Brandy sips and bold boasts. That’s the essence of our Avenue Suzanne Lenglen story. This avenue commemorates a true legend. It honors Suzanne Lenglen, the French tennis star.
Suzanne Lenglen’s story begins in Paris in 1899. Her father introduced her to tennis. He hoped it would improve her weak health. Little did he know, he was unleashing a force.
Lenglen quickly rose through the ranks. At 14, she reached the French Championships final. Soon after, she won the World Hard Court Championships. This made her the youngest winner of a major title.
The 1920s became Lenglen’s decade. She dominated women’s tennis. She won Olympic gold in 1920. Wimbledon saw her triumph multiple times between 1919 and 1925. The French Championships also fell before her six times.
Lenglen wasn’t just a player. She was a performer. Her daring outfits shocked and thrilled. She wore makeup and silk headbands on court. Top designers clamored to dress her. Bill Tilden described her style. He said it was a cross between a prima donna and a streetwalker. Vogue praised her simple lines.
Her matches were events. During changeovers, she sipped cognac. Officials later found she soaked sugar cubes in it. This kept her energy up. Wimbledon had to move to a bigger venue. This accommodated the crowds who came to see Lenglen.
Lenglen explained her game simply. She said she threw dignity to the winds. Her only goal was to hit the ball where her opponent wasn’t. The French press adored her. They rarely criticized her.
In 1921, Lenglen visited the U.S. She played at Forest Hills in New York City. She insisted on wine before matches. When told Prohibition forbade it, she threatened to leave. Officials relented and found her contraband booze.
Her matches sometimes ended in drama. Once, she defaulted a match due to illness. That same night, she was seen dancing. This fueled her reputation for being outrageous.
One defining moment was her rivalry with Helen Wills. Wills was younger and more pragmatic. Their only match was in Cannes in 1926. Lenglen won a close battle.
Later that year, Lenglen turned professional. This was a bold move. She felt amateur tennis restricted athletes. Wimbledon officials rescinded her membership. She toured the U.S. and played matches against Mary K. Browne.
Lenglen retired at 28. She opened a tennis school in Paris. She also designed women’s shorts. Her health declined. She suffered from various ailments.
In 1938, Lenglen died of anemia at 39. Some speculate about the true cause of her death. Regardless, her impact remains undeniable.
Suzanne Lenglen’s legacy continues to inspire. She was a trailblazer. She changed women’s tennis forever. She embodied the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. This avenue stands as a reminder of her brilliance. Remember Suzanne Lenglen, the goddess of tennis.