Helen Wills, American teenis player, 1930s (b/w photo)

Helen Wills. American teenis player. (1905-1998). Also known by her married names Helen Wills Moody and Helen Wills Roark. She became famous for holding the top position in women's tennis for a total of nine years: 192733, 1935 and 1938. She won 31 Grand Slam tournament titles (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) during her career, including 19 singles titles. Wills was the first American woman athlete to become a global celebrity, making friends with royalty and film stars despite her preference for staying out of the limelight. She was admired for her graceful physique and for her fluid motion. She was part of a new tennis fashion, playing in knee-length pleated skirts rather than the longer ones of her predecessors, and was known for wearing her hallmark white visor. She was said to be "arguably the most dominant tennis player of the 20th century" Pictured in the 1930s playing tennis.