FORMER Wimbledon champion Angela Mortimer has died aged 93.
Mortimer, who won the iconic tennis tournament in 1961, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.
A statement from the All England Club announced the sad news.
It read: “The All England Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our 1961 Ladies’ Singles Champion, Angela Mortimer Barrett MBE, who died in the early hours of Monday 25 August, aged 93.
“During her career, she won three Grand Slam singles titles, and one doubles title. She achieved all this despite facing significant periods of adversity.”
Mortimer won Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the French Open during her impressive career.
While she reached the US Open semi-finals in 1961 – the same year as her Wimbledon success.
Remarkably, Mortimer achieved all this while battling with hearing loss.
She later credited her deafness with helping her to concentrate on the course and tune out any pressure and noise.
As a singles player, Mortimer racked up 108 career titles and, at one point, held the No1 ranking in the world.
Mortimer received an MBE in 1967, honouring her services to Lawn Tennis.
While she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1993.
Mortimer’s impact on British tennis saw her earn a head and shoulders sculpture at the entrance to the Clubhouse of the All England Club in 2004.
Her incredible career also saw her receive the Freedom of the Borough of Merton in 2014.
Mortimer is survived by her husband John Barrett, their children Michael and Sarah Jane, and her four grandchildren.
Deborah Jevans, Chair of the All England Club, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Angela Mortimer Barrett MBE, Wimbledon’s oldest surviving Ladies’ Singles Champion, at the age of 93.
“Angela will be remembered for her determination and extraordinary dedication which saw her overcome significant challenges to rise to the top of tennis, winning three Grand Slam singles titles and one Grand Slam doubles title.
“An Honorary Member since her triumph in 1961, Angela has been a familiar face and valued Member for more than six decades.
“Her passing leaves a hole in the fabric of the Club, and she will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of everyone at the All England Club, I offer my sincere condolences to Angela’s husband, John; their children, Michael and Sarah Jane; grandchildren, family and friends.”
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