Women of
the Halls of Fame
Female Tennis Player
Born: December 20, 1886
Birthplace: Healdsburg, California
Died: December 5, 1974
Handed: Right
Year Inducted: 1956
Hazel Wrightsman, born Hazel Virginia Hotchkiss, was born in Healdsburg,
California on December 20, 1886. She grew up in Berkeley where she practiced
her tennis skills against her four brothers. Hazel later attended
college at the University of California, during which time she began
her professional tennis career. She was nicknamed “"Lady Tennis"” after
appearing at and winning the singles, doubles and mixed titles at the
U.S. Championship in 1909 and surprising others with her volley and unique
attacking style. She then won these same three titles during the next
two years, as well as singles again in 1919, doubles in 1915, 1924 and
1928, and mixed doubles in 1915, 1918 and 1920.
Hazel married George Wrightman of Boston in 1912 and become Hazel Wrightsman. Hazel, who had recently become a mother, was dared by her father to win yet again in 1915. She managed to win the doubles and mixed titles during this year, yet lost the singles title to Molla Mallory. However, she again gained this title in 1919 and came close to winning doubles again. Hazel also won another Olympic title with Dick Williams in 1924.
Hazel, whose victories ranged between the years of 1909 and 1943, also volunteered her time to teach others the game of tennis. Interestingly enough, she even taught some of those with whom she won doubles titles, including Helen Wills and Sarah Palfrey. Hazel continued to win matches until she retired at the age of 56.
Hazel is also famous for her involvement in the founding Wrightsman Cup in 1923, a challenge similar to the Davis Cup, between U.S. and British women.
Hazel was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1956. She died on December 5, 1974, at the age of 87.