The First Woman in the Tennis Hall of Fame
Learn about May Sutton's triumphs internationally and at home to become one of America's first tennis superstars.
May Sutton (Bundy) started her storied career at the U.S. National Championships, winning the first major title that she competed in prior to her 18th birthday. She also won her sole major doubles title at that same tournament.
Wimbledon Ladies Championship (1905) by Wimbledon International Tennis Hall of Fame
In 1905, Sutton became the first American (man or woman) to win a championship at Wimbledon, capturing the Ladies Single's title.
May Sutton (1900/1907) by unidentified International Tennis Hall of Fame
Sutton followed her Wimbledon success two years later, winning the singles titles in 1907. Her success on the international stage paved the way for tennis's increasing global reach.
The inaugural tournament
May Sutton won the inaugural Coronado Country Club Women’s Singles Championship in 1906.
The Women's Singles Challenge Trophy
By defending her title in both 1907 and again in 1908, Sutton retired the “unusually handsome and valuable” Grecian-design vase challenge trophy; upon which it became her property.
An unusual event took place during that 1908 tournament to Sutton’s sister, Florence Sutton, and Hazel Hotchkiss (Wightman) in the semi-finals. In a deciding third set, the score was tied 6-6 when play was ended due to darkness.
Instead of resuming play at 6-6, the entire set was replayed, with Florence winning the (new) third set 6-3.
A witness stated "...the stubbornness of the struggle is shown by the fact that the girls played fifty-one games to settle a three-set match." (March 15, 1908, ALT)
It is unclear if this was a common occurrence, but interestingly, the official rules of the time indicate otherwise. According to Spalding's Official Lawn Tennis Annual
from 1908 ...
"...the referee in his discretion may at any time postpone the match on account of darkness or condition of the ground or weather...in any case of postponement, the previous score shall hold good."
Sutton married fellow tennis player Tom Bundy, who won men's doubles at U.S. National Championships three times. This issue of American Lawn Tennis from 1915 celebrates the birth of the couple's son, theorizing that he was destined to tennis greatness.
American Lawn Tennis' s prediction of generational talent in the Bundy family was accurate. Their only daughter, Dorothy "Dodo" Bundy Cheney, followed in her mother's footsteps, becoming the first American to win a women's singles title at the Australian National Championships.
May Sutton Sutton holds the distinction of being the first female player inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1956. Her daughter was inducted 48 years later.
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