Leslie Allen (tennis) facts for kids
| Country (sports) |  United States |
|---|---|
| Born | March 12, 1957 Cleveland, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Turned pro | 1977 |
| Retired | 1987 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| College | USC |
| Prize money | $334,697 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 12–21 (36.4%) |
| Career titles | 1 |
| Highest ranking | No. 17 (February 15, 1981) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 3R (1982) |
| French Open | 4R (1979, 1980, 1981) |
| Wimbledon | 3R (1981) |
| US Open | 3R (1979) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 11–15 (42.3%) |
| Career titles | 5 |
| Highest ranking | No. 10 (February 6, 1983) |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (1982) |
| French Open | 3R (1983, 1984) |
| Wimbledon | 3R (1982, 1984) |
| US Open | 3R (1982, 1983) |
| Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
| French Open | F (1983) |
| Wimbledon | 3R (1982) |
| US Open | 2R (1981, 1982) |
Leslie Allen is an American former professional tennis player. She was born on March 12, 1957, in Cleveland, U.S. Leslie is known for her successful tennis career and for inspiring young people.
Contents
Leslie Allen's Tennis Journey
Leslie Allen started her tennis journey without being ranked as a junior player. However, she quickly became a champion in different tennis organizations. These included the ATA (American Tennis Association), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), and WTA (Women's Tennis Association).
College and Early Career
Leslie was a key player on the University of Southern California's national championship tennis team. In 1977, she graduated with high honors, earning a degree in speech communications. This means she studied how people communicate. After college, she joined the WTA Tour in 1977. By February 1981, she reached her highest ranking, becoming the No. 17 player in the world.
Making History in Tennis
In 1981, Leslie Allen achieved something amazing. She became the first African American woman to win a major professional tennis tournament since Althea Gibson did so in 1958. Leslie won the Avon Championships of Detroit. Another player, Renee Blount, also made history by winning the Futures of Columbus in 1979. Leslie's win allowed her to play in the 1981 Avon Championships, which featured the top eight players from the winter circuit. She also reached the finals in mixed doubles at the 1983 French Open, playing with her partner, Charles Strode.
Life After Professional Tennis
After retiring from playing professional tennis, Leslie Allen continued to be involved in the sport. She became a television broadcaster, sharing her knowledge and passion for tennis with viewers. She was also chosen to be on the WTA Board of Directors, helping to guide the future of women's tennis.
The Leslie Allen Foundation
Leslie founded the Leslie Allen Foundation. This organization helps young people learn about the many different jobs available behind the scenes in professional tennis. Through the Foundation's Win4Life program, students learn important life skills. They are encouraged to use the "Win4Life 4D's": Desire, Dedication, Determination, and Discipline. These skills help them succeed both on and off the tennis court. Today, Leslie works as a real estate agent in New Jersey and is also a motivational speaker. She inspires others with her story and experiences.
External Links
- Leslie Allen at the Women's Tennis AssociationLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).Lua error in Module:WikidataCheck at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- Leslie Allen at the International Tennis Federation
- Leslie Allen Foundation
