Betty Nuthall Shoemaker

Betty Nuthall Shoemaker was an English tennis player known for her powerful forehand and for winning the women's singles title at the U.S. Championships in 1930.

She was ranked World No. 4 in 1929 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977 for her contributions to the sport.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Elizabeth May Nuthall Shoemaker was born on May 23, 1911, in Surbiton, England, UK, and grew up in Richmond. She played right-handed and was known for her powerful forehand. Her parents, Stuart and Mary, were also keen tennis players.

In 1954, she married Franklin Shoemaker, who passed away in 1982. Nuthall passed away on November 8, 1983, in New York City from a coronary arrest.

Professional Career

Nuthall was a prominent tennis player from the late 1920s to the 1940s. She was ranked in the world's top 10 for several years, reaching a career high of world No. 4 in 1929.

Her greatest singles victory was at the U.S. Championships (now the US Open) in 1930. In doubles, she won the French Open in 1931 with Eileen Bennett, and the U.S. Championships in 1930 with Sarah Palfrey, in 1931 with Eileen Bennett, and in 1933 with Freda James.

In mixed doubles, she won the French Open in 1931 and 1932, and the U.S. Championships in 1929 and 1931.

Nuthall was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977.

Career Record

Singles

• Highest ranking: No. 4 (1929)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• French Open – F (1931)
• Wimbledon – 4R (1933, 1937, 1938, 1946)
• US Open – W (1930)

Doubles

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• French Open – W (1931)
• US Open – W (1930, 1931, 1933)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• French Open – W (1931, 1932)
• US Open – W (1929, 1931)

Team competitions

• Wightman Cup – W (1928)