Heide grew up in Essen in the industrial Ruhr valley and began playing tennis with her father at the age of 13.

Heide later competed in the International Women's Circuit for many years and played for the Germany National Fed Cup team 15 times between 1964 and 1973.

In singles, she had wins on the women's tour against the then-reigning Wimbledon champions Virginia Wade (twice) and Evonne Goolagong.

According to the ITF, Heide Orth is the most successful female player worldwide in the history of Senior Tennis.

During tournaments in the USA, she earned 45 Gold Balls for winning titles as a USA-Champion on clay and grass.