A pioneering tennis player and coach who broke barriers for women and minorities in the sport, known for her impressive career and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
Mary Joe Fernndez is renowned for her exceptional tennis skills, which earned her a career-high ranking of world No. 4 in both singles and doubles. This American tennis sensation is a three-time Grand Slam singles finalist and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, solidifying her position as one of the greatest tennis players of the 1990s.
Fernndez first made waves in the tennis world as an outstanding junior player, winning four consecutive Orange Bowl junior titles. In 1985, at the tender age of 14 years and eight days, she became the youngest player to win a main draw match at the US Open, defeating Sara Gomer in the first round.
Turning professional in 1986, Fernndez won her first tour doubles title in 1989 at Dallas, partnering with Betsy Nagelsen. She reached her first Grand Slam singles final in 1990 at the Australian Open, where she was defeated by Steffi Graf. However, she won her first WTA Tour singles title the same year at the Tokyo Indoor championships, finishing the year ranked a career-high world No. 4 in singles.
Fernndez was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the sport. She was also honored with the WTA Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award in 1994.
Fernndez has been an advocate for women's empowerment and equality in sports. She has spoken about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication in achieving success, inspiring a generation of young athletes.
Fernndez married her former coach, Tony Godsick, in 2000, and the couple has two children together. She has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including working with the Mary Joe Fernndez Foundation, which supports educational and athletic programs for underprivileged children.
Fernndez's remarkable tennis career and her advocacy for women's empowerment have made her a role model for many young girls and women. Her achievements have paved the way for future generations of tennis players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
Mary Joe Fernndez's impressive tennis career, her advocacy for women's empowerment, and her philanthropic work have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her contributions to the sport will continue to inspire and motivate generations to come.
45 Years Old
A tennis superstar who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, known for her powerful serves and dominant playing style.
44 Years Old
A dominant force in women's tennis, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles and advocating for women's rights and maternal health.
69 Years Old
A tennis legend and pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, known for her record-breaking 167 singles titles and fearless activism on and off the court.
70 Years Old
A tennis legend and coach who dominated the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 157 singles titles, including 18 Grand Slam championships. Known for her precise playing style and iconic rivalry with Martina Navratilova.
56 Years Old
A tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1980s and 1990s, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles and becoming the first player to achieve a Golden Slam.
53 Years Old
A dominant tennis player of the 1990s, winning 14 Grand Slam titles, and later a successful sportscaster. Known for her fierce competitiveness and versatile playing style.
53 Years Old
A pioneering tennis player who broke barriers as the first Spaniard to win Wimbledon, known for her exceptional volleying skills and dominant playing style.
55 Years Old
A tennis legend who won the 1990 US Open and reached 11 Grand Slam singles finals, known for her powerful groundstrokes and fierce rivalry with Steffi Graf.
