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Patricia Canning Todd, Tennis Champion Who Refused to Play on Side Court, Is Dead at 93

Patricia Canning Todd, who won four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in 1947 and 1948 but lost the chance for another when she refused to play on a side court at the 1948 French singles championships, died on Sept. 5 in Encinitas, Calif. She was 93.

Her death, which was not widely reported at the time, was confirmed by her son, Whitney.

Todd played relentlessly, using a devilish backhand to beat stars like Gussie Moran and Louise Brough Clapp. She peaked at No. 4 in the United States Lawn Tennis Association rankings in 1947 and 1949.