Elizabeth Montague Ryan[1] (February 5, 1892 – July 6, 1979) was an American tennis player who was born in Anaheim, California, but lived most of her adult life in the United Kingdom.

[3] Ryan and her longtime partner Lenglen never lost a women's doubles match at Wimbledon, going 31–0.

[3] The longtime tennis writer Ted Tinling has credited Ryan with inventing the volleying style later perfected by players such as Sarah Palfrey Cooke, Alice Marble, Louise Brough Clapp, Margaret Osborne duPont, Doris Hart, Darlene Hard, Margaret Court, Navratilova, and King.

"Before World War I, women's tennis consisted primary of slogging duels from the baseline.

[7] Ryan died on July 6, 1979, at age 87 on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, following the ladies singles final and the day before Billie Jean King broke her record number of Wimbledon wins by winning her 20th title.

"[11] King also said "[T]here is no doubt in my mind that she just didn't want to be alive to see her record broken.

According to reports, Ryan became ill while watching the men's doubles final and excused herself, heading for the women's rest room.