It is a
remarkable service for a woman, one which many men might do well
to copy. Her famous forehand drive is a full arm swing from the
shoulder. It meets the ball just as Mlle. Lenglen springs in the
air. The result is pictorially unique, but not good tennis. She
loses speed and power by this freak. Her backhand is beautifully
played, from perfect footwork, with a free swing and topped
drive. It is a remarkable stroke. Her volleying is perfect in
execution and result. She hits her overhead smash freely with a
"punch" that is as great as many men. It is as fine an overhead
as that of Mrs. George Wightman, the American Champion.
Mlle. Lenglen's speed of foot is marvellous. She runs fast and
easily. She delights in acrobatic jumps, many of them
unnecessary, at all times during her play. She is a wonderful
gallery player, and wins the popularity that her dashing style
deserves. She is a brilliant court general, conducting her attack
with a keen eye on both the court and the gallery.
Mlle. Lenglen is not outstanding among the women players of the
world, in my opinion. She is probably the best stroke player in
the world to-day, yet Mrs. Lambert Chambers, Mrs. George
Wightman, Miss Elizabeth Ryan, Mrs. Franklin L. Mallory (formerly
Miss Molla Bjurstedt), Miss Mary Browne, and Mrs. May Sutton
Bundy are all in her class in match play. There is no woman
playing tennis that has the powerful personality of Mlle.
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