Talk with Suzanne Lenglen

Suzanne Lenglen was one of the first female international tennis stars and is generally regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Born on May 24, 1899, in Compiègne, France, she dominated the world of women's tennis from 1914 to 1926. Lenglen's style of play revolutionized the women's game, moving it from a more genteel, rally-based contest to a faster-paced, aggressive approach.

Lenglen was known for her speed, powerful shots, and athletic ability, as well as her flamboyant and glamorous presence both on and off the court. She won a total of 31 Championship titles, including six Wimbledon singles titles and six French Championships singles titles (now known as the French Open). Her dominance in the sport was such that she never lost a set at Wimbledon, and her only loss in singles occurred due to default during the 1921 U.S. Championship due to illness.

Lenglen was also a key figure in popularizing tennis among women and played a significant role in breaking down gender barriers in sports. Off the court, she was known for her striking fashion sense and controversial behavior, often challenging the strict amateurism rules of her time, which ultimately led to her turning professional.

Her career was relatively short; she retired from amateur tennis in 1926 and then played a brief professional tour before her health declined. Suzanne Lenglen passed away from leukemia on July 4, 1938, at the age of 39. Her legacy continues to be celebrated for transforming women's tennis and setting a new standard for female athletes in all sports.

Suzanne Lenglen faced several formidable competitors during her illustrious tennis career in the 1910s and 1920s. Some of her toughest competitors included:

1. Molla Mallory - Norwegian-born American tennis player who was one of Suzanne Lenglen's most notable rivals. Mallory defeated Lenglen in a highly publicized match at the 1921 U.S. Championships. This match was particularly significant as it was Lenglen's only loss in a match that completed all sets.

2. Elizabeth Ryan - An American player who specialized in doubles. Ryan and Lenglen played against each other in singles occasionally, and Ryan was known for her strong forehand and serving capabilities. They also partnered in women's doubles, where they were very successful.

3. Helen Wills Moody - Another legendary figure in women's tennis, known for her powerful game and stoic demeanor. Wills Moody and Lenglen were contemporaries, but they only met once in a match, the much-anticipated meeting at the 1926 Carlton Club in Cannes, which Lenglen won. This match was billed as the "Match of the Century" and added to the lore surrounding both players, even though they did not face each other frequently.

These players, among others, provided significant competition to Suzanne Lenglen, often pushing her to the heights of her tennis abilities.

After retiring from competitive tennis, Suzanne Lenglen continued to have an active role in the sport and broader athletic community. She became involved in teaching tennis and promoting the sport, especially among women. She set up a tennis school in Paris where she taught for several years. Lenglen also wrote books about tennis techniques and her experiences, contributing further to the sport's development. Her post-retirement activities helped maintain her influence in the world of tennis, even after she had stopped playing professionally.

Suzanne Lenglen's playing style was revolutionary for her time, significantly contributing to her dominance in women's tennis during the 1920s. Her style was characterized by a combination of grace, agility, and assertiveness, which was quite distinct from the typical play of her era.

1. Aggressive Play: Lenglen was known for her aggressive approach to the game. She frequently charged the net, a tactic not commonly used by women at that time. Her game was based on speed and attacking the ball early, which often caught her opponents off-guard.

2. Groundstrokes: She had powerful groundstrokes and used both her forehand and backhand to hit the ball with considerable force. Her ability to hit strong and accurate shots from the baseline was coupled with an exceptional sense of timing.

3. Serve: Lenglen’s serve was also a formidable part of her arsenal. Unlike many women of her time who played a safer, more conservative service game, she served with power and precision, which often put her opponents at a disadvantage from the start of the point.

4. Mobility and Footwork: Suzanne's mobility on the court was superb. She covered the court with elegant yet effective footwork, and her physical conditioning allowed her to maintain a high level of play that could overwhelm her competitors.

5. Psychological Warfare: Lenglen was also known for her ability to psychologically dominate her opponents. Her confidence and theatrical flair not only drew crowds but also seemed to intimidate other players.

6. Overall Fitness and Training: Lenglen took her physical conditioning seriously, which was not as common in her days among female athletes. Her father and coach, Charles Lenglen, implemented rigorous training routines that included running, jumping, and shadow tennis, which enhanced her performance and stamina.

Her innovative playing style, combined with her charisma and fierce competitiveness, not only made her a dominant figure in women's tennis but also helped to transform the perception of the women’s game during her era.

Yes, Suzanne Lenglen was involved in endorsements and sponsorships, which was somewhat unusual for athletes in her time, especially in the early 20th century. She endorsed the Suzanne Lenglen Lawn Tennis Racket by Spalding, which was quite a significant deal. This endorsement was a reflection of her massive popularity and impact on the sport of tennis, making tennis equipment branded with her name more desirable. Her involvement in such commercial activities helped pave the way for future generations of athletes, especially women, to engage in endorsements and sponsorships.

Suzanne Lenglen won a total of 31 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. These consisted of 12 Grand Slam singles titles. Her exceptional talent and dominance in the early 20th century set standards in women's tennis that greatly influenced the sport.

Barbora Krejcikova did not literally kiss Suzanne Lenglen herself, but she kissed the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, which is the trophy awarded to the women's singles champion at the French Open. Krejcikova won the French Open in 2021. The trophy is named in honor of Suzanne Lenglen, one of tennis' greatest female players and a six-time champion at the French Championships (now known as the French Open) in the 1920s.

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