Origins & Early Life

Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen (French pronunciation: [syzan lɑ̃ɡlɛn]; 24 May 1899 – 4 July 1938) 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.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This success, along with her balletic playing style and brash personality, helped make Lenglen a national heroine in a country coping with the...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1899 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1899
• May 24 (05-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 24
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• July 4 (07-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 4