Valerie Jean Bradshaw (née Ziegenfuss; June 29, 1949) is an American former female professional tennis player. She started as an amateur player at the beginning of the 1970s, then turned professional.

Quick Facts Country (sports), Residence ...

Valerie Ziegenfuss

Ziegenfuss in 1973
Country (sports)	United States
Residence	U.S.
Born	(1949-06-29) June 29, 1949 (age 74) San Diego, California
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) [1]
Plays	Right-handed
Singles
Career record	25–44
Grand Slam singles results
French Open	4R (1972)
Wimbledon	3R (1970, 1973, 1975, 1976)
US Open	3R (1969, 1975)
Other tournaments
Olympic Games	1R (1968-d, 1968-e)
Doubles
Career record	45–42
Career titles	6
Grand Slam doubles results
French Open	3R (1971)
Wimbledon	SF (1969, 1971)
US Open	SF (1969. 1971)
Mixed doubles
Career record	10–9
Career titles	0
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
French Open	QF (1976)
Wimbledon	4R (1970, 1971)
US Open	2R (1972)
Other mixed doubles tournaments
Olympic Games	QF (1968-d)
Medal record Representing  United States Olympic Games 1968 Mexico City Doubles (Exhib.) 1968 Mexico City Doubles (Demo.)

Close

She is most famous for being one of the Original 9 with eight of her fellow players, who rebelled against the United States Tennis Association in 1970.^[2] Their actions brought about the creation of the Virginia Slims Circuit, which was the basis for the WTA Tour.^[3]

During her career, she reached the fourth round at the French Open (in 1972) and the US Open on two occasions (1969 and 1975). She reached one singles final at the Virginia Slims of Oklahoma in 1972. After winning two rounds of qualifying, she defeated 5th seeded Helen Gourlay, No. 2 seed Francoise Durr, and Judy Dalton (seeded 6th) and then lost to Rosie Casals.^[4]

She had far more success in doubles tournaments, with 12 doubles final appearances, including six victories.

She won a bronze medal in doubles in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City with Jane Bartkowicz.