In 1924, Paris hosted the Olympic Games, a grand spectacle that transformed the city. However, the tennis competition was marred by subpar facilities and a notable absence: Suzanne Lenglen, the reigning champion.
The tennis courts were situated in Colombes, an industrial area lacking amenities. The heat was oppressive, and the courts were poorly constructed, leading to player discomfort and injuries. The locker room was inadequate, and ball kids sought refuge from the sun.
Despite the challenges, Helen Wills, an 18-year-old American, emerged as a star. She had won Wimbledon the previous year and was eager to face Lenglen. However, Lenglen withdrew from the Olympics, citing health issues.
Wills dominated the competition, winning the gold medal in singles and doubles. Her victory marked a shift in the tennis landscape, as she represented a new type of athlete: wholesome, assertive, and self-assured.
The 1924 Games also marked the end of tennis at the Olympics for over six decades. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clashed over control and amateurism, leading to tennis’s exclusion from the Games.
After the Olympics, Wills returned to the United States as a national hero. She became a symbol of American athleticism and a role model for young women. Her rivalry with Lenglen, the “Match of the Century” in 1926, further cemented her status as a tennis legend.
