Doris Hart

Doris Hart (b.1925), a prolific champion with 325 major titles, was the second woman after Maureen Connolly to win all four Grand Slam singles events. Remarkably, Hart achieved her record despite an impaired leg resulting from a childhood illness.

Stricken with osteomyelitis at 15 months, Hart recovered with the support of her parents and her brother, who taught her tennis. By age 16, Hart was ranked in the Top 10 where she stayed through 1955. In 1947, while a University of Miami undergraduate, she won her first Grand Slam title, the women’s doubles at Wimbledon.

With her superb racket control Hart developed a greater variety of shots than any other player of her day. A legendary doubles player, Hart teamed with Shirley Fry to win 11 major championships. She was among the first women to take the Wimbledon triple crown in 1951 and the French in 1952. In 1954, she earned the No. 1 ranking with a triple crown at the U.S. Nationals, retaining her ranking in 1955. She won the USTA Service Bowl Award that same year.

Hart retired from play after 1955 and became a teaching professional. A member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team from 1946 to 1955, Hart served as Captain of the winning 1970 U.S. Team.