Nicknamed the Sao Paulo Swallow, the graceful Brazilian was indeed as artistic and flowing as the moniker indicates. In 1958 at the age of eighteen, the young player first gained notice in the tennis world by winning the Wimbledon ladies doubles championship with Althea Gibson as well as attaining a top ten singles ranking. The very next year she became the top ranked singles player in the world. South America's best female tennis player of all time, she simply glided around the court, knocking away volley after effortless volley. She won 19 Grand Slam titles overall, including three Wimbledon and four U.S. Singles Championships. #1 in the world for four years, Bueno experienced an excellent rivalry with King and especially Margaret Court. Achieved a top ten world ranking for ten straight years. After a seven-year hiatus from the tour due to injuries, she returned to Wimbledon in 1976 for a spiritual triumph, ascending all the way to the fourth round. Statue of Bueno was built in Sao Paulo to commemorate the champion; her career was also honored by a Brazilian postage stamp.
