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 |
| 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 |
| 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 (born March 12, 1957) is an American who used to play professional tennis. She made history as a talented athlete. After her tennis career, she became a successful broadcaster and motivational speaker.
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Leslie Allen's Tennis Journey
Leslie Allen was a very successful tennis player. Even though she wasn't ranked in junior tennis, she became a champion in different leagues. These included the ATA, NCAA, and WTA. She was part of the University of Southern California's national championship team. In 1977, she graduated with high honors. She earned a degree in speech communications.
Becoming a Pro
In 1977, Leslie joined the WTA Tour. This is where professional women tennis players compete. She quickly rose through the ranks. By February 1981, she reached her highest ranking. She was ranked No. 17 in the world.
In 1981, Leslie Allen achieved something special. She became the first African American woman to win a major professional tennis tournament since Althea Gibson in 1958. This big win was at the 1981 Avon Championships of Detroit. Another player, Renee Blount, also achieved a similar feat in 1979. Leslie also played in the 1981 Avon Championships. This tournament featured the top eight players from the winter circuit.
Grand Slam Achievements
Leslie Allen also did very well in Grand Slam tournaments. These are the four biggest tennis events each year. She reached the finals in mixed doubles at the 1983 French Open. She played with her partner, Charles Strode.
Mixed Doubles Final
Here is a look at her mixed doubles final match:
| Result | Year | Championship | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 1983 | French Open | Clay |  Charles Strode |
Barbara Jordan Eliot Teltscher |
2–6, 3–6 |
Life After Tennis
After she stopped playing professional tennis, Leslie Allen started a new career. She became a television broadcaster. She also joined the WTA Board of Directors. This meant she helped make important decisions for women's tennis.
Leslie Allen also started her own organization. It is called the Leslie Allen Foundation. This foundation helps young people learn about all the different jobs in professional tennis. There are more than 100 careers behind the scenes! Her foundation has a program called Win4Life. It teaches students to use four important qualities: Desire, Dedication, Determination, and Discipline. These qualities help them succeed in sports and in life.
Today, Leslie Allen works as a real estate agent in New Jersey. She also travels as a motivational speaker. She inspires many people with her story.
