Born: 1903 (Ashfield, New South Wales)
Died: 1933
Biography:
Daphne Jessie Akhurst (22 April 1903 – 9 January 1933) known also by her married name Daphne Cozens, was an Australian tennis player who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. Akhurst won the women’s singles title at the Australian Championships five times between 1925 and 1930, establishing herself as one of the dominant players of her era.
Born in Ashfield, New South Wales, Akhurst was the second daughter of Oscar James Akhurst, a lithographer, and his wife Jessie Florence (née Smith). From a young age, Akhurst displayed a natural talent for tennis. She excelled in the sport and quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the attention of tennis enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Akhurst’s major success came at the Australian Championships, where she claimed the women’s singles title an impressive five times. She emerged victorious in 1925, 1926, 1928, 1929, and 1930, cementing her place in Australian tennis history. Her achievements at the Australian Championships placed her fourth on the list of all-time women’s singles titles at the tournament, behind only Margaret Court, Serena Williams, and Nancye Wynne Bolton.
In addition to her singles success, Akhurst also found triumph in the women’s doubles event. She captured the women’s doubles title at the Australian Championships five times, partnering with different players over the years. Her partnerships with Sylvia Lance Harper in 1924 and 1925, Esna Boyd Robertson in 1928, and Louie Bickerton in 1929 and 1931 were particularly fruitful, and together they clinched the title. Akhurst also reached the finals of the women’s doubles event in 1926, alongside Marjorie Cox.
Akhurst’s talents extended beyond Australian soil, as she was part of the first Australian women’s team to tour Europe in 1925. She reached the quarterfinals of the singles event at Wimbledon that year, narrowly losing to Joan Fry. During her second and final European tour in 1928, Akhurst reached the quarterfinals of the French Championships and the semifinals of Wimbledon, solidifying her reputation as an international tennis player.
Aside from her achievements in singles and doubles, Akhurst also enjoyed success in mixed doubles. She won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Championships four times, partnering with different players each time. Her victories came in 1924 and 1925 with Jim Willard, in 1928 with Jean Borotra, and in 1929 with Gar Moon. In 1926, Akhurst and Willard were the runners-up in the mixed doubles event at the Australian Championships. She also reached the mixed doubles final at Wimbledon in 1928, but unfortunately fell short of victory.
Despite her undeniable talent and success in tennis, Akhurst’s career was tragically cut short. Following her marriage to Royston Stuckey Cozens, a tobacco manufacturer, in 1930, Akhurst retired from serious competition. She continued to play tennis sporadically and even secured the Australian ladies’ doubles championship in 1931 before fully stepping away from the sport.
Tragically, Akhurst’s life was cut short at the young age of 29 due to complications from an ectopic pregnancy. Her untimely death in 1933 left the tennis world in shock and deprived future generations of witnessing her continued brilliance on the court.
Daphne Akhurst’s impact on Australian tennis cannot be overstated. In recognition of her contributions, the trophy presented to the winner of the women’s singles at the Australian Open since 1934 has been named the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. This serves as a lasting tribute to her legacy and the indelible mark she left on the sport.
Awards:
Australian Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee (2006)