The evolution of women’s tennis spans over a century and has seen countless changes in the sport, as well as the societal and cultural landscape surrounding it. From humble beginnings in the late 1800s to the modern era with superstar players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, women’s tennis has undergone numerous transformations, marked largely by decreasing sexism, greater recognition, and more opportunities to showcase talent. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the key moments of women’s tennis history, beginning with trailblazing players like Billie Jean King, who paved the way for future stars to shine.
Late 1800s and Early 1900s
The story of women’s tennis stretches back to the late 1800s, when the sport was first introduced to women. At the time, tennis was considered a gentlemen’s sport, and women were generally discouraged from participating. Women’s sport, in general, was devalued, and women were not allowed to compete in most major sporting events. However, this mentality slowly began to change, as women started to take an active role in tennis.
In 1877, the first Wimbledon Championships were held, but as with most sporting events of the time, only men were allowed to compete. Women were eventually admitted to the tournament in 1884, but they were not allowed to play on the main court and were relegated to a smaller court called the ‘Ladies’ Plate.”
In 1900, the first women’s singles tournament was held at the Olympic Games in Paris, and in 1905, Suzanne Lenglen, who became one of the best players in history, won her first French championships at just 15 years old.
1920s-1950s
Women’s tennis continued to grow in popularity during the 1920s, which saw the emergence of some highly skilled players, including Helen Wills Moody and Bill Tilden. In the 1930s, the sport continued to progress, with Margaret Osborne duPont and Alice Marble among the top female players of the decade.
During the 1940s and 1950s, there were several key moments that contributed to the evolution of women’s tennis. In 1946, the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) allowed women to receive equal prize money in the national championships. This was a landmark moment, as it was the first time that women were awarded the same prize money as men in a major sporting event.
In 1951, the four Grand Slam tournaments (Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, and Australian Open) allowed women to compete for the first time. Before this, women were not even allowed to participate in some of these tournaments, and when they were, they were not given the same opportunities as men. Althea Gibson became the first African American woman to compete in a Grand Slam tournament, winning the French Open in 1956.
1960s-1970s
The 1960s saw several great players emerging, including Maureen Connolly, Margaret Court, and Billie Jean King. King, in particular, played a huge role in the evolution of women’s tennis. In 1961, she became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon, aged just 17. She went on to win 20 Wimbledon titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
In 1968, the Open Era began, which marked a significant step forward in the women’s tennis movement. This meant that amateur and professional players could now compete together in the same events. Before this, professional players competed only against other professionals, while amateurs played amongst themselves.
King won the first ever Open Era Wimbledon title in 1968 and also helped to found the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), which sought to promote women’s tennis around the world. The WTA organized the first women’s professional tour and set up a ranking system for players.
In 1973, Billie Jean King took on Bobby Riggs, and it became known as the Battle of The Sexes, one of the most iconic tennis matches in history. King won the match, and it became a symbol of the growing power and influence of women in sports.
1980s-1990s
During the 1980s and 1990s, women’s tennis continued to evolve, with players like Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Gabriela Sabatini dominating. This era also saw an increased emphasis on physical fitness and conditioning.
In 1990, the Australian Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to award equal prize money to both men and women. It took until 2007 for Wimbledon to award the same amount of money and then the US Open and French Open in 2008 and 2013, respectively.
2000s-2010s
The 2000s and 2010s saw the rise of some of the most dominant players in the history of the sport, including Venus and Serena Williams, who have won a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles.
At the same time, women’s tennis has also begun to focus on a more global approach. In 2008, the WTA introduced the Road to Singapore, a year-long competition that culminates in the WTA Finals, which are held in different cities around the world each year.
The sport continues to evolve and thrive, with increasing numbers of women playing tennis, and more opportunities available for them to excel. One of the most impressive players of the current era is Naomi Osaka.
Conclusion
Women’s tennis has come a long way since the late 1800s, when the sport was first introduced to women. From the early days of sexism and discrimination, the sport has evolved to become a more inclusive and progressive field.
Trailblazing players like Billie Jean King have paved the way for future generations, and the tennis world has undergone numerous changes that have been reflected in greater opportunities and recognition for female athletes.
As we look to the future of women’s tennis, it seems clear that there is still much to be achieved. However, with star players like Naomi Osaka and an increasing number of programs and organizations working to promote women’s sports, the future looks bright for women’s tennis, and for women’s sports in general.