1. Darlene Ruth Hard was an American professional tennis player, known for her aggressive volleying ability and strong serves.
11 Facts About Darlene Hard
1. 2.
Darlene Hard captured singles titles at the French Championships in 1960 and the US Championships in 1960 and 1961.
3.
Darlene Hard played the US Open singles tournament in 1969, losing in the second round to Francoise Durr.
4.
Darlene Hard was included in the year-end top-10 rankings issued by the United States Lawn Tennis Association from 1954 through 1963.
5.
Darlene Hard was enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1973.
6.
Darlene Hard was the first woman inducted into the college's athletic hall of fame in 1974.
7.
Darlene Hard was part of the American Wightman Cup team that won the trophy against Great Britain in 1957,1959,1962 and 1963.
8.
In 1964, Darlene Hard won the singles title at the South African Championships, defeating Ann Haydon-Jones in the final in straight sets, and soon afterwards turned professional when she became a teaching pro.
9.
In later life, Darlene Hard lived in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles.
10.
Darlene Hard worked at the University of Southern California in the Publications Dept.
11.
Darlene Hard died at the age of 85 on December 2,2021, from complications after a fall.