Useless Tennis Fact Day 1

Depending on the response, I might do more of these. Or other people can beat me to it. Only 1 per day though, I'd say. And whilst I wouldn't recommend deliberately posting incorrect info, you don't have to have multiple sources.

Day 1
At the US Open, a five set women's final was played from 1887-1901

The fat girls of the WTA tour of today would have a heart attack if they had to play 5 sets today. Not to mention how dispiriting it would be for the viewers to sit through 4 hours of shrieking while waiting for the mens match to take place.

"At the US Open, a five set women's final was played from 1887-1901"

must have been a very long match then

socal1976 wrote:The fat girls of the WTA tour of today would have a heart attack if they had to play 5 sets today. Not to mention how dispiriting it would be for the viewers to sit through 4 hours of shrieking while waiting for the mens match to take place.

Dunno actually.. Tsonga is able to play a 5th set without collapsing like his waters have broke

The first 5-set winner in 1887 was a Brit - Mabel Cahill. The beaten finalist was Ellen Roosevelt - a first cousin of Franklin D Roosevelt.

There's more.

Mabel was actually Irish although Ireland was the part of the UK at that time. In addition she was :

the first foreigner in tennis history to have won a major championship.

seemingly undefeated in major championships since after her second victory the following year she returned to her native Ireland leaving behind her much envied successful stint there

sadly to die aged only 42 from causes unknown

I am definitely in!

five setter must have been tough for the 19th century lady. I wonder if: a) they used the towels as much as Nadal does today, b) there wrer showers in the locker room?Did they grunt as much as the current ATP stars.

I'd love to see these ladies play!