Maria Bueno: The Brazilian Tennis Legend Maria Esther Andion Bueno, popularly known as Maria Bueno, was one of the greatest tennis players of her time. Born on 11 October 1939 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, she rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning a plethora of Grand Slam titles and becoming a tennis icon in her native country. Bueno's journey to stardom was no less remarkable. She picked up a tennis racket at the age of six and showed early promise as a player. However, her early years were marred by a series of health issues, including a bout of glandular fever that left her bedridden for several months. Despite these setbacks, she persevered and continued to train, exhibiting a natural flair for the sport and an indomitable spirit. Bueno's breakthrough came in 1957 when she was just 17 years old. She won her first international title at the Pan American Games held in Mexico City, defeating the highly rated American player Dorothy Head. This victory propelled her to the forefront of the tennis world, and she went on to achieve a string of impressive wins over the next few years. In 1959, Bueno made her debut at the Wimbledon Championships, widely regarded as the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Despite being relatively unknown on the international stage, she made a big impression, storming into the semifinals before losing to the eventual champion, Maria Fraser. This performance helped establish Bueno as a serious contender, and she was soon one of the most sought-after players on the tour. Over the next decade, Bueno went on to win 19 Grand Slam titles, including seven in singles, 11 in women's doubles, and one in mixed doubles. Her style of play was characterized by a stylish backhand and a fluid serve-and-volley game, which made her a crowd favorite and earned her the moniker "The Queen of Swing". Bueno was equally successful off the court, becoming a global ambassador for tennis and serving on numerous committees and boards for the sport. She was also known for her philanthropic work, supporting charities and community initiatives in Brazil and around the world. Despite her immense success as a player and her contributions to tennis, Bueno remained modest and gracious throughout her life. She once said, "I have always tried to play with dignity and sportsmanship, and I hope I have succeeded". Her humility and love for the game endeared her to fans and fellow players alike, and she remained a revered figure in tennis long after her retirement. Sadly, Bueno passed away on 8 June 2018, after battling cancer for several years. Her death was mourned by the tennis world, with players, officials, and fans alike paying tribute to her remarkable achievements and legacy. Maria Bueno was more than just a tennis player. She embodied the spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and dedication, inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike. Her legacy lives on through the Maria Esther Bueno Institute, a charitable organization established in her honor that helps to promote tennis and support underprivileged children in Brazil. In many ways, Bueno's impact on the sport and the world at large will endure for generations to come, making her a true legend in every sense of the word.