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Elizabeth Montague Ryan[1] (February 5, 1892 – July 6, 1979) was an American tennis player who was born in Anaheim, California, but lived most of her adult life in the United Kingdom. Ryan won 26 Grand Slam titles, 19 in women's doubles and mixed doubles at Wimbledon, an all-time record for those two events. Twelve of her Wimbledon titles were in women's doubles and seven were in mixed doubles. Ryan also won four women's doubles titles at the French Championships, as well as one women's doubles title and two mixed-doubles titles at the U.S. Championships. During a 19-year run Ryan amassed a total of 659 titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.[2]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Although she reached the Wimbledon singles finals twice, Ryan never won the title. Eight of her losses at Wimbledon were to players generally considered to be among the best ever. Ryan had to play Dorothea Lambert Chambers in the all-comers final of 1920; Suzanne Lenglen in the 1919 semifinals (losing 6–4, 7–5), 1921 final, 1922 quarterfinals, 1924 quarterfinals (losing 6–2, 6–8, 6–4), and 1925 second round; and Helen Wills Moody in the 1928 semifinals and 1930 final.

In the 1926 singles final at the U.S. Championships, the 34-year-old Ryan led 42-year-old Molla Bjurstedt Mallory 4–6, 6–4, 4–0 and had a match point at 7–6 in the third set before losing the final three games of the match.[3]

Ryan and her longtime partner Lenglen never lost a women's doubles match at Wimbledon, going 31–0.[3] Only Billie Jean King (224 match wins) and Martina Navratilova won more matches at Wimbledon than Ryan (190 match wins): 47–15 in singles, 73–4 in women's doubles, and 70–9 in mixed doubles.[3]

The longtime tennis writer Ted Tinling has credited Ryan with inventing the volleying style later perfected by players such as Sarah Palfrey Cooke, Alice Marble, Louise Brough Clapp, Margaret Osborne duPont, Doris Hart, Darlene Hard, Margaret Court, Navratilova, and King. "Before World War I, women's tennis consisted primary of slogging duels from the baseline. There were a few volleying pioneers, notably ... Hazel [Hotchkiss] Wightman and Ethel [Thomson] Larcombe, but volleying as a fundamental, aggressive technique was first injected into the women's game by ... Ryan."[4] Tinling, however, also said about Ryan, "Elizabeth wasn't fast enough for singles. Too heavy."[5]

According to A. Wallis Myers of The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail, Ryan was ranked in the world top 10 from 1921 (when the rankings began) through 1928 and again in 1930, reaching a career high of world No. 3 in those rankings in 1927.[6] Ryan was ranked second behind Mallory in the year-end rankings issued by the United States Lawn Tennis Association for 1925 and 1926.[7]

Ryan died on July 6, 1979, at age 87 on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, following the ladies singles final and the day before Billie Jean King broke her record number of Wimbledon wins by winning her 20th title.[8][9][10] When tennis writer and television commentator Bud Collins tried to arrange for Ryan and King to film an interview together at Wimbledon in 1979, Ryan refused.[5] King said "I always liked seeing Miss Ryan at Wimbledon, and I'd try to be friendly, but she didn't seem to want it. For me, it wasn't personal. Sure, I wanted the record, but I wasn't trying to steal a possession of hers."[11] King also said "[T]here is no doubt in my mind that she just didn't want to be alive to see her record broken. She was [87], she had held it for a long, long time and she wanted it for herself. But records are there to be broken."[12] Two years before her death, Ryan had told Ted Tinling, the tennis fashion designer, "I hope I don't live to see my record broken, but if someone is to break it, I hope it is Billie Jean. She has so much courage on the court." According to reports, Ryan became ill while watching the men's doubles final and excused herself, heading for the women's rest room. She collapsed there and was rushed to the hospital, where she died at 5:20 p.m. London time.[13]

Career statistics

[edit]
Main article: Elizabeth Ryan career statistics

Grand Slam finals

[edit]

Singles: 3 (3 runner-ups)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Opponent Score
Loss 1921 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen 2–6, 0–6
Loss 1926 U.S. Championships Grass United States Molla Mallory 6–4, 4–6, 7–9
Loss 1930 Wimbledon Grass United States Helen Wills 2–6, 2–6

Doubles: 21 (17 titles, 4 runner-ups)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1914 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Agnes Morton United Kingdom Edith Hannam
United Kingdom Ethel Thomson Larcombe		 6–1, 6–3
Win 1919 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Dorothea Lambert Chambers
United Kingdom Ethel Thomson Larcombe		 4–6, 7–5, 6–3
Win 1920 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Dorothea Lambert Chambers
United Kingdom Ethel Thomson Larcombe		 6–4, 6–0
Win 1921 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Geraldine Beamish
South Africa Irene Bowder Peacock		 6–1, 6–2
Win 1922 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Kathleen McKane Godfree
United Kingdom Margaret McKane Stocks		 6–0, 6–4
Win 1923 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Joan Austin
United Kingdom Evelyn Colyer		 6–3, 6–1
Win 1925 Wimbledon Grass France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Kathleen Lidderdale
United Kingdom Mary McIlquham		 6–2, 6–2
Loss 1925 U.S. Championships Grass United States May Sutton United States Mary Browne
United States Helen Wills		 4–6, 3–6
Win 1926 Wimbledon Grass United States Mary Browne United Kingdom Evelyn Colyer
United Kingdom Kathleen McKane Godfree		 6–1, 6–1
Win 1926 U.S. Championships Grass United States Eleanor Goss United States Mary Browne
United States Charlotte Hosmer Chapin		 3–6, 6–4, 12–10
Win 1927 Wimbledon Grass United States Helen Wills South Africa Bobbie Heine
South Africa Irene Bowder Peacock		 6–3, 6–2
Win 1930 French Championships Clay United States Helen Wills France Simone Barbier
France Simonne Mathieu		 6–3, 6–1
Win 1930 Wimbledon Grass United States Helen Wills United Kingdom Edith Cross
United States Sarah Palfrey		 6–2, 9–7
Loss 1931 French Championships Clay Germany Cilly Aussem United Kingdom Eileen Bennett Whittingstall
United Kingdom Betty Nuthall		 7–9, 2–6
Win 1932 French Championships Clay United States Helen Wills United Kingdom Eileen Bennett Whittingstall
United Kingdom Betty Nuthall		 6–1, 6–3
Loss 1932 Wimbledon Grass United States Helen Jacobs France Doris Metaxa
Belgium Josane Sigart		 4–6, 3–6
Win 1933 French Championships Clay France Simonne Mathieu France Sylvie Jung Henrotin
France Colette Rosambert		 6–1, 6–3
Win 1933 Wimbledon Grass France Simonne Mathieu United Kingdom Freda James
United Kingdom Billie Yorke		 6–2, 9–11, 6–4
Loss 1933 U.S. Championships Grass United States Helen Wills United Kingdom Freda James
United Kingdom Betty Nuthall		 default
Win 1934 French Championships Clay France Simonne Mathieu United States Helen Jacobs
United States Sarah Palfrey		 3–6, 6–4, 6–2
Win 1934 Wimbledon Grass France Simonne Mathieu United Kingdom Dorothy Andrus
France Sylvie Jung Henrotin		 6–3, 6–3

Mixed doubles: 14 (9 titles, 5 runner-ups)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1919 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Randolph Lycett United Kingdom Dorothea Chambers
United Kingdom Albert Prebble		 6–0, 6–0
Loss 1920 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Randolph Lycett France Suzanne Lenglen
Australia Gerald Patterson		 5–7, 3–6
Win 1921 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Randolph Lycett United Kingdom Phyllis Howkins
United Kingdom Max Woosnam		 6–3, 6–1
Loss 1922 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Randolph Lycett France Suzanne Lenglen
Australia Pat O'Hara Wood		 4–6, 3–6
Win 1923 Wimbledon Grass United Kingdom Randolph Lycett United Kingdom Dorothy Shepherd-Barron
British Raj Lewis Deane		 6–4, 7–5
Loss 1925 Wimbledon Grass Italy Umberto de Morpurgo France Suzanne Lenglen
France Jean Borotra		 3–6, 3–6
Win 1926 U.S. Championships Grass France Jean Borotra United States Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman
France René Lacoste		 6–4, 7–5
Win 1927 Wimbledon Grass United States Frank Hunter United Kingdom Kathleen McKane Godfree
United Kingdom Leslie Godfree		 8–6, 6–0
Win 1928 Wimbledon Grass South Africa Patrick Spence Australia Daphne Akhurst
Australia Jack Crawford		 7–5, 6–4
Win 1930 Wimbledon Grass Australia Jack Crawford Germany Hilde Krahwinkel
Germany Daniel Prenn		 6–1, 6–3
Win 1932 Wimbledon Grass Spain Enrique Maier Belgium Josane Sigart
Australia Harry Hopman		 7–5, 6–2
Win 1933 U.S. Championships Grass United States Ellsworth Vines United States Sarah Palfrey
United States George Lott		 11–9, 6–1
Loss 1934 French Championships Clay Australia Adrian Quist France Colette Rosambert
France Jean Borotra		 2–6, 4–6
Loss 1934 U.S. Championships Grass United States Lester Stoefen United States Helen Jacobs
United States George Lott		 6–4, 11–13, 2–6

Grand Slam tournament timelines

[edit]
Key
W  F  SF QF #R RR Q# DNQ A NH
(W) winner; (F) finalist; (SF) semifinalist; (QF) quarterfinalist; (#R) rounds 4, 3, 2, 1; (RR) round-robin stage; (Q#) qualification round; (DNQ) did not qualify; (A) absent; (NH) not held; (SR) strike rate (events won / competed); (W–L) win–loss record.

Singles

[edit]
Tournament 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 Career SR
Australian Open NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH A A A A A A A A A A A A A 0 / 0
French Championships[a] A A A NH NH NH NH NH A A A A NH A QF A A A QF QF 1R 1R 1R 0 / 7
Wimbledon QF 1R ACF NH NH NH NH SF ACF F QF SF QF 2R 3R SF SF 3R F A 1R1 A A 0 / 16
U.S. Championships A A A A A A A A A A A A A QF F A A A A A A A QF 0 / 3
SR 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 2 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 2 0 / 3 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 2 0 / 1 0 / 2 0 / 1 0 / 2 0 / 26

ACF = All comers final, with the winner to play the defending champion.

1 Ryan did not play. Her opponent got a walkover.

Doubles

[edit]
Tournament 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 Career SR
Australian Open NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH A A A A A A A A A A A A A 0 / 0
French Championships[a] A NH NH NH NH NH NH NH A A NH A NH A SF A A A W F W W W 4 / 6
Wimbledon NH 2R W NH NH NH NH W W W W W QF W W W SF SF W A F W W 12 / 16
U.S. Championships A A A A A A A A A A A A A F W A A A A A A F SF 1 / 4
SR 0 / 0 0 / 0 1 / 1 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 1 / 1 1 / 1 1 / 1 1 / 1 1 / 1 0 / 1 1 / 2 2 / 3 1 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 1 2 / 2 0 / 1 1 / 2 2 / 3 2 / 3 17 / 26

Mixed doubles

[edit]
Tournament 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 Career SR
Australian Open NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH NH A A A A A A A A A A A A A 0 / 0
French Championships[a] A A A NH NH NH NH NH ? ? ? ? NH ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? F 0 / 1
Wimbledon NH ? ? NH NH NH NH W F W F W 2R F SF W W SF W A W QF QF 7 / 15
U.S. Championships ? A A ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? W ? ? ? ? ? ? W F 2 / 3
SR 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 1 / 1 0 / 1 1 / 1 0 / 1 1 / 1 0 / 1 0 / 1 1 / 2 1 / 1 1 / 1 0 / 1 1 / 1 0 / 0 1 / 1 1 / 2 0 / 3 9 / 19

World Championship finals

[edit]

Singles: 1 final (1 runner up)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Opponent Score
Loss 1922 World Hard Court Championships Clay France Suzanne Lenglen 3–6, 2–6

Doubles: 2 finals (2 titles)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1914 World Hard Court Championships Clay France Suzanne Lenglen France Blanche Amblard
France Suzanne Amblard		 6–0, 6–0
Win 1922 World Hard Court Championships Clay France Suzanne Lenglen United Kingdom Winifred Beamish
United Kingdom Kitty McKane		 6–0, 6–4

Mixed doubles: 2 finals(2 titles)

[edit]
Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1913 World Hard Court Championships Clay France Max Decugis New Zealand Anthony Wilding
France Germaine Golding		 walkover
Win 1914 World Hard Court Championships Clay France Max Decugis Austria Ludwig von Salm-Hoogstraeten
France Suzanne Lenglen		 6–3, 6–1

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Elizabeth Ryan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Elizabeth Ryan (February 5, 1892 – July 6, 1979) was an American tennis player renowned for her dominance in doubles and mixed doubles events, particularly at Wimbledon, where she secured a record 12 women's doubles titles and 7 mixed doubles titles across a career spanning from 1912 to 1934. Born in Anaheim, California, Ryan began playing tennis as a child and began competing in the amateur circuit around 1905, quickly rising to prominence with her left-handed, aggressive volleying style that revolutionized women's tennis. She was ranked world No. 3 in 1927 and amassed 26 major titles in total, including 4 women's doubles crowns at the French Championships (1930, 1932–1934), 1 at the U.S. Nationals (1926), and 2 mixed doubles titles at the U.S. Nationals (1926, 1933). Notable partnerships included an undefeated 31–0 record in women's doubles at Wimbledon with French star Suzanne Lenglen, contributing to her legacy as one of the most successful doubles players in history. Ryan reached the Wimbledon singles final four times (1914, 1920, 1921, 1930) without a victory but was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1972 for her overall contributions, including winning 659 tournaments in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles over 19 years. She spent much of her adult life in the United Kingdom and collapsed and died of a stroke on the grounds of Wimbledon on July 6, 1979, the day before the ladies' singles final, at the age of 87.

Early life

Birth and family

Elizabeth Montague Ryan was born on February 5, 1892, in Anaheim, California, to Francis George Ryan and Matilda Brooks Ryan. Her father, an English immigrant born in 1855, had married Matilda in 1885 and purchased a large orange orchard in Anaheim in 1888 before the family relocated to Santa Monica in 1891. The Ryan family resided in a house on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, where young Elizabeth spent her early years amid the developing coastal community of Southern California. Ryan's father passed away in 1898, when she was six years old. Matilda later remarried, becoming Matilda Brooks Dudley, and the family maintained financial stability through the father's land investments. These circumstances shaped Ryan's formative experiences, emphasizing in a time of transition for the household. Ryan had an older sister named Alice, born in 1890, with whom she shared a close childhood. Growing up in late 19th-century , the sisters attended local schools in Santa Monica for their basic education, immersing themselves in the region's emerging suburban environment and agricultural roots. The family's resources fostered a practical upbringing, setting the stage for Ryan's resilient character.

Introduction to tennis

Elizabeth Ryan grew up in a wealthy household in the area, where she was introduced to through her elder sister, Alice, an enthusiastic player herself. As a young girl in a family of British immigrant heritage, Ryan first encountered the sport around age 13 amid the local culture of early 20th-century , where asphalt courts were common at clubs and public facilities, providing accessible opportunities for recreational play. Ryan's initial exposure evolved from family-supported recreation into structured training as she pursued the game more seriously in her mid-teens. She took lessons from coaches in Los Angeles, honing a left-handed, aggressive volleying style that emphasized net play and chopping shots, adapted from the hard courts prevalent in the region but later dominating on grass. This period marked her amateur beginnings in the early 1900s, with participation in local California tournaments by 1905, including possible junior doubles events that showcased her emerging talent at just 13 years old. By around 1910, Ryan had transitioned to the competitive amateur circuit, securing her first tournament victories in and achieving notable wins in U.S. regional events, such as challenging established players in competitions. These successes highlighted her shift from casual play to dedicated pursuit, building a foundation in the sport before broader exposures. In 1912, Ryan moved to with her mother and sister, further immersing her in international . Her family's encouragement, particularly through Alice's influence, played a key role in sustaining her early interests in amid personal changes following her father's early death.

Tennis career

Early professional years

Elizabeth Ryan, hailing from where she had begun competing in local tournaments as a teenager, relocated to at the age of 20 around 1912 to access a wider array of competitive opportunities in . This move marked the beginning of her international career, as she settled in and immersed herself in the British tennis circuit. Her first significant international exposure came in 1912 with participation in several British tournaments, including a debut appearance at the Wimbledon Championships where she reached the singles quarterfinals. The following year, in 1913, Ryan expanded her reach by competing in continental events such as the World Hard Court Championships in France, showcasing her adaptability to indoor and clay surfaces prevalent in European play. By 1914, her singles progress culminated in reaching the all-comers final at Wimbledon, where she was defeated by Ethel Larcombe, highlighting her growing prowess just before global events disrupted the sport. The outbreak of in profoundly impacted Ryan's early career, leading to the suspension of major tournaments like Wimbledon from 1915 through 1918, which limited competitive play across . During this period, she remained active in smaller events where possible, but the hiatus delayed her momentum. In doubles, Ryan began establishing key partnerships with established and emerging players; she won her first Wimbledon women's doubles title in alongside Agnes Morton and secured minor doubles titles in European tournaments, such as the Russian Championships in St. Petersburg that same year. These early successes laid the groundwork for her future dominance in the discipline, though full realization awaited the postwar resumption.

Peak achievements in doubles and mixed doubles

Following , Elizabeth Ryan rose to prominence in women's doubles through her dominant partnership with , securing five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1919 to 1923, an unbeaten streak that showcased their synergy on grass courts. By the mid-1920s, Ryan transitioned to new alliances, notably teaming with the emerging American star in to claim the Wimbledon doubles crown, defeating Bobbie Heine and Irene Peacock 6–3, 6–2 in the final; this victory highlighted Ryan's veteran poise complementing Wills' baseline power. Her European residency since 1912, primarily in , facilitated consistent participation in major events across the continent, enabling such sustained success. Ryan's expertise in mixed doubles peaked during the 1920s, where she formed frequent pairings with skilled male players, including —capturing the 1926 U.S. National Championships —and Jack Hawkes, with whom she contended in high-level events like the 1925 U.S. Nationals. At Wimbledon, she secured five titles from 1921 to 1930, partnering with Randolph Lycett for three early wins (1921, 1923) and later with Frank Hunter (1927) and Patrick Spence (1928), demonstrating her versatility in coordinating with diverse styles and contributing to her record seven Wimbledon titles overall. These triumphs underscored her adaptability to both grass and emerging clay surfaces, as seen in her strong performances at the French Championships, where she reached multiple doubles semifinals despite the era's logistical challenges for transatlantic travel. Across the decade, Ryan amassed 26 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, including 12 Wimbledon women's doubles victories and 7 mixed crowns, establishing her as the era's preeminent doubles specialist. Central to this haul was her pioneering net play and volleying, which revolutionized women's tennis by emphasizing aggressive forward positioning over baseline rallying; contemporaries noted her "rifle-shot" volleys and court coverage as keys to dismantling opponents. Notable rivalries intensified Ryan's peak, particularly against Lenglen-led teams in doubles semifinals and finals, where their prior partnership evolved into competitive clashes, as in the 1925 Wimbledon final that Ryan and Lenglen won together before later facing off in opposing lineups. She also navigated challenges from emerging pairs like those featuring Wills or French stars such as Yvonne Bourgeois, adapting her volley-heavy game to counter baseline endurance on clay while maintaining dominance on grass.

Later career and retirement

In the 1930s, Ryan maintained her prowess in doubles and mixed doubles despite a noticeable decline in her singles performance. She partnered with Helen Wills Moody to secure Wimbledon women's doubles titles in 1930, 1933, and 1934, while also claiming the mixed doubles crown at the same tournament in 1930 with Jack Crawford and in 1932 with Enrique Maier. Her singles results waned as younger players dominated, with her last Grand Slam final occurring in 1934 at the US Nationals, where she reached the doubles final but lost decisively in singles matches against top competitors. Ryan's involvement with the Wightman Cup team spanned the 1920s and into the early 1930s, contributing to the 1926 victory over . However, her extensive commitments to European tournaments led to tensions with the Lawn Tennis Association; in 1927, officials announced she would not return to the for the summer, rendering her unavailable for the team and prompting debate over player obligations to national duties versus international circuits. A similar issue arose in 1929, when she was expelled from the Wightman Cup squad due to her prioritization of European events, despite appeals from teammates like . Ryan retired from major competition in at age 42, after a career spanning over 20 years, marked by 659 titles across all surfaces. She transitioned to coaching and participated in exhibition matches, leveraging her expertise to mentor emerging players in , where she had relocated permanently. Her enduring doubles records, including 19 Wimbledon titles, underscored her lasting impact as she shifted focus to promoting the sport. During , Ryan remained in and contributed to promotion efforts, organizing matches and coaching sessions to sustain interest in the sport amid wartime restrictions, while residing near the Wimbledon grounds until her death in 1979.

Major tournament results

Grand Slam singles

Elizabeth Ryan's Grand Slam singles career spanned from 1914 to 1930, marked by consistent deep runs but no titles, positioning her as one of the era's top contenders without a major victory. She reached four Wimbledon singles finals (1914, 1920, 1921, 1930) and one at the U.S. Championships (1926), all ending in defeat, while frequently advancing to quarterfinals and semifinals on grass surfaces where her chopping style and volleying prowess shone. Her performances highlighted a strong baseline game suited to faster courts, though she faced challenges adapting to slower clay at the French Championships, limiting her to quarterfinal showings there. Ryan's breakthrough came early at Wimbledon, where she reached the all-comers final in 1914, defeating Edith Johnson 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals before losing to Ethel Larcombe 6-3, 6-2; Larcombe then fell to defending champion Dorothea Lambert Chambers in the challenge round. She repeated the feat in 1920, advancing to the all-comers final but losing to Chambers 6-2, 6-1, underscoring her ability to dominate challengers yet struggle against established champions. By the mid-1920s, Ryan peaked on American grass, reaching the quarterfinals at the 1925 U.S. National Championships with wins over Eleanor Goss and others, before falling to 3-6, 7-5, 6-2. Her Grand Slam singles finals were hard-fought losses that defined her near-misses, with the pre-1922 Wimbledon finals under the challenge round format counting the all-comers final appearances. In 1921 at Wimbledon, she lost decisively to Suzanne Lenglen 6-2, 6-0 in the final, unable to counter the French star's baseline precision. At the 1926 U.S. Championships, aged 34, Ryan pushed seven-time champion Molla Mallory to the brink, leading 4-6, 6-4, 4-0 with a match point at 7-6 in the third set before succumbing 9-7, in a match noted for its endurance and drama. Her final appearance came in 1930 at Wimbledon, where 38-year-old Ryan defeated Betty Nuthall and Cilly Aussem to reach the championship match, only to be outmatched by Helen Wills Moody 6-2, 6-2 on fast grass. These defeats, particularly to dominant figures like Lenglen and Wills, highlighted Ryan's technical skill but occasional vulnerability in high-stakes encounters.
YearTournamentResultOpponent in FinalScore
1914Wimbledon (All-Comers Final)Runner-upEthel Larcombe (GBR)3-6, 2-6
1920Wimbledon (All-Comers Final)Runner-upDorothea Lambert Chambers (GBR)2-6, 1-6
1921WimbledonRunner-up (FRA)2-6, 0-6
1926U.S. ChampionshipsRunner-up (USA)4-6, 6-4, 7-9
1930WimbledonRunner-upHelen Wills Moody (USA)2-6, 2-6
Ryan never entered the Australian Championships, focusing her international efforts on European and American events. While exact win-loss statistics for her Grand Slam singles matches remain sparsely documented, her 0-5 finals record and multiple quarterfinal/semifinal appearances across 20-plus participations affirm her as a reliable top-10 player who often compensated for singles shortcomings through exceptional doubles success.

Grand Slam doubles

Elizabeth Ryan's Grand Slam women's doubles career was exceptionally prolific, amassing 17 titles across 21 finals, contributing significantly to her overall tally of 26 Grand Slam victories. Her dominance was most pronounced on grass courts, particularly at Wimbledon, where she claimed a record 12 titles between 1914 and 1934, showcasing her aggressive net play and tactical acumen in partnerships that revolutionized doubles strategy. These achievements, concentrated in the during her career peak, underscored her role as one of the era's premier doubles specialists. Ryan secured her first Grand Slam doubles title at the 1914 Wimbledon Championships, partnering with Agnes Morton to defeat Edith Hannam and Ethel Larcombe 6-1, 6-3 in the final. Her most notable collaboration was with Suzanne Lenglen, with whom she won six Wimbledon crowns (1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1925), achieving a perfect 31-0 match record at the event and emphasizing baseline-to-net transitions that influenced future generations. Other key partnerships included Mary K. Browne, with whom she triumphed at the 1926 Wimbledon and the 1926 U.S. Championships; Helen Wills (later Wills Moody), for wins at the 1927 and 1930 Wimbledon events as well as the 1930 French Championships; and Simone Mathieu, securing the 1933 and 1934 Wimbledon titles alongside victories at the 1932, 1933, and 1934 French Championships. At the U.S. Championships, her sole title came in 1926 with Browne, while she added four French Championships titles in total, highlighting her adaptability to clay despite her grass-court prowess. Among her four runner-up finishes, notable losses included the 1932 Wimbledon final with Helen Jacobs against Dodo Metaxa and Josane Sigart (4-6, 3-6), and the 1925 U.S. Championships final with May S. Bundy against Mary K. Browne and (4-6, 3-6). These near-misses, particularly on grass where she lost only once at Wimbledon in doubles, illustrated the fine margins in her otherwise stellar record, yet her 17 titles established her as a benchmark for doubles excellence through the 1920s and early .

Grand Slam mixed doubles

Elizabeth Ryan demonstrated exceptional versatility in Grand Slam mixed doubles, securing 9 titles across 14 finals, all partnering with male players from various nations. Her success spanned three decades, relying on strong cross-gender synergy to complement her precise baseline game with partners' net play and volleys. These achievements underscored her adaptability, as she triumphed with five different partners at Wimbledon alone and reached finals into her forties. Ryan's dominance at Wimbledon was unparalleled, where she won a record 7 mixed doubles titles—the most by any woman in the event's history—between 1919 and 1932. Her first Grand Slam mixed doubles title came in 1919 with British player Randolph Lycett, defeating the defending champions in straight sets. She repeated the feat with Lycett in 1921 and 1923, establishing an early trio of victories on grass. Later partnerships included American Frank Hunter in 1927, South African Patrick Spence in 1928, Australian Jack Crawford in 1930, and Spanish player Enrique Maier in 1932, showcasing her ability to integrate with diverse styles. At the U.S. Championships, Ryan claimed 2 mixed doubles titles, further highlighting her prowess on American soil. In 1926, she partnered with Frenchman Jean Borotra to win the title, defeating Hazel Wightman and René Lacoste in the final. Her final Grand Slam mixed doubles triumph came in 1933 with American Ellsworth Vines, overcoming a strong field at age 41. Ryan's longevity was evident in standout performances during the 1930s, when she reached multiple finals despite turning 40 in 1932. That year, she and Maier captured Wimbledon after navigating a competitive draw, including victories over seeded pairs. Earlier, in 1925, she advanced to the Wimbledon final with Italian Uberto de Morpurgo but fell to Suzanne Lenglen and Jean Borotra, 6–3, 6–3, in a match that exemplified the era's intense rivalries. These efforts, amid 5 runner-up finishes overall, cemented her reputation for enduring competitiveness in mixed doubles.
TournamentYears WonPartners
Wimbledon1919, 1921, 1923, 1927, 1928, 1930, 1932Randolph Lycett (3), Frank Hunter (1), Patrick Spence (1), Jack Crawford (1), Enrique Maier (1)
U.S. Championships1926, 1933Jean Borotra (1), Ellsworth Vines (1)
Ryan's 7 Wimbledon mixed doubles titles remain a benchmark, illustrating the unique dynamics of mixed play where her steady retrieving paired effectively with aggressive male counterparts to outmaneuver opponents.

Other significant competitions

World Hard Court Championships

Elizabeth Ryan began competing in the in 1913, participating in alongside Craig Biddle against opponents including Max Décugis and Miss de Csesery. The tournament, held on clay courts at the in from 1912 to 1923, represented a premier international event on the slower surface and is regarded as a direct precursor to the , filling a gap for clay-court majors in the pre-Grand Slam era. Although Ryan was renowned as a grass-court specialist, her results at the World Hard Court Championships showcased her ability to adapt to clay, particularly in doubles. She formed a formidable partnership with French star Suzanne Lenglen starting in 1914, with their collaboration debuting at this event and contributing to 40 total titles together over the years. Ryan and Lenglen captured the women's doubles title in 1914, defeating the Amblard sisters 6–0, 6–0 in the final, and repeated the feat in 1922. These victories underscored Ryan's net-rushing style and volleying prowess, which translated effectively to the demands of clay-court play despite her primary successes on faster surfaces. In singles, Ryan advanced to the final in 1922, where she fell to Lenglen 6–3, 6–2, marking one of her closest approaches to a major clay-court singles title. Her consistent participation and achievements from 1913 onward established her as a key figure in the tournament's history, bridging the gap between national championships and the emerging global structure of professional tennis. The ' emphasis on clay helped pave the way for its successor, the international starting in 1925.

Wightman Cup participation

Elizabeth Ryan represented the in the Wightman Cup, the annual women's team competition between the U.S. and that ran from 1923 to 1989, during the 1926 edition held at Wimbledon in . As the team's No. 1 player that year, she stepped up in the absence of , who was sidelined by an , and contributed significantly to the U.S. victory. In singles play, Ryan opened with a straight-sets win over Joan Fry, defeating her 6–1, 6–3. She followed with a competitive three-set loss to , 1–6, 7–5, 4–6. Partnering with Mary K. Browne in doubles, Ryan played a pivotal role in the deciding match, rallying from a first-set deficit to beat McKane Godfree and Evelyn Colyer 2–6, 6–2, 6–4, clinching the overall 4–3 team win for the under captain Browne. Her performance highlighted her veteran expertise in doubles, where she was a dominant force internationally, helping secure the cup for the U.S. in her only documented appearance. Ryan's involvement underscored her status as a key contributor to American team efforts, though her primary career focus on European circuits limited further selections amid U.S. politics favoring domestic commitments. The triumph marked one of the early U.S. successes in the , with Ryan's doubles prowess proving decisive.

Legacy and honors

Records and rankings

Elizabeth Ryan amassed 26 Grand Slam titles, all in women's doubles and , a feat that underscored her dominance in those disciplines during the pre-Open Era. Her 17 women's doubles titles stood as the record for a female player until surpassed by , who won 18. Among these, Ryan secured 12 at Wimbledon, an all-time record that remains unbroken. She also claimed 9 titles, including 7 at Wimbledon. In singles, Ryan achieved unofficial world rankings in the top 10 from 1921 to 1928 according to A. Wallis Myers of , peaking at No. 3 in 1927; she was occasionally assessed as high as No. 5 in the 1920s by contemporaries. For doubles, she was regarded as the preeminent player from 1921 to 1930, reflecting her versatility and partnership success with figures like and . Ryan's career longevity was exceptional, spanning 19 years from approximately 1912 to 1934 and encompassing over 659 tournament victories across singles, doubles, and , as reported in her New York Times obituary. She holds the record for the longest span between major titles, with 20 years separating her first Wimbledon women's doubles win in 1914 and her last in 1934. In the pre-Open Era, such achievements required adjustments for amateur restrictions and surface variations, positioning Ryan as a benchmark against rivals like Lenglen, whom she frequently partnered in doubles despite singles losses.

Hall of Fame induction and influence

Elizabeth Ryan was inducted into the in 1972 as a Master Player, recognized primarily for her unparalleled prowess in doubles and , where she secured 26 major titles across various championships. Her enshrinement highlighted her role as a dominant force in these disciplines, particularly at Wimbledon, where her achievements set benchmarks for partnership play and tactical innovation in . Ryan pioneered the role of a women's doubles specialist during the 1920s and 1930s, emphasizing an aggressive volleying style that blended baseline control with net approaches, inspiring subsequent generations to adopt hybrid techniques that prioritized court coverage and precision chopping. Her famous chop volley and exceptional court sense made her a sought-after partner, elevating the strategic depth of doubles matches and transforming it from a supplementary event into a showcase of skill and endurance. This approach not only influenced playing styles but also underscored the viability of specializing in doubles for American players seeking international success. In modern tennis histories, Ryan is frequently featured as a foundational figure whose longevity and adaptability bridged eras of the sport, with her contributions to particularly noted for highlighting gender-integrated competition as a format of equal prestige. Her records continue to appear in lists of women's achievements, serving as a reference for the evolution of partnership dynamics. Broader impacts include her promotion of international play for Americans through extensive European tours and Wightman Cup participation, which encouraged cross-continental rivalries and helped globalize the sport for U.S. competitors.

Personal life

Residence in Europe

Elizabeth Ryan first traveled to Britain in 1912 to compete in tennis tournaments and, following the end of , permanently settled in , establishing herself as a long-term British resident while retaining her citizenship. She resided in Wimbledon for the bulk of her adult life, integrating into the local tennis community and maintaining close ties with British players and officials. Ryan never married and had no children, maintaining close family ties to her American roots despite her long residence abroad. During , she remained in amid the suspension of major tournaments, continuing her presence in Wimbledon as a fixture of the pre-war tennis scene.

Death and posthumous recognition

Elizabeth Ryan, who had resided in Wimbledon for much of her adult life, died on July 6, 1979, at the age of 87 from a . She collapsed while watching the men's doubles final on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and was rushed to St. George’s Hospital, where she passed away at 5:20 P.M. local time. Her death came one day before and claimed the women's doubles title, surpassing Ryan's record of 19 in doubles and —a mark she had held since 1934. Obituaries immediately following her death emphasized her unparalleled achievements, with The New York Times describing her as a "legend" integral to Wimbledon's history, quoting club groundskeeper Jack Yardley: "She's a legend. She's part of Wimbledon." Tennis officials and figures attended her funeral services in London, reflecting the esteem in which she was held within the sport. Posthumous recognition included dedications in International Tennis Hall of Fame exhibits, where her profile highlights her enduring influence on the game following her 1972 induction. She received mentions in tennis centennial celebrations during the 1980s, such as those commemorating major tournament histories, underscoring her foundational role in women's doubles. Ryan's legacy has been preserved through the archival of her trophies at institutions like the Wimbledon Museum, including a silver coffee pot awarded at the 1914 Imperial Russian Championships. Her life and contributions have influenced subsequent biographical works, such as the entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, which details her pioneering career.

References

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