Born: 1863 (Greenford, west London)
Died: 1946
Biography:
Blanche Bingley Hillyard (née Bingley; 3 November 1863 – 6 August 1946) was an English tennis player who made significant contributions to the sport during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her exceptional skills and achievements on the tennis court firmly established her as one of the leading female players of her time. Bingley Hillyard’s remarkable career spanned nearly three decades, making her the longest-serving female competitor at Wimbledon.
Born in Greenford, west London, Blanche Bingley was the daughter of a prosperous tailoring business proprietor. She had a passion for tennis from a young age and became a member of the prestigious Ealing Lawn Tennis & Archery Club. Bingley Hillyard’s talent quickly became evident as she honed her skills on the courts.
Bingley Hillyard first achieved recognition when she participated in the inaugural Wimbledon championships for women in 1884, just two years after the introduction of the tournament. Her debut performance laid the foundation for her extraordinary career, serving as a testament to her exceptional abilities.
Over the course of her career, Blanche Bingley Hillyard won an impressive six singles titles at Wimbledon. She triumphed in 1886, 1889, 1894, 1897, 1898, and 1900, establishing herself as one of the most successful players in the history of the prestigious tournament. Additionally, she reached the finals on seven occasions, giving her a record-setting total of 13 Wimbledon finals, a remarkable feat that still stands to this day. Her longevity in the competition is noteworthy, as she continued to compete until the age of 49, playing her final Wimbledon in 1913.
Although Blanche Bingley Hillyard’s Wimbledon record positions her as the second-strongest women’s player of her era, Lottie Dod emerged as her most formidable opponent. Dod defeated Bingley Hillyard in five finals, showcasing the competitive rivalry between the two legendary players.
Bingley Hillyard’s success extended beyond Wimbledon. She also achieved remarkable victories in other prominent tournaments. Notably, she secured the Irish championships three times (1888, 1894, 1897) and the German International Championships twice (1897, 1900). In addition, she dominated the South of England Championships at Eastbourne, capturing the title an impressive 11 times between 1885 and 1905.
Other notable triumphs in Bingley Hillyard’s illustrious career include winning the Sussex Championships at Brighton five times (1893–1896, 1900) and clinching the London Championships at Stamford Bridge on three occasions (1886–1888). Additionally, she emerged victorious in the Derbyshire Championships at Buxton six times (1888, 1893–1894, 1896, 1901, 1906), the Exmouth LTC Tournament twice (1887–1888), the British Covered Court Championships in 1901, and the Bournemouth Open Tournament in 1901.
Off the court, Blanche Bingley Hillyard found happiness in her personal life. She married Commander George Whiteside Hillyard on 13 July 1887, just a week after her Wimbledon triumph. George Hillyard excelled in tennis, as well as first-class cricket for Middlesex and Leicestershire. From 1907 to 1925, he served as the secretary of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and director of the Wimbledon Championships, playing a significant role in the development and administration of the sport.
Blanche Bingley Hillyard’s remarkable career and numerous achievements not only left an indelible mark on the history of tennis but also inspired generations of female athletes. Her dedication, skill, and perseverance paved the way for future generations, contributing to the advancement of women’s tennis and the empowerment of women in sports.
Awards:
– Six-time Singles Wimbledon Champion (1886, 1889, 1894, 1897, 1898, 1900)
– Seven-time Wimbledon runner-up
– Three-time Irish Championships winner (1888, 1894, 1897)
– Two-time German International Championships winner (1897, 1900)
– Eleven-time South of England Championships winner at Eastbourne (1885-1905)