Angela Buxton: British tennis player, coach and author

Tennis career and achievements

Buxton's most notable competitive accomplishments came in 1956 when she and partner Althea Gibson won the women's doubles title at both the French Championships and Wimbledon. Their partnership drew attention because it joined Buxton, who came from Liverpool, with Gibson, who had broken color barriers in the sport. Buxton competed in national and international tournaments and earned a reputation for intelligent net play and tactical doubles skills.

Partnership with Althea Gibson

The pairing of Buxton and Gibson is remembered as both a sporting and social milestone. As partners they combined complementary strengths to claim two major doubles crowns in the same year. Their success is often discussed in histories of tennis that note how partnerships could transcend the racial and religious barriers of the 1950s.

Writing, coaching and influence

After her peak competitive years Buxton turned to coaching and to writing instructional material. Her books include Tackle Tennis This Way, Starting Tennis, Winning Tennis and Doubles Tactics. These works aimed to make technical and tactical ideas accessible to recreational players and coaches, and they reflect her belief in clear, practical instruction. Buxton also worked with younger players and contributed to coaching programmes that encouraged broader participation in tennis.

Background and legacy

Born in Liverpool, Buxton was of Jewish background and later spoke about encountering antisemitic prejudice during her career. Her partnership with Gibson and her later advocacy for fair access to the game are often cited when assessing her legacy. She is remembered both for her on-court achievements and for the books and coaching work that helped other players develop their games.

Selected facts and resources

• Major doubles titles: 1956 French Championships and 1956 Wimbledon (with Althea Gibson).
• Authored coaching books: Tackle Tennis This Way, Starting Tennis, Winning Tennis, Doubles Tactics.
• Born: 16 August 1934, Liverpool. Died: 15 August 2020, Fort Lauderdale.

For brief online summaries and archival material, see external entries and tributes to Buxton's career and writings: biography, tournament records at French Championships summary and Wimbledon summary, her partnership with Althea Gibson, and obituaries noting her death in Fort Lauderdale.