Norma Baylon, the grande dame of Argentine tennis

Yes Gabriel Sabatini was the most important player in the history of Argentine tennis, and names like those of Raquel Giscafre AND Ivanna Early morning had figured until some time before as other protagonists with a solid presence in the international arena, it would be necessary to go back to another decade – the 60s – when the great moment of Norm Bailon. A precursor in every sense that, in addition to her results (she put Argentine women’s tennis in the foreground), she also left the mark of her personality, her perseverance and, subsequently, her fruitful commitment in all areas of this sport: teaching, leadership, arbitration, solidarity.

Norma, who turned 80 last November and is still fully active, has received numerous accolades from the tennis community, at home and abroad. But now it’s the turn of another: the publication of his Biographymade together with Maria Luz Marin (former tennis player and well-known television journalist) and curated by Al Arco.

The tennis career, and also the subsequent activity of Norma Baylon – she lived 25 years in Peru, returned to our country in the 90s and since then has participated, directed and collaborated in multiple Argentine tennis programs – make up this work published by Al Arco and published by presents Tuesday at the Naval Center. You have the prologue of one of the greatest players in the history of world women’s tennis, the American Billie Jean King.

Curiously, she was one of the rivals who most “disturbed” Norma’s concentration in her time as a top tennis player… But Billie Jean, along with other names such as the Australian Margaret Smith and the Brazilian Maria Esther Good They remained as symbols of women’s tennis in the 60s, pointing the direction to the new generations and generating the attraction of the sport, which would have had a greater scale of growth ten years later with the irruption of professionalism and the era of Evert-NavratilovFor example.

And Baylon came in 4th place. in the world in the 1966 season (the official WTA ranking did not yet exist and the rankings were official, those of the British or American newspapers were generally accepted).

Baylon started out as a player at Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club from an early age, she also represented Belgrano Athletic in her first interclubs. She grew very quickly in national consideration and her consecration came in 1962 when she won the Championship of the Republic, beating the South African René Schuman (5th in the world) in the semifinals and the Czech Helena Sukova, Wimbledon finalist, in the decisive -memorable- match. Helena is the mother of Vera Sukovaone of Sabatini’s frequent rivals in later times…

Baylon, who would win our top event again in 1966 against another top like Nancy RicheyIn addition to reaching two other finals, from that moment he began his participation in international events. She reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the United States Open in singles, as well as the round of 16 in Australia, and was also a doubles finalist at the French Open with the German. Inge Schultzamong its main achievements.

A singular, captivating personality. An attacking tennis (when few dared). Distinguished with the Olimpia de Oro, being him the first tennis player to achieve it. Promoter of sport for people with different disabilities as a vital element of integration. He paved the way for many women in tennis. Norma Baylon, the great ladynow with an extra recognition, well deserved.