Obituary: Angela Mortimer Barrett MBE
The International Tennis Federation is saddened by the passing of Angela Mortimer Barrett, MBE, one of Britain’s greatest champions and a distinguished figure in the world of tennis, who has died aged 93.
Born in Plymouth on 21 April 1932, Mortimer rose to the top of the sport during the 1950s and early 1960s, capturing three Grand Slam singles titles - Roland Garros in 1955, the Australian Open in 1958, and Wimbledon in 1961 - as well as the Wimbledon women’s doubles title in 1955 with Anne Shilcock. Her Wimbledon triumph in 1961, defeating compatriot Christine Truman in a hard-fought three-set final, remains one of the defining moments in British tennis history.
In recognition of her achievements, Mortimer was ranked world No.1 in 1961, and she went on to lead Great Britain in international team competitions. She captained the British team to the final of the Federation Cup in 1967 - the world’s premier international women’s team competition, founded by the ITF in 1963 and today known as the Billie Jean King Cup. A year later, she guided Great Britain to victory in the Wightman Cup.
Mortimer retired having won 108 singles titles and 603 singles matches - a testament to her consistency, resilience, and tactical acumen. Her career was marked not only by her victories but also by her perseverance. She overcame illness and partial deafness to return to the very highest levels of the game, demonstrating a competitive spirit that inspired generations of players.
Her legacy has been enshrined in ITF history through the Angela Mortimer Cup, awarded in the Women’s 85+ category at the ITF Masters World Team Championships. Introduced in 2019 and renamed in her honour in 2021, the cup reflects Angela’s enduring influence on international tennis and the ITF’s mission to foster lifelong participation in the sport.
In 1967, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to tennis, and in 1993, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Angela Mortimer Barrett will be remembered as a champion on the court, a pioneering leader in British tennis, and a respected member of the international tennis community. The ITF extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who were inspired by her life in tennis.