Beyond Evert and Williams: The Untold Story of the US Open‘s most Dominant Champion
The US Open, one of tennis’s four grand Slam tournaments, draws global attention to New York City annually. While modern legends like Chris Evert and Serena Williams share the Open Era record with six titles each, a relatively unknown pioneer from a century ago holds the ultimate record: Molla Bjurstedt Mallory.
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory: A Champion Forged in History
Before 1915, the US National Championships (now the US Open) had only seen champions from Great Britain and the United States. That changed when Norwegian Molla Bjurstedt triumphed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking the start of an unprecedented winning streak. Here’s a glimpse into her groundbreaking 1915 victory:
- Final: Molla Bjurstedt defeated Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0
- Semifinal: Molla Bjurstedt defeated Martha Guthrie, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
- Quarterfinal: Molla Bjurstedt defeated Ann Sheafe, 10-8, 6-2
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory: The Norwegian Tennis Pioneer Who Conquered American Courts
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, a Norwegian-born tennis player who later became an American citizen, dominated women’s tennis in the early 20th century. Best known for her relentless baseline game and fierce competitiveness, she secured a record eight US National Championships (now the US Open) and also earned an Olympic bronze medal. Today, no other player from Norway has reached similar heights in Grand Slam tournaments.
Early Career and Olympic Glory
Before her unprecedented success in the United states, Bjurstedt made history as the first Norwegian woman to compete in the olympic Games. In 1912, she represented her contry in Stockholm, securing a bronze medal.
US National Championships Dominance (1915-1918)
Bjurstedt’s reign at the US National Championships began in 1915. from 1916 to 1918, she successfully defended her title, cementing her status as the premier female tennis player of her time. Her opponents and scores during this remarkable run were:
| Year | Final Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1918 | Eleanor Goss | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 1917 | Marion Vanderhoef | 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 |
| 1916 | Louise Hammond Raymond | 6-0, 6-1 |
| 1915 | Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman | 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 |
From Norwegian to American Champion
Her 1918 victory marked her last as a norwegian citizen. In 1919, she married Franklin Mallory, a stockbroker, and became an American citizen. Continuing her career as Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, she added more US National Championship titles to her name, achieving a record of eight singles titles overall.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite the achievements of Casper Ruud, who has reached three Major finals on the men’s side, no Norwegian player has matched Mallory’s grand Slam success as she acquired American citizenship. Her pioneering spirit and remarkable achievements continue to inspire tennis players in Norway and around the world.
Molla Mallory: The Uncrowned Queen of the US Open
Molla Mallory stands alone in the annals of US Open history. With an astounding eight titles, she remains the most decorated champion, male or female, of the prestigious tournament.
Dominance on the court: Mallory’s Reign
Mallory’s journey to tennis immortality began in 1915 and extended until 1926, a period where she showcased unparalleled skill and determination on the court.After facing a setback in 1919, mallory returned with a renewed vigor, securing three consecutive titles starting in 1920.
Early Championship Years
Here’s a breakdown of mallory’s first three US National Championship (US Open) titles as an American:
| Year | Final opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Hellen Wills | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 1921 | Mary Browne | 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 1920 | marion Zinderstein | 6-3, 6-1 |
A Final Triumph at 42
As she progressed through her career, Mallory faced increasing challenges. Though, in 1926, at the age of 42, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, clinching one final US National Championship title and solidifying her legacy.
US Open Domination: Mallory’s Record compared
Mallory’s eight U.S. Open titles place her ahead of other legendary players.
| US National Championships/US Open titles | Name | ATP/WTA | years won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Molla Bjurstedt Mallory | WTA | 1915-1926 |
| 7 | Hellen Wills Moody | WTA | 1923-1931 |
| 7 | Bill Tilden | ATP | 1920-1929 |
| 7 | William larned | ATP | 1901-1911 |
Molla Mallory: The US Open’s Uncrowned Queen and Wimbledon’s Swift Defeat
Molla Mallory, a name perhaps less familiar to modern tennis fans, holds an unparalleled record at the US Open (formerly the US National Championship). Her eight singles titles remain unmatched, a testament to her dominance in the early 20th century.
Mallory’s reign: Eight US open Titles Stand the Test of Time
Between 1915 and 1926, Mallory showcased her prowess on the court, securing titles in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1926. This remarkable achievement places her ahead of other legendary players who have secured multiple US Open victories.
Legends with Multiple US Open Titles
Many legendary players have secured five or more US National Championship/US Open titles, solidifying their place in tennis history.
Richard Sears
ATP
1881-1887
Serena Williams
WTA
1999-2014
chris Evert
WTA
1975-1982
Roger federer
ATP
2004-2008
pete Sampras
ATP
1990-2002
Steffi Graf
WTA
1988-1996
Jimmy Connors
ATP
1974-1983
Margaret Court
WTA
1962-1973
Players with five or more US National Championship/US Open titles
Wimbledon’s Shortest Final: Mallory’s Day Against Lenglen
Mallory’s legacy extends beyond her US Open triumphs. In 1922, she reached the Wimbledon final, marking her first major final appearance outside the United States.However, the match became memorable for a different reason: its brevity.
French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen (1899-1938) won several titles in three separate Wimbledon events: women’s singles and doubles,and mixed doubles. She won a gold medal at the 1920 Olympics.(Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
Facing Suzanne Lenglen, the reigning three-time champion, Mallory endured a swift defeat. lenglen dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-0 in a mere 26 minutes. To this day, it remains the shortest Grand Slam final in tennis history.
The defeat at Wimbledon added another chapter to the intense rivalry between Mallory and Lenglen. A year prior, Lenglen had retired from their US National Championship match due to illness, further fueling the competitive fire between the two tennis stars.
Suzanne Lenglen and Molla Mallory: A Storied Rivalry in women’s Tennis
Suzanne Lenglen and Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, two titans of early 20th-century women’s tennis, forged a rivalry that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the sport.Their clashes, marked by both athletic prowess and reported personal animosity, remain a fascinating chapter in tennis history.
Mallory’s US Open Dominance
Molla Mallory holds the distinction of being the most successful player in the history of the US Open. She remains the only player from her country to ever win a Grand Slam.
A Wimbledon Showdown and Lingering Questions
One of their most memorable encounters took place at the 1921 Wimbledon final, where Lenglen defeated Mallory. Following the match, an exchange of words allegedly occurred between the two, the precise nature of which remains a subject of debate even a century later. Reports suggest Lenglen asserted her dominance, referencing a previous encounter in New York.Mallory supposedly retorted, acknowledging Lenglen’s victory but drawing a parallel to Mallory’s own triumph in New York the previous year. The accuracy of these accounts has been questioned throughout history.
Controversy at the 1921 US Open
Their rivalry reached a boiling point at the 1921 U.S. Open. Lenglen, trailing Mallory 2-6, 0-40, abruptly retired from the match, citing illness. The circumstances surrounding Lenglen’s withdrawal sparked considerable speculation, with some suggesting the scoreline as the true reason for her exit. The controversy added fuel to an already fiery rivalry.
A Lasting Legacy
While the exact words exchanged between Lenglen and Mallory at Wimbledon may forever remain a mystery,their impact on the game is undeniable. Both women left a lasting legacy, contributing significantly to the growth and popularity of tennis.
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Beyond Evert and Williams: The Untold Story of the US Open’s most Dominant Champion
The US Open, one of tennis’s four grand Slam tournaments, draws global attention to New York City annually. While modern legends like Chris Evert and Serena Williams share the Open Era record with six titles each, a relatively unknown pioneer from a century ago holds the ultimate record: Molla Bjurstedt Mallory.
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory: A Champion forged in History
Before 1915, the US National Championships (now the US Open) had only seen champions from Great Britain and the United States. That changed when Norwegian Molla Bjurstedt triumphed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking the start of an unprecedented winning streak. Here’s a glimpse into her groundbreaking 1915 victory:
- Final: Molla Bjurstedt defeated hazel Hotchkiss Wightman, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0
- Semifinal: Molla Bjurstedt defeated Martha Guthrie, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
- Quarterfinal: Molla Bjurstedt defeated ann Sheafe, 10-8, 6-2
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory: The Norwegian Tennis Pioneer Who Conquered American Courts
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory,a Norwegian-born tennis player who later became an American citizen,dominated women’s tennis in the early 20th century. Best known for her relentless baseline game and fierce competitiveness, she secured a record eight US National Championships (now the US Open) and also earned an Olympic bronze medal. Today, no other player from Norway has reached similar heights in Grand Slam tournaments.
Early Career and Olympic glory
Before her unprecedented success in the United states,Bjurstedt made history as the first Norwegian woman to compete in the olympic Games. In 1912, she represented her contry in Stockholm, securing a bronze medal.
US National Championships Dominance (1915-1918)
Bjurstedt’s reign at the US National Championships began in 1915. from 1916 to 1918, she successfully defended her title, cementing her status as the premier female tennis player of her time. Her opponents and scores during this remarkable run were:
| Year | Final Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1918 | Eleanor Goss | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 1917 | Marion Vanderhoef | 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 |
| 1916 | Louise Hammond Raymond | 6-0, 6-1 |
| 1915 | Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman | 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 |
From Norwegian to American Champion
Her 1918 victory marked her last as a norwegian citizen. In 1919, she married Franklin Mallory, a stockbroker, and became an American citizen. Continuing her career as Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, she added more US National Championship titles to her name, achieving a record of eight singles titles overall.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite the achievements of Casper Ruud, who has reached three Major finals on the men’s side, no Norwegian player has matched Mallory’s grand Slam success as she acquired American citizenship.Her pioneering spirit and remarkable achievements continue to inspire tennis players in Norway and around the world.
Molla Mallory: The Uncrowned Queen of the US Open
Molla mallory stands alone in the annals of US Open history. With an astounding eight titles, she remains the most decorated champion, male or female, of the prestigious tournament.
Dominance on the court: Mallory’s Reign
Mallory’s journey to tennis immortality began in 1915 and extended until 1926, a period were she showcased unparalleled skill and determination on the court.After facing a setback in 1919, mallory returned with a renewed vigor, securing three consecutive titles starting in 1920.
Early Championship Years
Here’s a breakdown of mallory’s first three US National Championship (US Open) titles as an American:
| Year | Final opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Hellen Wills | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 1921 | Mary Browne | 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 1920 | marion Zinderstein | 6-3, 6-1 |
A final Triumph at 42
As she progressed through her career, Mallory faced increasing challenges. Though, in 1926, at the age of 42, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, clinching one final US National championship title and solidifying her legacy.
US Open Domination: Mallory’s Record compared
Mallory’s eight U.S. Open titles place her ahead of other legendary players.
| US National Championships/US Open titles | Name | ATP/WTA | years won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Molla Bjurstedt Mallory | WTA | 1915-1926 |
| 7 | Hellen Wills Moody | WTA | 1923-1931 |
| 7 | Bill Tilden | ATP | 1920-1929 |
| 7 | William larned | ATP | 1901-1911 |
Molla Mallory: The US Open’s Uncrowned Queen and Wimbledon’s swift Defeat
Molla Mallory, a name perhaps less familiar to modern tennis fans, holds an unparalleled record at the US Open (formerly the US National Championship). Her eight singles titles remain unmatched, a testament to her dominance in the early 20th century.
Mallory’s reign: Eight US open Titles Stand the Test of Time
Between 1915 and 1926, Mallory showcased her prowess on the court, securing titles in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1926. This remarkable achievement places her ahead of other legendary players who have secured multiple US Open victories.
Legends with Multiple US open Titles
Many legendary players have secured five or more US National Championship/US Open titles, solidifying their place in tennis history.
Richard sears
ATP
1881-1887
Serena Williams
WTA
1999-2014
chris Evert
WTA
1975-1982
Roger federer
ATP
2004-2008
pete Sampras
ATP
1990-2002
Steffi Graf
WTA
1988-1996
Jimmy Connors
ATP
1974-1983
Margaret Court
WTA
1962-1973
Players with five or more US National championship/US Open titles
Wimbledon’s Shortest Final: mallory’s Day Against Lenglen
Mallory’s legacy extends beyond her US Open triumphs. In 1922, she reached the Wimbledon final, marking her first major final appearance outside the united States.However, the match became memorable for a different reason: its brevity.
French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen (1899-1938) won several titles in three separate Wimbledon events: women’s singles and doubles,and mixed doubles. She won a gold medal at the 1920 Olympics.(Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
facing Suzanne Lenglen, the reigning three-time champion, Mallory endured a
