Helen Kelesi

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameHelen•Kelesi
Used nameHelen•Kelesi
Nick/petnamesHurricane Helen
Born15 November 1969 in Victoria, British Columbia (CAN)
Measurements165 cm / 62 kg
NOC Canada

Biography

Helen Kelesi was a Canadian tennis player who played professionally from 1985 to 1994. Known as “Hurricane Helen” for her fiery demeanour, Kelesi achieved a career-best singles ranking of 13 in the world in November 1989, and a doubles ranking of 26 in the world in April 1991.

Kelesi won her first WTA singles title at the 1986 Japan Open, beating Bettina Fulco of Argentina in straight sets. She won another singles title in 1988 before winning her first doubles title with victory at the 1990 Italian Open with partner Monica Seles. At Grand Slams Kelesi had her best success at the French Open where she reached the quarter-finals twice in the singles (1988, 1989), and once in the doubles (1989). She played in the singles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics but lost in the first round in straight sets to Gisele Miró.

Kelesi’s playing career ended prematurely after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Fortunately she made a full recovery and went on to coach young children, in addition to working as a journalist and commentator.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1988 Summer Olympics Tennis CAN Helen Kelesi
Singles, Women (Olympic) =33