Charlotte Reinagle Cooper Sterry (22 September 1870–10 October 1966) is arguably one of the most iconic figures in the history of tennis. She was the winner of five Wimbledon singles titles and the first female Olympic tennis champion, who broke barriers and set standards for generations of athletes.

Early Life and Introduction to Tennis

Charlotte Cooper was the youngest daughter born to Miller Henry Cooper and Teresa Georgiana Miller on 22 September 1870, in the home known as Waldham Lodge in Ealing, Middlesex, England. Part of her youth included playing tennis, with training during the early formative stage conducted at Ealing Lawn Tennis Club. Initial coaching from those pioneers who really formed her early skills came from H. Lawrence, Charles Martin, and Harold Mahony.

Why is Charlotte Cooper important?

Charlotte Cooper was the first Englishwoman to win five singles titles at Wimbledon and became the first female athlete to earn a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1900. This makes Charlotte Cooper an influential figure in the history of women’s sports.

The most significant victory for Cooper was at Ilkley in 1893, when she was crowned the singles champion there. Cooper indeed enjoyed a great career. She played in her first Wimbledon tournament, the same year she triumphed at Ilkley and reached the semi-finals. For the next 24 years, Cooper played in 21 editions of Wimbledon and emerged as one of the best players in the game.

Wimbledon Supremacy

Cooper’s first Wimbledon singles title came in 1895 when she staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Helen Jackson in straight sets after trailing 0–5 in both sets. She defended her title in 1896 by defeating Alice Simpson Pickering. Her rivalry with Blanche Bingley Hillyard dominated the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the two alternating as champions between 1897 and 1901.

Cooper Sterry returned to Wimbledon in 1908, after a seven-year absence. Now a mother of two herself, at the age of 37, she was the oldest-ever winner of the singles event when she won against Agnes Morton in the final. Her eight consecutive singles final appearances record continued to be the longest until such time that it was equaled by Martina Navratilova in the year 1990, when the latter equaled this feat of eight in nine successive singles final appearances.

Olympic Glory

The 1900 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, an event that would introduce women to the games. Cooper Sterry aimed to take up this opportunity and make history. On July 11, 1900, Cooper Sterry defeated Hélène Prévost of France and secured the women’s singles category to become the first women’s Olympic tennis champion and the first individual woman Olympic champion in all other sports.

She combined with Reginald Doherty to take the mixed doubles title. Cooper Sterry also had two straight-set victories against Prévost and Harold Mahony, thereby ensuring her a place in history as one of the precursors to women’s tennis.

Success Beyond Wimbledon

Apart from these victories at Wimbledon and the Olympics, Cooper Sterry claimed numerous singles titles during major championships, including the Irish Lawn Tennis Championships in 1895 and 1898, German Championships in 1901, and the Swiss Championships in 1902. In addition, she also dominated mixed doubles with seven All-England titles. Seldom, therefore, is there seen her endurance in competitive tennis. She played until the 50s and, as late as in 1913, won the final of Wimbledon’s first women’s doubles alongside Dorothea Douglass.

Personal Life and Legacy

On 12 January 1901, Charlotte married solicitor Alfred Sterry, who became the president of the Lawn Tennis Association. Cooper Sterry died on 10 October 1966, aged 96, in Helensburgh, Scotland. Cooper Sterry has been named for her contributions to tennis through induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013.

How many children does Charlotte Cooper have?

Charlotte Cooper has two children. The first is Rex Sterry, who held positions in leadership within the sport of tennis. Rex was vice-chairman of the All England Club, while Gwen followed her mother into the competition at Wimbledon and for her country in the Wightman Cup.

Was Charlotte Cooper Deaf?

Cooper Sterry had been deaf since the age of 26. She had never allowed her disability to surpass her abilities as far as playing the sport was concerned. Many people have drawn inspiration from her strength and determination.

Playing Style and Impact

Cooper Sterry is a player in a league above her time. She must have been one of the earliest female players to serve overhead. This also means that Cooper was an attacking player. And the volley skills, tactical consciousness, and consistent temperament made this lady a superb player.

She was a pioneer in women’s tennis. Her achievements paved the way for generations of players. She proved that women’s existence could be on the world circuit, breaking barriers and paving the way for others.

Grand Slam Record

In Cooper Sterry’s career, she played 11 singles matches in the finals of Grand Slams. She won five singles matches. Among these wins:

• • 1895: Won her first Wimbledon title in the final, defeating Helen Jackson Atkins

• • 1896: Again Conquered the second time, successive Wimbledon title defeating Alice Simpson Pickering

• • 1898: Third time became Wimbledon Champion after winning by beating Louisa Martin.

• • 1901: Was a bit luckless when losing the first title from Blanche Bingley Hillyard.

• • 1908: Crushed Agnes Morton for her first success in more than ten years. And took up her fifth title in the most prominent singles match.

What is the relationship between Cooper and Charlotte?

“Cooper” was Charlotte’s maiden name, for she married Alfred Sterry and became Charlotte Cooper Sterry after being born Charlotte Reinagle Cooper. She was not only a tennis champion but a trailblazer who redrew the rules of what women could achieve in sports. She played for more than two decades, exemplifying excellence, resilience, and innovation.

From dominance at Wimbledon to historic Olympic victories, Cooper Sterry’s legacy will continue to inspire athletes around the world. She was one of the first female superstars in the sport and left a mark on tennis that will never be forgotten. She is also a symbol of determination and grace.