Helen Wills Moody

Date of Birth: October 6, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 1, 1998

Biography

Helen Wills Moody, born Helen Newington Wills, was an American tennis player who dominated women’s tennis in the 1920s and 1930s. She was born on October 6, 1905, in Centerville, California, and displayed an early talent for tennis, winning her first national championship at the age of 17. Known for her powerful and precise baseline game, she earned the nickname “Little Miss Poker Face” due to her calm demeanor on the court. Helen Wills Moody won 31 Grand Slam titles during her career, including 19 singles titles, 9 doubles titles, and 3 mixed doubles titles. She was the first American woman to win the French Championships and also claimed titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships multiple times. Her rivalry with Suzanne Lenglen is one of the most famous in tennis history. In addition to her tennis prowess, Moody was an accomplished artist and author. After her retirement from tennis, she focused on her painting and published several books, including her autobiography. She married Frederick Moody, Jr. in 1939, and the couple remained together until his death in 1979. Helen Wills Moody passed away on January 1, 1998, in Carmel, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Helen Wills Moody

1. Helen Wills Moody won her first U.S. National Championship at the age of 17.

2. She was the first American woman to win the French Championships.

3. Helen Wills Moody had a famous rivalry with French tennis star Suzanne Lenglen.

4. She was known for her calm demeanor on the court and earned the nickname “Little Miss Poker Face.”

5. In addition to her tennis career, she was an accomplished painter and author.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helen Wills Moody

1. “The tennis ball doesn’t know how old I am.”

2. “I can’t seem to shake off that poker face.”

3. “Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility.”

4. “The more I practice, the luckier I get.”

5. “A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Helen Wills Moody’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but she was one of the highest-earning female athletes of her time through prize money and endorsements.