Born 6 June 1912
Sydney, NSW
Died 31 August 2000
Representative honours
Australian Tennis representative
Born 6 June 1912
Sydney, NSW
Died 31 August 2000
Representative honours
Australian Tennis representative
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Joan Bathurst (nee Hartigan) was the winner of three Australian championships (in 1933, 1934 and 1936) and twice a semi-finalist at Wimbledon (in 1934 and 1935).
Growing up with grass courts at home in Chatswood and at school at Loreto Kirribilli, Joan made the most of her opportunities and love for tennis, winning the NSW junior singles and doubles and Australian girls' championship in 1931.
In the following year she won State open championships in NSW and Victoria and was selected for the NSW team that toured New Zealand and defeated the home side by seven matches to four. In Britain Joan won the Scottish singles and the North of England and Surry championships.
With her impressive performances at Wimbledon, she attained a world seeding of No 8.
"She is remembered as one of the most popular and gracious of our champions" - Joseph Johnson, Grand Slam Australia: the story of the Australian open tennis championship (Melbourne, 1985).