant force in women's tennis at that time. Her streak and grace under pressure were a significant draw for spectators, and her matches were famous for attracting large crowds, eager to see her perform in person.

During the 1923 Wimbledon Championships, Suzanne Lenglen withdrew from the tournament due to illness. This was one of the most notable incidents in her career because Lenglen was highly favored to win. Her unexpected withdrawal shocked fans and officials alike, and led to discussions about the intensity and pressures of professional tennis on athletes. It highlighted the physical demands athletes faced, as well as the need for better health management.

On February 16, 1926, Suzanne Lenglen made the groundbreaking decision to turn professional, a move that was uncommon for female tennis players at the time. She signed a contract to tour the United States and play exhibition matches, marking a pivotal point in tennis history. This decision effectively ended her amateur career, but it also paved the way for future generations of female athletes to pursue professional sports careers.

Suzanne Lenglen played her first professional match in America on June 24, 1926. She competed against Mary K. Browne in New York, drawing a massive audience eager to watch the renowned 'La Divine' play. Her foray into professional tennis was groundbreaking and increased public interest and acceptance of professional female athletes, challenging existing norms and setting the stage for future stars in women's tennis.

Suzanne Lenglen passed away on July 4, 1938, at the age of 39. Her death was due to pernicious anemia, a type of vitamin B12 deficiency. Lenglen's passing marked the end of an era in tennis, as she was considered one of the most influential players in the sport's history. Her legacy endures in the tennis world, particularly in France, where the second court at the Stade Roland Garros is named Court Suzanne Lenglen in her honor.

Suzanne Lenglen was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1985. This honor recognized her outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport of tennis, both on and off the court. Lenglen's play style, charisma, and barrier-breaking career paved the path for future female athletes and set new standards in women's sports. Her legacy is celebrated annually at the Hall of Fame.

On June 3, 1997, the French Open's Court Number 1 was renamed in honor of Suzanne Lenglen, becoming known as Court Suzanne Lenglen. This dedication was in recognition of her contributions to tennis and her lasting legacy in France and the world. As a trailblazer in women's tennis, Lenglen's name continues to inspire future generations of tennis players. The court is a major venue at the Roland Garros stadium and hosts numerous significant matches during the tournament.