Brazilian tennis great Maria Bueno dies at he age of 78 after cancer battle Friday June 08,2018

Maria Bueno, a Brazilian tennis great who won three Wimbledon singles titles and four at the U.S. Open in the 1950s and 1960s, and helped usher in modern women’s tennis, has died after battling mouth cancer.
She was 78.

Bueno was admitted to the Nove de Julho hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday and on Friday June 08,2018 the hospital released a statement confirming her death. It declined to provide more details out of respect for her family.

Bueno won her first major at Wimbledon in 1959, when she was 19

Bueno was ranked No. 1 in the world in 1959, 1960, 1964 and 1966. She was the first non-American woman to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the same season.

From 1957-67, a decade in which she was dominating on the tennis court, Bueno won 65 singles tournaments, 90 doubles titles and 15 in mixed doubles. She was runner-up in 45 other competitions.
Injuries and illness shortened her career, including spending eight months in bed in 1961 because of hepatitis.

Billie Jean King, who beat Bueno in the 1966 Wimbledon final and later helped start a women’s professional tennis tour, said the Brazilian was one of the players that made tennis less of a men’s game.

Tennis Hall of Fame ✔ @TennisHalloFame

Tonight we remember a graceful and accomplished champion who leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration to generations of players in her native Brazil and beyond.

Our condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Hall of Famer Maria Esther Bueno.

8:33 AM - Jun 9, 2018