with all the buzz over Serena and Venus returning from injuries and making headline grabbing runs at Wimbledon, it would be well at this time to remember Helen Wills (1905-1998), the greatest American woman to ever play the game of tennis; during a period of nearly two decades (1919-1938), Wills (also known by her married name Helen Wills Moody) compiled an astonishing 398-38 record and a 158 match win streak, which included eight Wimbledon titles(a record that stood until 1990 when Martina broke it) and seven US championships; dubbed by writers of the time as Little Miss Poker Face for her expressionless demeanor on court and off, Helen did little to endear herself to opponents, or to fans particularly; her sole focus was on her game, played mainly from the baseline, from which she mercilessly hammered winners, from both sides; she was a fascinating, enigmatic person, and a true champion.
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