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Helen Wills Moody

tennis player

Born: Died: American

Helen Newington Wills (October 6, 1905 – January 1, 1998), also known by her married names Helen Wills Moody and Helen Wills Roark, was an American tennis player. She won 31 Grand Slam tournament titles (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) during her career, including 19 singles titles.

Wills was the first American woman athlete to become a global celebrity, making friends with royalty and film stars despite her preference for staying out of the limelight. She was admired for her graceful physique and for her fluid motion. She was part of a new tennis fashion, playing in knee-length pleated skirts rather than the longer ones of her predecessors, and was known for wearing her hallmark white visor. Unusually, she practiced against men to hone her craft, and she played a relentless predominantly baseline game, wearing down her female opponents with power and accuracy. In February 1926 she played a high-profile and widely publicized match against Suzanne Lenglen which was called the Match of the Century.

Wills had a 180-match win streak from 1927 until 1933. In 1933, she beat the eighth-ranked US male player in an exhibition match.

Notable For

American tennis player

Helen Wills Moody's Historical Timeline

  1. Helen Wills Moody dies

    Helen Wills Moody, American tennis player, known for american tennis player, died on 1998-01-01.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Helen Wills Moody born?
Helen Wills Moody was born on 1905-01-01 (American).
What is Helen Wills Moody known for?
American tennis player
What historical events involved Helen Wills Moody?
Helen Wills Moody was involved in 1 recorded historical event, including Helen Wills Moody dies.
When did Helen Wills Moody die?
Helen Wills Moody died on 1998-01-01.

Related Years