Tennis – Like Her

Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova, the Czech-born American former professional tennis player, is widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With 18 major singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles, Navratilova holds the record for the most major titles in the Open Era. Her dominance in women’s tennis during the 1970s and 1980s, along with her strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, has solidified her place as an influential figure in the sport.

FranceTennis

Amélie Mauresmo

Amélie Simone Mauresmo is a former French tennis player and tournament director. She achieved several career milestones, including winning two major singles titles, a silver medal in singles at the 2004 Olympics, and the singles title at the 2005 year-end championships. Mauresmo reached the top ranking in September 2004 and retired in December 2009. She was later inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2015 and became the director of the French Open in 2021.

AustraliaTennis

Nancye Wynne Bolton

Nancye Wynne Bolton, a talented and accomplished tennis player from Australia, left a lasting impact on the sport with her remarkable career. She achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4 and won the women’s singles title at the Australian Championships six times. Bolton’s dedication, resilience, and determination continue to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004, her incredible talent is recognized and honored.

United StatesTennis

Marion Jones Farquhar

Marion Jones Farquhar, born in 1879, was an American tennis player who made significant contributions to the sport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She achieved success in both singles and mixed doubles, winning multiple U.S. women’s tennis titles and becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal. Beyond tennis, Farquhar also had a passion for music and the arts, leaving an indelible mark on society.

United StatesAfrican AmericanBasketball

Ora Washington

Ora Belle Washington was an American athlete from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who excelled in both tennis and basketball. She was a trailblazer in both sports, earning the nicknames “Queen Ora” and the “Queen of Two Courts” from black newspapers. Her remarkable talent and achievements in sports resulted in her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Ora Washington defied racial and gender barriers, leaving a lasting impact on the history of athletics.

Great BritainTennis

Lottie Dod

Charlotte “Lottie” Dod, the English multi-sport athlete, achieved remarkable success in tennis, winning the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Championship five times and becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history at just 15 years old. She excelled not only in tennis but also in golf, field hockey, and archery, earning recognition as the most versatile female athlete of all time. Dod’s accomplishments broke barriers and inspired future generations of female athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions.

United StatesTennis

Nancy Richey

Nancy Richey, born on August 23, 1942, is a celebrated American former tennis player. Throughout her remarkable career, Richey left an indelible mark on the sport, earning her place as one of the most accomplished players of her time. Her contributions to the game, as well as her personal journey, have shaped the landscape of women’s tennis.

GermanyTennis

Steffi Graf

Stefanie Maria Graf, born on June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, Germany, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time…

Czech RepublicTennis

Jana Novotná

Jana Novotná, the Czech professional tennis player, was not only known for her skills on the court but also for her sportsmanship and resilience. She triumphed at Wimbledon in 1998, showcasing her talent, dedication, and mental strength. Despite facing challenges, Novotná’s exceptional career left an indelible mark on women’s tennis, inspiring future generations of players. She will forever be remembered and celebrated in the world of tennis.

United StatesTennis

Dorothy Cheney

Dorothy “Dodo” May Sutton Bundy Cheney was an American tennis player who achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. From winning the women’s singles title at the Australian National Championships in 1938 to amassing an incredible 394 USTA titles, her talent and dedication were unparalleled. Cheney’s legacy in the sport continues to inspire future generations of tennis players. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.

AustraliaTennis

Thelma Coyne Long

Thelma Coyne Long was an Australian tennis player who dominated the sport from the mid-1930s to the 1950s. She won 19 Grand Slam titles and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. Beyond her playing career, Long spent many years coaching junior players in New South Wales.

FranceTennis

Simonne Mathieu

Simonne Mathieu’s impressive tennis career made her one of the all-time greats in the sport. With two major singles titles at the French Championships and a total of 11 Grand Slam doubles championships, her talent and determination were evident on the court. Additionally, she played a crucial role during World War II as the creator and leader of the Corps of French Volunteers in the Free French Forces, demonstrating her courage and commitment to her country. Mathieu’s legacy was further honored with her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the naming of Court Simonne-Mathieu at Roland Garros in her honor.

SpainTennis

Arantxa Sánchez Vicario

Aranzazu Isabel Maria Sanchez Vicario, born in Barcelona, Spain in 1971, is a Spanish former world No. 1 tennis player. She achieved great success in both singles and doubles, winning a total of 14 Grand Slam titles. Sanchez Vicario also won four Olympic medals and five Fed Cup titles representing Spain. Her remarkable career and numerous achievements have solidified her as one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis history.

AustraliaTennis

Daphne Akhurst

Daphne Jessie Akhurst was a renowned Australian tennis player who made a significant impact on the sport. She won the women’s singles title at the Australian Championships five times, establishing herself as one of the dominant players of her era. From a young age, Akhurst displayed a natural talent for tennis and quickly rose through the ranks. Tragically, her career was cut short due to complications from an ectopic pregnancy, but her legacy lives on in the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup presented at the Australian Open.

NetherlandsGolferTable Tennis

Monique Kalkman-Van Den Bosch

Monique Kalkman-Van Den Bosch, born on November 28, 1964, in the Netherlands, is a Dutch former professional wheelchair tennis and table tennis player. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential athletes in disability sports history.

United StatesTennis

Lindsay Davenport

Lindsay Ann Davenport Leach, born on June 8, 1976, in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, is an American former professional tennis player. With a remarkable career that spanned over three decades, Davenport left an indelible mark on the sport, becoming one of the most dominant and influential figures in women’s tennis history.

SwitzerlandTennis

Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis, born in 1980 in Košice, Czechoslovakia, is regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She became the youngest player to win a Grand Slam junior title at the age of 12 and went on to achieve incredible success in both singles and doubles events, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and holding the world No. 1 ranking. Hingis faced challenges with injuries and a suspension, but she always displayed resilience and came back stronger. Her exceptional talent and tactical mind have cemented her legacy as an all-time tennis great.

AustraliaTennis

Lesley Turner Bowrey

Lesley Rosemary Turner Bowrey, AM was a highly accomplished professional tennis player, born in 1942 in Australia. She had a successful career that spanned from the late 1950s until the late 1970s, earning numerous titles and accolades. Turner Bowrey was known for her talent in both singles and doubles competitions, winning multiple Grand Slam events and establishing herself as one of the top players in the world. She also made significant contributions as the captain of the Australian Fed Cup team and was honored with inductions into various halls of fame.

CanadaFranceUnited States

Mary Pierce

Mary Caroline Pierce, born in 1975 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was a highly acclaimed tennis professional with a diverse heritage. Her exceptional talent and determination led her to win four Grand Slam titles and reach six Grand Slam singles finals. Mary Pierce’s impressive career and personal challenges shaped her journey both on and off the court, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

AustraliaCzech RepublicTennis

Hana Mandlíková

Hana Mandlíková (born 19 February 1962) is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia who later obtained Australian citizenship. She had a remarkable career, winning four Grand Slam singles titles and achieving several significant milestones in tennis history.

BelgiumTennis

Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters, a Belgian former professional tennis player, achieved the world No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles in 2003. She won six major titles and was known for her athleticism and controlled aggression on the court. Clijsters retired twice, but made successful comebacks, becoming the first mother to be the world No. 1. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.

United StatesActivistTennis

Rosemary Casals

Rosemary “Rosie” Casals, born on September 16, 1948, in San Francisco, California, was an American former professional tennis player who earned her reputation as a rebel in the tennis world during the early 1960s. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Casals had a remarkable tennis career that spanned over two decades, winning more than 90 titles and playing a crucial role in shaping women’s tennis during the 1960s and 1970s.

ChinaTennis

Li Na

Li Na (born 26 February 1982) is a Chinese tennis player who made history as the first Grand Slam singles champion from Asia, male or female. Her remarkable achievements on the court, as well as her trailblazing impact on women’s tennis, have firmly established her as one of the most influential athletes in Asian history.

United StatesBroadcasterCoach

Pam Shriver

Pamela Howard Shriver, born on July 4, 1962, is an American former professional tennis player and current tennis broadcaster, pundit, and coach. With an illustrious career during the 1980s and 1990s, Shriver established herself as one of the most successful tennis players of her time, winning numerous titles and making a significant impact on the sport.

FranceRunnerTennis

Françoise Dürr

Françoise Dürr, born in Algiers, French Algeria, was a notable French tennis player known for her unconventional playing style and unorthodox shots. She won a total of 50 singles titles and over 60 doubles titles throughout her career, making a significant impact in the world of tennis.

IndiaJewishTennis

Amrit Kaur of Mandi

Rani Shri Amrit Kaur Sahiba was an influential figure in Indian history, dedicated to women’s rights and uplifting the marginalized. With a privileged upbringing, she excelled academically and explored her interests in sports and the arts. After marrying the Raja of Mandi, she embarked on a journey that led her to dedication in fighting for marginalized women. Unfortunately, her marriage faced challenges, and she made the courageous decision to leave India and seek refuge in Paris. Her activism led to her arrest during World War II, and she tragically passed away in London in 1948. Her unwavering dedication to women’s rights and fight against injustice continues to inspire generations.

IndiaTennis

Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi, born on 9 June 1949, is a former tennis player who became the first woman in India to join the officer ranks of the Indian Police Service (IPS). Throughout her career spanning 35 years, she made significant contributions to law enforcement and social activism in India. Bedi’s dedication, reforms, and commitment to public service have made her an inspiring figure in India’s history.

United StatesBasketballTennis

Joan Cronan

Joan Cronan is a trailblazing figure in women’s athletics, known for her extraordinary contributions to the University of Tennessee (UT) athletics program. Born on June 24, 1948, in Opelousas, Louisiana, Cronan’s passion for sports began at a young age. She pursued her love for athletics, excelling in basketball, tennis, and track throughout her high school years.

CanadaMexicoSwimmer

Martha Gustafson

Martha Sandoval Gustafson, born on January 8, 1950, is a Mexican-Canadian Paralympic medallist in table tennis, swimming, and athletics. Throughout her career, Gustafson showcased exceptional talent and determination, winning a total of twelve medals at the Paralympic Games and leaving an indelible mark on the world of adaptive sports.

Great BritainTennis

Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte “Chattie” Cooper Sterry, a trailblazer in women’s tennis and the first female Olympic tennis champion, made history with her remarkable achievements and lasting legacy. She won five singles titles at the Wimbledon Championships and inspired future generations of female athletes. Her accomplishments continue to be a testament to the power of women in sports.

United KingdomTennis

Blanche Bingley

Blanche Bingley Hillyard, an English tennis player, was one of the leading female players of her time. Her remarkable career spanned nearly three decades and she became the longest-serving female competitor at Wimbledon. Bingley Hillyard won six singles titles at Wimbledon and reached the finals on seven occasions, leaving an indelible mark on the history of tennis. Her dedication and skill paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

DenmarkGermanyTennis

Hilde Krahwinkel Sperling

Hilde Krahwinkel Sperling was a German tennis player recognized as one of the best in her country’s history. She achieved remarkable success on the international stage, winning multiple championships and dominating clay court matches. Her legacy continues to inspire players in women’s tennis today.

Great BritainTennis

Margaret Scriven

Margaret Scriven-Vivian was a British tennis player who made history by becoming the first woman from her country to win the singles title at the French Championships in 1933. She also successfully defended her title the following year, defeating Helen Jacobs in a thrilling final. Scriven’s achievements helped raise the profile of British women’s tennis on the global stage.

BelgiumTennis

Justine Henin

Justine Henin, a Belgian former world No. 1 tennis player, was known for her all-court style of play and exceptional mental toughness. She won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including four French Open titles, and a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Despite injuries forcing her retirement in 2011, Henin’s impact on the sport cannot be overstated. She was named one of the “30 Legends of Women’s Tennis” by Time magazine and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016.

Czech RepublicTennis

Helena Suková

Helena Suková, a Czech former professional tennis player, had a successful career spanning over two decades. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style, she reached the top spot in women’s doubles rankings. Suková achieved a career Grand Slam in women’s doubles, won silver medals at the Olympic Games, and played a significant role in the success of Czechoslovakian tennis. Her impact on women’s tennis is undeniable, making her one of the Czech Republic’s greatest tennis players and a true icon in women’s tennis history.

SpainTennis

Conchita Martínez

Conchita Martínez Bernat, born in Monzón on April 16, 1972, is a Spanish former professional tennis player who achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. From reaching the fourth round of the French Open at just 16 years old to becoming the first Spaniard to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1994, Martínez left an indelible mark on Spanish tennis. Her dedication and hard work have made her a true pioneer and trailblazer in women’s sports.

United StatesActivistTennis

Peachy Kellmeyer

Fern ‘Peachy’ Kellmeyer, born in 1944 in West Virginia, United States, is a retired tennis player and current tennis administrator who has made significant contributions to women’s tennis. Kellmeyer challenged gender norms by becoming the first woman to compete on a Division 1 men’s tennis squad and played a crucial role in the fight for women’s athletic scholarships. As the tour director of the Virginia Slims Circuit, she elevated the status and professionalism of women’s tennis, paving the way for gender equality in sports.

Great BritainTennis

Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers

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.

United StatesAfrican AmericanTennis

Venus Williams

Venus Williams is an American professional tennis player who has achieved numerous milestones and is widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She turned professional at the age of 14, becoming the first African American woman to reach the world No. 1 ranking in singles in the Open era. Venus has won 7 Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal, 14 women’s doubles major titles with her sister Serena, and 3 Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles. Her impact extends beyond the tennis court, inspiring countless individuals, especially women of color, to overcome societal barriers and pursue their dreams.

United StatesTennis

Serena Williams

Serena Williams, born in Saginaw, Michigan on September 26, 1981, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her impact and achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport. From winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles to advocating for gender equality and equal pay in tennis, Serena Williams is not only a tennis icon but also a trailblazer who has shattered racial and gender barriers.

United KingdomTennis

Dorothy Round

Dorothy Edith Round was a British tennis player who achieved major successes in the 1930s. She became the Wimbledon singles champion in 1934 and 1937. Round’s dedication and hard work paid off, solidifying her status as a formidable player on the international stage. She continued to contribute to the sport as a coach, leaving an enduring legacy in women’s tennis.

United StatesTennis

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King, born in 1943 in Long Beach, California, is a former world No. 1 tennis player. She achieved great success on the court, winning 39 major titles throughout her career. King’s impact goes beyond tennis, as she played a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and advancing social justice. Her advocacy efforts led to the founding of important organizations and the sponsorship of women’s tennis. King’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades and awards, solidifying her status as a true pioneer and inspiration for generations to come.

Great BritainTennis

Angela Mortimer

Florence Angela Margaret Mortimer Barrett, MBE (née Mortimer; born 21 April 1932) is a British former world No. 1 tennis player. She is recognized for her remarkable achievements in tennis and her substantial impact on women’s sports.

United StatesTennis

Tracy Austin

Tracy Austin Holt, born in 1962 in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, became one of the greatest women’s tennis players of her generation. With remarkable talent and passion for the sport from a young age, Austin honed her skills under her father’s guidance. She achieved numerous victories and championships throughout her career, leaving an enduring legacy in women’s tennis.

United StatesTennis

Chris Evert

Christine Marie Evert, known as Chris Evert Lloyd from 1979 to 1987, is an American former world No. 1 tennis player. Born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Evert had tennis in her blood. Raised in a committed Catholic household, she was the daughter of Colette and Jimmy Evert. Her father was a professional tennis coach, and tennis became a way of life for the Evert family.

AustraliaTennis

Evonne Goolagong Cawley

Evonne Goolagong Cawley, an Australian former world No. 1 tennis player, overcame the challenges and prejudices Aboriginal people faced in Australia to become one of the greatest female tennis players of the 1970s and early 1980s. Her breakthrough victory at the French Open in 1971 made her the first Aboriginal person to win a Grand Slam title. Goolagong’s success on and off the court continues to inspire and pave the way for future athletes.

Great BritainTennis

Virginia Wade

Sarah Virginia Wade OBE, born on July 10, 1945, in Bournemouth, England, is a British former professional tennis player. Firmly etching her name in the annals of tennis history, Wade won three Major tennis singles championships and four major doubles championships. She is also the only British woman to have won titles at all four Majors. As a testament to her skill and passion, Wade reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 2 in the world and claimed the top spot in doubles rankings. Her incredible achievements have left an indelible mark on British tennis, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of players.

ArgentinaTennis

Gabriela Sabatini

Gabriela Beatriz Sabatini is an Argentine-Italian former professional tennis player. Born on May 16, 1970, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she quickly rose to prominence in the tennis world and became one of the leading players from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.

United StatesTennis

Jennifer Capriati

Jennifer Maria Capriati (born March 29, 1976) is an American former world No. 1 tennis player. A member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Capriati had an impressive career, winning three singles Grand Slam titles and being the gold medalist at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Her impact on women’s tennis and her determination to overcome personal challenges make her a remarkable figure in sports history.

BelarusTennis

Natasha Zvereva

Natasha Zvereva is a former professional tennis player from Belarus. She won several titles, including four WTA Tour singles titles and an impressive 80 WTA Tour doubles titles. Zvereva partnered with different players to win 18 Grand Slam doubles titles, becoming the most accomplished women’s doubles team since Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver. She was also the first major athlete in the Soviet Union to demand the right to keep her tournament earnings. Zvereva was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.

Puerto RicoTennis

Gigi Fernández

Beatriz “Gigi” Fernández, born on February 22, 1964, is a Puerto Rican former professional tennis player who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her exceptional skills on the doubles court, Fernández amassed an impressive career that includes 17 major doubles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a stint as the world No. 1 in doubles. Her contributions to women’s tennis and her dedication to her craft have solidified her place in the history of the sport.

HungaryUnited StatesYugoslavia

Monica Seles

Monica Seles is a former world No. 1 tennis player who won nine major singles titles, eight of them as a teenager while representing Yugoslavia. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, Seles revolutionized the women’s game. Despite a traumatic attack in 1993, she made a brave comeback and continued to inspire tennis fans around the world. Seles left a lasting impact on the sport and is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.