The majestic Brazilian Maria Bueno making her first appearance at Wimbledon in 1958.
With Althea Gibson they beat Margaret Du Pont and her fellow American Margaret Varn.
Maria Bueno won her first Wimbledon title on Saturday 5th July 1958 when, together with Althea Gibson, she beat Margaret Dupont and Margaret Varner from the USA 6-3 7-5 to win the doubles final.
It was, quite remarkably, Maria’s first visit to Wimbledon at just 18 years of age.
It was equally clear from the start that Maria would become one of the all-time great Champions of the game, a promise she more than fulfilled by capturing a total of 19 Grand Slam crowns and winning some 589 tournaments or thereabouts in a career spanning ten years.
The Early Years (1939 to 1959)
A very close unit, the Bueno family supported each other throughout life
What it took to develop an extraordinary talent and face the world for the first time – Maria’s childhood with her family, her junior prowess and the road to becoming World Champion…
The Crowning Glory (1960 to 1964)
A triumphant return after illness to become a fashion icon…
More Triumph, The Dark Years, Retirement and Beyond (1965 to 1991)
Setbacks and more success followed by shattered dreams, coming back from impossible injury and forging a new life…
Maria Bueno found a new career in broadcasting
Retirement and Beyond (1992 to 2012)
Away from competition. Maria endured more surgeries, received more accolades and found a second career in television…