Born: September 3, 1878
Died: January 1960 (Kensington, London)
Biography:
Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers, born Dorothea Katherine Douglass on September 3, 1878, was a highly accomplished British tennis player. Her career included numerous successes, including seven Wimbledon women’s singles titles and a gold medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Lambert Chambers made her singles debut at Wimbledon in 1900, where she faced Louisa Martin in the second round after receiving a bye in the first. Unfortunately, she lost this match, marking a disappointing start to her career.
However, Lambert Chambers quickly bounced back and in 1903, she won her first Wimbledon title, beginning an impressive streak of victories. On April 6, 1907, she married Robert Lambert Chambers, and from that point on, she was known by her married surname Lambert Chambers. The union did not hinder her success on the tennis court, as she continued to dominate the women’s singles events.
One of her most significant achievements was winning the gold medal in the women’s singles event at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Lambert Chambers displayed her skill and determination, securing a straight-sets victory in the final over her compatriot, Dora Boothby. This victory brought her not only Olympic glory but also further recognition as one of the world’s top tennis players.
In addition to her impressive tennis career, Lambert Chambers also contributed to the sport off the court. In 1910, she authored the book Tennis for Ladies, which featured photographs illustrating various tennis techniques, as well as advice on attire and equipment. This publication showcased her expertise and helped to popularize the sport among women.
The following year, Lambert Chambers achieved another remarkable feat at Wimbledon by winning the women’s final against Dora Boothby with a remarkable score of 6-0, 6-0. This victory made her the first player to win a Grand Slam singles final without losing a game. Only one other female player, Steffi Graf, has accomplished this in history, when she defeated Natalia Zvereva in the 1988 French Open final.
In 1919, Lambert Chambers competed in the longest Wimbledon final to date, playing 44 games against Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen. Although she held two match points at 6-5 in the third set, she ultimately lost to Lenglen in a hard-fought match, 8-10, 6-4, 7-9. Despite this defeat, her performance showcased her resilience and determination as a player.
After 1921, Lambert Chambers reduced her singles play but continued to compete in doubles until 1927. She reached the singles quarterfinals of the U.S. Championships in 1925. From 1924 to 1926, she served as the captain of Britain’s Wightman Cup team, further solidifying her role as a leader in British tennis. In the 1925 Wightman Cup, at the age of 46, she displayed her enduring skill by winning both a singles match against Eleanor Goss and a doubles match.
In 1928, Lambert Chambers transitioned to professional coaching, sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of tennis players. Her contribution to the sport was recognized posthumously when she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981. Her impact on the world of tennis cannot be overstated, as she was not only a skilled player but also a trailblazer for future generations of women athletes.
Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers passed away in Kensington, London, in January 1960, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring achievements and contributions to the world of tennis.
Awards:
– Seven Wimbledon women’s singles titles
– Gold medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics