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Biofile: The Maria Bueno Interview
6 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: Three time Wimbledon singles champion (’59, ’60, ’64). Four time US singles champ (’59, ’63, ’64, ’66). Also won eleven major doubles titles. Eighteen major titles in total.
DOB: October 11, 1939 In: Sao Paulo, Brazil
First Tennis Memory: “I think I started to play when I was two. I grew up with tennis. My entire family played tennis, my parents, my brothers. Great memories. Never thinking of winning nineteen Grand Slams or anything like that. I played because I enjoyed the sport. So everything just happened.”
Tennis Inspirations: “I started traveling when I was fourteen. And I just wanted to play. It was awfully difficult in those times to go away, especially from Brazil. It’s still very far away. My inspiration was to do what I loved the most and I knew I could do well. Actually now (at 2013 US Open where we did this interview) I was just told today – I forgot all about it – it’s 50 years since one of my wins here at the Open. Just things fell into place. I traveled a lot most of my entire life. And I still play and I love what I do.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Probably winning Wimbledon. I was in five finals and I won three. I had a very short career because I had an arm and shoulder injury so I had to stop when I was really at the top. But winning Wimbledon I think was the highest point of my career.”
Most Painful Moment: “When I had to stop and I couldn’t move my arm or my hand for seven years. Went through twelve surgeries. And I’m pretty lucky to have 50% back so I’m still playing. I played people like Martina Hingis, Sharapova, I’m very lucky to have hit with people like Federer last year. But it’s only about 50% of what I had before so I can’t possibly play competitive anymore. But I’m doing what I can and I’m still enjoying it.”
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: “I remember very well Fred Perry and Jack Kramer. Jack Kramer was in California at Los Angeles Tennis Club. And he came over and we talked and he was unbelievably nice. And Fred Perry was just a huge thing for me to meet him. The first time I came over he actually gave me some tennis clothes and we had a hit. And one of the things that stuck in my mind he said: When you let the ball go to start the rally, he said, You do that just like a pro. And I must’ve been fourteen or fifteen. I was just out of the Orange Bowl and playing in Florida. Those are the two that really stuck in my mind.”
Funny Tennis Memory: “Last laugh…I wouldn’t know. I had some strange things. When I went to England and I was supposed to meet Prince Phillip and unfortunately I was late for the dinner and I got there and I didn’t know what to do. I got there and they said Just go in. And I was suspended for a few years. It was something strange that happened. But I enjoyed the occasion, he was wonderful, his guests were wonderful, so that, now I can laugh at it. But at the time I was a bit concerned about the circumstances.”
Closest Tennis Friends: “Lots and lots of friends. Lots of places I went to visit that had wonderful people and I think, those days, we had a better chance to get around real people. Because it was just me and me. It was not like the players today – they are so protected. And you never get to talk with them. Like now you would need to get through ten people to get to me, wouldn’t it? So…and it’s nice to be able to do things and I still keep in touch with most of the people that I first met and some of the homes that I stayed with – I still go back and see them. That’s really a very good sign.”
Funniest Players Encountered: “I like very much Roy Emerson, one of the greatest players of all time. He was a very nice guy, very funny, he always had an answer for everything. He made us laugh when we practiced, he was very easy going. I think Roy was one of the best characters that I went across.”
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “I don’t know. I was born with a gift. And I made use of it. And I think I brought everything I have and everything I have been in to tennis. I still enjoy the sport, I enjoy the exercise, it’s easy for me to play. But I think most of all it’s to see that it can give some people some enjoyment for what I do. And it’s nice to have people come up to me and say We enjoyed so much when you played, you make things look so easy. So that’s a great reward.”
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “No, tennis [smiles].”
Favorite Players To Watch: “I liked to watch Martina when she was at the top. Sampras. Laver. I think today everything is a bit boring. I like to watch Federer because the manner in which he plays and conducts himself and he’s a great person. And I like to watch Nadal because of his heart. It’s so difficult to see people do what he does, match after match after match. And the first point and the last point, never excuses.”
You Hit With Federer: “Yes, yes, in Brazil. To me it was a fantastic hit. And we had lots of laughs. I think Roger has a special thing about him that Bill Clinton has, he makes you feel like he’s just there for you. Whether it’s a party or he’s playing, he concentrates on you and it makes you feel good. Like Bill Clinton has that touch. If you come into a room with him, he comes to talk to you. You say, Oh gosh, this guy came here just for me. I think that’s a great asset, especially now.”
Last Book Read: “Not a tennis book. I loved to read history books. I just did a huge thing on the Tudors. I was in England, I spent a lot of time visiting castles and I read a lot about history. And every time I have a chance that’s where I go.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Chocolate.”
Favorite Tournaments: “Wimbledon. Rome. US Open.”
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: “I think Margaret Court, the Australian. She never gave you anything. She was really fighting for everything. And again, for our time, she was very big, a huge girl, now nothing compared to all the size. But she was very fit and played really well. It was difficult to play her.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Being honest. Respectful. And being a legitimate person, that you don’t have to worry about anything. They’re not after you for any other reason but you.”
Bueno has hit with Fred Perry and Federer
Thomas Tung · June 25, 2014 at 11:19 am
Thanks for the interview with the “Sao Paulo Swallow”, Scoop. Maria is one of the legends that gets easily overlooked … seems that the women (much more so than the men) playing before the Open Era are treated as barely a footnote, if that. I only know of a few standout names myself from that time, like Althea Gibson or Maureen Connolly.
Scoop Malinowski · June 25, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Thomas, glad you liked it. Maria Bueno has been around the media center of the US Open for years and nobody really talks with her, eventhough almost everyone surely knows who she is because she has a regal royal aura about her, very classy dignified woman. I finally did approach her last year and she was extremely nice and engaging, felt honored and privileged to spend time with and interview such a legend. Also felt like an idiot for not jumping at the chance the last five years when I had chances. Hope to see you at the US Open Thomas and I hope life is going your way.
Dan Markowitz · June 25, 2014 at 8:17 pm
Doris Hart, I remember that was the name on my mother’s old wooden racquet. Who was that elegant old time French women’s player you always see leaping with legs spread far apart in her long dress? She’s in full form at the Hall of Fame.
Thomas Tung · June 25, 2014 at 9:02 pm
I’ll take a stab, Dan, and say that’s Suzanne Lenglen …
Dan Markowitz · June 25, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Right on, Thomas.i drew a blank. But you’re right. There’s no female equivalent to Bill Tilden, Don Budge or Jack Kramer int US.
Scoop Malinowski · June 26, 2014 at 7:24 am
Suzanne Lenglen.