Gorgeous Gussie ( Gussy ) Moran and Her Lace Pants

Written by: on 4th July 2012
Gorgeous Gussie ( Gussy ) Moran and Her Lace Pants  |

By Disco Dottie

The year was 1949. Gussy ( correct spelling ) not “gussie” …ok her full name. Gertrude Augusta Moran. Was born in Santa Monica, California. She was coached by the great Bill Tilden. She was sort of the Bethanie Mattek Sands of her day. It was her first Wimbledon. She and Teddy Tingling had been corresponding by mail about clothes. Outfits. Materials. Her skirt was only slightly shorter than everyone else but it was a bit of lace trim on her under garments that caused all the “stir” ….Gussy was a great player. People forget that. In 1949 she won the triple crown at the U.S. indoors. She won the singles. Ladies doubles. And the mixed with our idol Pancho Gonzalez.

Gussy told 10sballs.com in a letter dated 6/20/12 that it’s been since 1968 since she has been back to Wimbledon and 64 years since the panties made global headlines. Gussy had a ship named after her. A play. A racehorse. If you are on the grounds of the all England club be sure to visit the museum. Last time I was there they had a great exhibit up and her panties are there. As well as a pair she donated in 2001 that she signed both ways ( Gussie /Gussy). The museum is amazing. Honor Godfrey has dedicated her life to it.

10sballs.com actually has for sale similar panties that are in the museum. We have signed photos of Gussy to go with the signed panties as well as rackets and other things. Please contact the site if you are interested. Gussy is a remarkable lady. Truly elegant and charming , bright and witty. She lives a happy private life and still actively follows the sport she has loved for a lifetime. She is very active , not terribly social … she is selective and endearing. She is also the bravest , gutsiest lady I know. I admire her completely and feel honored to call her a friend.

Gussy and Teddy….in the letter from last week She reminisces about a birthday party in the early sixties and I quote :

“Teddy has always looked more or less the same . When he was 70 ,Gladys (Heldman) said he was the youngest looking 70 year old … A hippie in the world ,what with his diamond stud stuck in his ear lobe and a turquoise necklace and matching bracelet . His bald shaved head only added to his enchantment. ” …. End quote.

Wow. I didn’t think about it. Teddy really was ahead of his time. In his fashion designs. In his personal style. Wow. I forget how tall he was but he was tall like Isner tall or Karlovic ? Tall. Maybe 6′ 5″. ?

Today you see his look wherever you go. ( shaved head , earrings etc )

And dear Gussy well she calls the game today Super Tennis with Super Stars. She loves the sport and the sport will never forget Gorgeous Gussie. Check her out in the tennis scene in the great , classic film “Pat and Mike”

with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.








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