Lenglen was the first player to become an international sporting celebrity. She transformed women's tennis from a niche amateur pastime into one of the world's most popular spectator sports. Her extraordinary dominance, charismatic personality, elegant fashion, and worldwide fame earned her the nickname "La Divine" (The Divine One).
Her Personal Information
Full Name
Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen
Born
May 24, 1899
Birthplace
Paris, France
Birthplace
Paris, France
Nationality
French
Turned Professional
1926
Playing Style
Aggressive all-court player
Nickname
La Divine
Career Era
1914–1926
Why Suzanne Lenglen Is Considered the First Female Tennis Superstar
Lenglen changed everything.
She became:
The first global female sports celebrity.
The first woman tennis player recognized worldwide.
One of the first female athletes to earn significant income through exhibition tours.
A fashion icon whose clothing influenced women's sportswear.
A player who attracted thousands of spectators wherever she competed.
People traveled from different countries simply to watch her play.
Early Life
Suzanne Lenglen was introduced to tennis by her father, Charles Lenglen, at a young age.
Unlike many children of her era, she trained seriously from childhood.
Her father developed innovative training methods including:
Target practice
Precision drills
Footwork exercises
Mental preparation
Dominance at Wimbledon
Wimbledon Singles Titles
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1925
She won 6 Wimbledon singles championships.
She rarely lost a set during her peak years.
French Championships Success
She also dominated the French Championships.
French Singles Titles
1920
1921
1922
1923
1925
1926
She became France's national sporting hero.
Olympic Gold Medal
At the 1920 Summer Olympics,
Lenglen won:
Gold Medal – Women's Singles
Gold Medal – Mixed Doubles
Bronze Medal – Women's Doubles
Fashion Revolution
Before Lenglen:
Women played in heavy dresses.
Long sleeves were standard.
Corsets restricted movement.
Lenglen introduced:
Sleeveless dresses
Knee-length skirts
Lightweight clothing
Stylish headbands
