September 7, 1953

Irish American tennis star Maureen Connolly won the U.S. Open at only 18 years old on September 7 of 1953. Connolly defeated Doris Hart, 6-2, 6-4, making her the first woman in tennis to ever win the “Grand Slam.” She had won the prior French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon of that same year. After this achievement, Connolly went on to be named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year from 1951-1953. However, her career tragically ended a year later after injuring her leg.