On This Day

Suzanne Lenglen

Athlete

Born: Died: French

Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen was a French tennis player. She was the inaugural world No. 1 from 1921 to 1926, winning eight Grand Slam titles in singles and twenty-one in total. She was also a four-time World Hard Court Champion in singles, and ten times in total. Lenglen won six Wimbledon singles titles, including five in a row from 1919 to 1923, and was the champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the first two open French Championships in 1925 and 1926. In doubles, she was undefeated with her usual partner, Elizabeth Ryan, highlighted by another six titles at Wimbledon. Lenglen was the first leading amateur to turn professional. She ranked as the greatest women's tennis player from the amateur era in the 100 Greatest of All Time series on the Tennis Channel in 2012.

Coached by her father Charles throughout her career, Lenglen began playing tennis at age 11, becoming the youngest major champion in history with her 1914 World Hard Court Championship title at age 15. This success, along with her balletic playing style and brash personality, helped make Lenglen a national heroine in a country coping with the aftermath of World War I.

Notable For

French tennis player

Suzanne Lenglen's Historical Timeline

  1. Suzanne Lenglen is born

    Suzanne Lenglen, French athlete, known for french tennis player, was born on 1899-05-24. Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen was a French tennis player. She was the inaugural world No.

  2. Suzanne Lenglen defeats US champion Helen Wills in influential tennis match in Cannes, France

    Suzanne Lenglen defeats US champion Helen Wills in influential tennis match in Cannes, France

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Suzanne Lenglen born?
Suzanne Lenglen was born on 1899-05-24 (French).
What is Suzanne Lenglen known for?
French tennis player
What historical events involved Suzanne Lenglen?
Suzanne Lenglen was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Suzanne Lenglen is born, Suzanne Lenglen defeats US champion Helen Wills in influential tennis match in Cannes, France.
When did Suzanne Lenglen die?
Suzanne Lenglen died on 1938-01-01.

Related Years