Helen Wills, American tennis player and coach (b. 1905)

Helen Newington Wills (October 6, 1905 – January 1, 1998), known also by her married names Helen Wills Moody and Helen Wills Roark, was an extraordinary American tennis player whose career redefined dominance in women's sports. During her illustrious career, she amassed an astonishing 31 Grand Slam tournament titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a testament to her unparalleled skill and versatility. Notably, 19 of these triumphs were in singles, solidifying her status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

The First Global Female Sports Celebrity

Beyond her remarkable on-court achievements, Helen Wills was a trailblazer as the first American woman athlete to achieve global celebrity status. Despite her personal preference for privacy and staying out of the limelight, her fame transcended the sports world, leading to friendships with royalty and prominent film stars of the era. This unprecedented level of international recognition made her an icon, inspiring a generation and elevating the visibility of women in professional sports. She was widely admired not only for her formidable tennis prowess but also for her graceful physique and the fluid, elegant motion she exhibited on court.

A Trendsetter in Tennis Fashion and Strategy

Wills was at the forefront of a significant evolution in tennis fashion. Breaking away from the restrictive, longer skirts worn by her predecessors, she became known for playing in practical, knee-length pleated skirts that allowed for greater freedom of movement. Her hallmark white visor became an iconic part of her distinctive look, emphasizing a shift towards more athletic and less formal attire in women's tennis. Her innovative approach extended to her training methods; unusually for her time, she honed her craft by practicing regularly against male players. This unconventional training regimen undoubtedly contributed to her formidable power and accuracy, enabling her to develop a relentless, predominantly baseline game. She would strategically wear down her female opponents with powerful, precise groundstrokes, a style that was both effective and revolutionary for the period.

The Fabled "Match of the Century"

One of the defining moments of her career, and indeed tennis history, was the highly anticipated and widely publicized "Match of the Century" against the French phenom Suzanne Lenglen. This epic encounter, held in Cannes, France, in February 1926, captivated the world. It was a clash between two undisputed queens of tennis – the established Lenglen and the rising Wills. The match, which Lenglen narrowly won, transcended sport, becoming a major cultural event due to the immense public interest and intense media coverage it generated worldwide.

Unbreakable Records and Enduring Legacy

Helen Wills's dominance was further underscored by an incredible 180-match winning streak that spanned from 1927 until 1933, a testament to her sustained excellence and consistency. In a unique exhibition match in 1933, she further demonstrated her exceptional skill by defeating the eighth-ranked male player in the United States, a feat that highlighted her formidable talent irrespective of gender. Her record of eight singles titles at Wimbledon, the sport's most prestigious tournament, stood for decades, cementing her legendary status at the All England Club. This remarkable achievement was not surpassed until 1990, when Martina Navratilova claimed her ninth Wimbledon singles crown. Such was her command of the game that Helen Wills is often cited as "arguably the most dominant tennis player of the 20th century." Esteemed figures in the tennis world, including legends like Jack Kramer, Harry Hopman, Mercer Beasley, and Don Budge, along with prominent news organizations like AP News, have unequivocally hailed her as the greatest female player in the history of the sport.

How many Grand Slam titles did Helen Wills win in her career?

Helen Wills won a total of 31 Grand Slam tournament titles, comprising 19 singles titles, along with numerous doubles and mixed doubles championships.

What made Helen Wills a global celebrity?

Helen Wills became the first American woman athlete to achieve global celebrity status due to her exceptional tennis prowess and public appeal, leading to friendships with royalty and film stars. Her elegant style and remarkable achievements captivated audiences worldwide.

What was the significance of the "Match of the Century"?

The "Match of the Century" in February 1926 was a highly anticipated and widely publicized contest between Helen Wills and Suzanne Lenglen. It was a pivotal event that showcased the pinnacle of women's tennis, drawing immense global attention and solidifying the celebrity status of both players.

What was Helen Wills's longest winning streak?

Helen Wills maintained an astonishing 180-match winning streak from 1927 until 1933, demonstrating an unparalleled level of consistent dominance in the sport.

Why is Helen Wills considered one of the greatest female tennis players of all time?

Helen Wills is considered among the greatest due to her 31 Grand Slam titles, her record-setting 180-match win streak, her eight Wimbledon singles titles (a record for decades), and her revolutionary playing style. Influential figures in tennis universally praise her unmatched dominance and impact on the sport.