Long before Chris Everet and Martina Navratilova brought rivalry to women’s tennis, there was Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills. Despite the fact that the early 20th-century figures played only one head-to-head singles match, the buildup and anticipation of that clash left an indelible mark on the world of tennis.
The Goddess and the American Girl: The Story of Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills was published by Larry Englemann in 1988. While taking an American literature class in college, the historian encountered a reference to Lenglen in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. One of the fictional characters was said to have loved to win at tennis “as much as Lenglen, for instance.” No one in the class knew who Lenglen was, including the instructor.
Englemann’s first encounter with the historical figure of Wills was similarly obscure. She appeared briefly in the documentary film “The Golden Twenties,” but that was enough to capture his curiosity. When the historian was writing his first book, Intemperance: The Lost War Against Liquor, he came across hundreds of articles about the two women and became enthralled. The Goddess and the American Girl is the product of that fascination.
Even fans who do not study tennis history will recognize the name of Suzanne Lenglen. The French tennis sensation’s name is memorialized on one of the show courts used for the French Open. Lenglen was celebrated for her remarkable athletic prowess, revolutionary style, and elegance on the court. With her bold fashion choices and unparalleled skills, she brought a new level of glamour to the sport and captured the hearts of fans around the world.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Helen Wills was an American prodigy who dominated the tennis scene with her unwavering focus and incredible consistency. She built impressively long winning streaks and won a record number of Grand Slam titles for that era. Her unflappable nature on the court earned her the nickname “Little Miss Poker Face.” She attracted as much attention and idolatry as Lenglen.
The Goddess and the American Girl chronicles how their rivalry culminated with “The Match of the Century” in 1926, played at the Carlton Club in Cannes. The anticipation surrounding the clash was electrifying, as spectators craved a glimpse of the ultimate showdown between the two tennis virtuosos. The intensity of the match lived up to the hype. Lenglen ultimately emerged victorious, but Wills demonstrated that other players of the time could compete with Lenglen. It was the moment that Lenglen became beatable.
Both Lenglen and Wills pushed the boundaries of women’s tennis and became symbols of inspiration for generations to come. The intense public interest in their rivalry is an early example of the marketing power of women’s tennis.
As a historian, Englemann brings a full dimension of insight and depth about the era in which the two women lived. He details the intricate tapestry of tennis’s historical, societal, and global context, shedding light on how Lenglen and Wills both influenced and were influenced by the world they lived in.
The Goddess and the American Girl: The Story of Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills is undoubtedly one of the best books about women’s tennis ever written. Englemann’s research-driven approach and personal interviews with many key figures involved with this saga culminates in a comprehensive picture that is a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
I highly recommend this book to tennis fans and history buffs alike.
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