Born: 1909 (Dudley, Worcestershire, England)
Died: 1982
Biography:
Dorothy Edith Round (13 July 1909 – 12 November 1982) was a British tennis player who achieved her major successes in the 1930s. Born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, on July 13, 1909, Dorothy Round was the youngest of four children. She grew up in a family home in Dudley that had a hard tennis court laid down by her grandfather, which played a significant role in shaping her love for the sport. Dorothy was introduced to tennis by her brothers and started playing at a young age. She entered her first tennis tournament at the age of 16 and soon began making a name for herself in the tennis world.
In September 1925, Round entered the junior Worcestershire championships and emerged victorious, winning the singles title by defeating Miss Lily Darby of Smethwick in straight sets. She continued her winning streak the following year, retaining the Worcestershire singles junior title and also winning the doubles title at the same tournament. In 1926, Round reached the semifinals of the Junior Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, showcasing her potential.
Round made her first appearance at the Wimbledon Championships in 1928, where she had to go through the qualifying event. Unfortunately, she was knocked out in the first round by Miss N. Trentham. Despite the setback, Round continued to improve and gained valuable experience. The following year, she reached the second round but succumbed to nerves, losing to Betty Nuthall.
In 1930, Round began to establish herself as a rising star in British tennis. She put in impressive performances at the Wightman Cup trials held at Wimbledon, defeating several established British players. These victories showcased her talent and marked her as one to watch. Round’s dedication and hard work paid off when she made her breakthrough in 1934.
In 1934, Round became the Wimbledon singles champion, defeating American player Helen Jacobs in the final. This victory established her as one of the top players in the world and brought her international recognition. Round followed up her success by winning the Wimbledon mixed doubles title with her partner, Fred Perry. This marked the beginning of a successful partnership that would see them win two more mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon in the following years.
In 1935, Round added another Grand Slam title to her name by winning the singles at the Australian Championships. This victory solidified her status as a formidable player on the international stage. Round continued to shine at Wimbledon, reaching the singles final in 1935 and 1936 but narrowly missing out on the title both times. However, she bounced back in 1937, clinching her second Wimbledon singles title by defeating Jadwiga Jędrzejowska of Poland in a hard-fought match.
During the Second World War, Round played tennis in North America and also served as a professional coach in Canada and the United States. Her skills and knowledge of the game helped shape the next generation of tennis players. After the war, Round participated in British regional tournaments and continued to contribute to the sport as a coach. She also wrote on tennis for newspapers, sharing her insights and expertise with a wider audience.
Throughout her career, Round faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but her determination and passion for the sport never wavered. She was known for her powerful serve and baseline game, which made her a formidable opponent on any surface. Round’s contributions to women’s tennis and her achievements in the sport earned her a place in history.
Dorothy Round’s playing career may have ended, but her impact on tennis continued long after her active years. She paved the way for future generations of female tennis players and inspired countless individuals to take up the sport. Her dedication to her craft and her love for the game remain an enduring legacy, reminding us of the lasting influence of remarkable women like Dorothy Round.
Awards:
– Wimbledon Singles Champion: 1934, 1937
– Australian Championships Singles Champion: 1935
– Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champion: 1935, 1936, 1937