Yvonne Bourgeois

Yvonne Bourgeois was the youngest and more accomplished of four sisters who played tournament tennis with various levels of success. She competed at the French Open between 1924 and 1928 achieving little as a singles player but with considerable success in doubles. Bourgeois reached the semi-finals of the women’s doubles (with Marguerite Broquedis-Billout) in 1925 and the mixed doubles (with René Lacoste) in 1928. She had previously won the women’s doubles title in partnership with Broquedis-Billout in 1923 although this was at a time when entries to the event were limited to members of French clubs and hence is not considered a grand slam victory. The same pair placed fourth at the 1924 Olympic Games.

In addition to her tennis ability Bourgeois was also an excellent figure skater and in partnership with her brother-in-law Francis Pigueron won the French pairs title in 1922 and 1923.

After marrying Yann Le Quellec in 1930 she gave up competitive tennis and instead turned her attention to golf. She soon became one of France’s leading players and at the age of 46 won the French Ladies Amateur Championship.