On ‘For the Love of Tennis’, we aim to celebrate the pioneers of the sport, particularly those who may not have realised their lasting impact at the time. Among these trailblazers was Charlotte Cooper Sterry, a remarkable English tennis player whose contributions went far beyond the grass courts of Wimbledon.
Charlotte was born on 22 September 1870 in Ealing, England, and from a young age, she developed a passion for tennis. Known for her aggressive playing style, swift reactions at the net, and pioneering the overhead serve, Cooper quickly made her mark in the tennis world. It is said that she would cycle from her home in Ealing to Wimbledon for each match, carrying her wooden rackets, ready to take on any challenger.
In 1895, just two years after starting her journey in competitive tennis, Cooper won her first of five Wimbledon singles titles. Her era of dominance at SW19 began, setting the stage for an illustrious career. Yet, one of her most historic achievements came in 1900 when she became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis during the Paris Games. This was a monumental moment, as it was the first time women were allowed to compete in the Olympics, with Cooper leading the British team to victory against the home favourite Hélène Prévost.- It’s fitting that 100 years later – the Olympic games is back in Paris!
Remarkably, Cooper achieved these feats after losing her hearing at the age of 26, making her the first athlete with a disability to win Olympic gold. Despite never being able to hear the ‘thwack’ of a tennis ball again, she continued to excel, amassing a total of 12 singles and doubles trophies, including her Olympic success.
Charlotte married Alfred Sterry, a solicitor and later president of the Lawn Tennis Association, and they had two children. Despite her challenges, Cooper’s prowess on the court never waned. In 1908, at the age of 37, she won her last Wimbledon singles title, becoming the oldest female champion—a record that stood for over 90 years – Martina Navratilova was the one who broke that record!
Charlotte Cooper Sterry’s legacy extends beyond her Wimbledon and Olympic triumphs. She was a true pioneer for women’s sports, paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Her story is one of resilience and excellence, despite the obstacles she faced. Remarkably – it took until 2013 for her to be inducted into the Tennis International Hall of Fame – cementing her place in history.
She passed away on 10 October 1966 in Helensburgh, Scotland, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the sport of tennis.
