Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman (Tennis Player)

Profession: Tennis Player

Biography: Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman was an American tennis player renowned for her dominance in the sport before World War I and for founding the Wightman Cup. She achieved a staggering 45 U.S. titles during her lifetime, including 17 Grand Slam titles, making her one of the most decorated tennis players of her era.

Wightman was encouraged to play sports for health reasons and chose tennis, which she mastered at an early age. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where her tennis skills flourished. In 1912, she married George William Wightman, becoming part of a well-known tennis family.

During her career, Wightman took three consecutive U.S. Championships singles titles from 1909 to 1911. She won Olympic gold medals in both women's doubles and mixed doubles in 1924 and was a pivotal figure in the inaugural Wightman Cup.

Wightman's impact went beyond her playing career as she played a vital role in establishing the Wightman Cup to facilitate international women's competition. She also mentored many players. Her achievements led to an induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1957.

Even after retiring from competitive play, Wightman remained engaged in tennis, coaching young players and promoting sportsmanship.

Born: December 20, 1886
Birthplace: Healdsburg, California, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: December 5, 1974 (aged 87)

Playing Career

• 1909-06-27 US National Championship Women's Tennis, Philadelphia CC: Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman outclasses defending champion Maud Barger-Wallach 6-0, 6-1 for first of 3 straight US singles titles
• 1910-06-26 US National Championship Women's Tennis, Philadelphia CC: Defending champion Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman beats Louise Hammond 6-4, 6-2
• 1911-06-17 US National Championship Women's Tennis, Philadelphia CC: Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman beats Florence Sutton 8-10, 6-1, 9-7 for her third straight US singles title
• 1915-06-13 US National Championship Women's Tennis, Forest Hills, NY: American based Norwegian Molla Bjurstedt beats Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 for her first of 4 straight US singes titles
• 1919-06-20 US National Championship Women's Tennis, Philadelphia CC: Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman beats Marion Zinderstein 6-1, 6-2 for her 4th US singles title

References

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