The city of Rio de Janeiro has taken another step towards immortalizing the memory of one of its greatest athletes. A law has been passed naming a public space after tennis player Maria Esther Bueno, officially confirming the tribute previously approved by the City Council.
The measure was formalized through Law No. 9.352, of May 4, 2026, signed by Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD). The project was authored by the president of the City Council, councilman Carlo Caiado (PSD), and had been approved by the council members on March 26.
In the text sent to the Legislative branch, the mayor announced the approval of the proposal, which recognizes the former athlete's career and mandates that the Executive branch take the necessary steps to implement the tribute.
Known as the "Ballerina of Tennis," Maria Esther Bueno built a career marked by impressive achievements and an elegant playing style. Between the 1950s and 1970s, she stood out as one of the world's leading tennis players, accumulating 71 singles titles, including three Wimbledon tournaments and four US Open titles.
In addition to her individual titles, the athlete also shone in doubles, accumulating 12 Grand Slam victories in women's and mixed doubles competitions. In 1959, she was recognized as the world number 1 by the International Tennis Federation, cementing her name in the history of the sport. Subsequently, she was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.
Maria Esther Bueno passed away in 2018, but remains a role model for generations of athletes. In justifying the proposal, Carlo Caiado highlighted the importance of the tribute.
“Nothing is more fitting than honoring an athlete who made history in tennis and marked an era. We had the brilliant Guga and now we cheer for João Fonseca, but Maria Esther Bueno achieved feats that we will hardly see another tennis player, man or woman, equal. She deserves to be remembered eternally, and this tribute is a simple way to thank her for everything she did for our tennis and, why not?, for our country,” he stated.
With the approval, the city hall will have to define the location that will bear the name of the former tennis player, ensuring that her legacy remains present in the daily life of the city.
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