Louise Brough will always be remembered as one of the great volleyers in tennis history, one of the few tennis players to garner a triple championship in a single year, and one of the elite tennis players that reigned in the top ten rankings. Louise Brough was born on March 11, 1923 in Oklahoma City, however, she spent her years growing up in Southern California. It was in the place of Southern California where Louise Brough grew up to be a fine tennis player. It was here when she came to prominence as a junior tennis player. As a junior, she was able to win the US 18-and-under title in the years 1940 and 1941.
When Louise Brough began playing in Wimbledon, she was determined to always play a dominant role. In doing so, she was remembered as one of the most overwhelming players to have competed in the tournament. Louise Brough was always involved in the Wimbledon in that a final without her would be unusual. Between the years 1946 and 1955, she won 21 out of the 30 finals. She won the singles titles in the years 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1955; not to mention the doubles titles in 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1954 and mixed doubles titles in 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1950.
| Born | 11 Mar 1923 |
| Nationality |
United States
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In the US, Louise Brough shined in the doubles category, but was able to win the US Singles Championship back in 1947. Playing doubles together with DuPont, they made the finest female team ever in the history of tennis. Together, they were able to win 20 Big Four titles with 12 US, 5 Wimbledon and 3 French.
Brough won a total of 35 major titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. This caused her to rank fifth on the all-time list behind great tennis players the likes of Margaret Court, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and Margaret DuPont. Brough was also in the American Top Ten 16 times, being number one in 1947. She was in the World Top Ten 12 times, being number one in 1955. In 1967, Brough was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
User Comments
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gavin62I was always fascinated to read about Miss Brough,I could NEVER come to terms with the fact that this un-assuming lady,totally dominated at Wimbledon between 48 and 50,nearly 3 straight triple crowns-bar 1 title,was so over looked by contemporaries (with the exception possibly of Little Mo)The most under=rated champion there ever was.But for two strokes of the ball at the US champs in 48 and again in 54,shed have led Doris Hart and Margaret DuPont 8 slams to 5.Also when she quit(1958 I think )she was ,I believe in front of Margaret in terms of slams over all.An all round real winner,lady and champion
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Patsy Clapp
I wish I had seen your comment a few days ago. Louise would have been so pleased to hear it. Unfortunately, she passed away February 3 at her home in Vista, CA. My husband is her nephew and we had the thrill of a lifetime to accompany her to Wimbledon in 2010. Her husband, Al Clapp, died in 1999. They had no children but she was devoted to Rosie, her toy poodle who about 18 when she died a year or so ago. Louise was a special lady and an amazing tennis player. Bill and I thank you for your kind words. Her dear friend, Margaret, died a couple of years ago. Bill talked to Doris Hart in December and she lives in south Florida. Unfortunately, she has lost her sight. Again, thank you for remembering these awesome athletes.
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Marg.Garbutt
As a kid I was glued to the set watching Louse Brough,Margaret Dupont, Doris Hart, Gardner Malloy...totally enthralled..where is Louise today..would love her to know how much she meant to little poor East End UK kids those long days ago.Tennis players then had lots of skill and class,no temper tantrums or aggressive pumping the air on a win point, no high-powered racquets and bashing away at the ball,not like the lack of court skill or cunning that passes for tennis today,men and women alike..Thankyou Louise for all the happiness you gave a young kid..please post an up-to-date story of your life..married, kids,pets,where you are now, and your old tennis sidekicks..
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