Brazilian Tennis star Maria Bueno breathed her last on Friday after losing her battle to mouth cancer. She was 78.

Bueno won 19 major titles during her career in the 1950s and 60s, including three Wimbledon singles titles and four US championships.

Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time.

Brazilian President Michel Temer paid tributes to the star, tweeting that she would be remembered as "the number one of tennis in the hearts of all Brazilians".

Born in the city of Sao Paulo, Maria Esther Bueno made history as the first South American woman to win the Wimbledon singles title.

She went on to win the Wimbledon doubles that same year alongside American Althea Gibson.

Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time.

Brazilian Tennis star Maria Bueno breathed her last on Friday after losing her battle to mouth cancer. She was 78. Bueno won 19 major titles during her career in the 1950s and 60s, including three Wimbledon singles titles and four US championships. Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time. Brazilian President Michel Temer paid tributes to the star, tweeting that she would be remembered as "the number one of tennis in the hearts of all Brazilians". Born in the city of Sao Paulo, Maria Esther Bueno made history as the first South American woman to win the Wimbledon singles title. She went on to win the Wimbledon doubles that same year alongside American Althea Gibson.

'19 Grand Slam title' winner Maria Bueno passes away

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'19 Grand Slam title' winner Maria Bueno passes away