Julie Heldman (born December 8, 1945) is an American tennis player who won 22 singles titles.

[3] The book offers insights into the history of women's tennis in the mid-20th century, including an insider's account of the birth of the tour.

Heldman reveals her struggles with the trauma of her mother's emotional abuse and with bipolar disorder.

[8] While a student at Stanford University in 1964, Heldman reached the national collegiate singles and doubles finals.

[10] Heldman's most important title was the Italian Open, where she beat Ann Jones in the semis and Kerry Melville in the final.

She also won doubles title at the US Women's Clay Court Championships and at the Canadian Open in 1974.

She was one of the Original 9, which was a group of female tennis players who joined the Virginia Slims Circuit, even with the risk of suspension for doing so.

[11] In 1970, Heldman's mother Gladys established the women's pro tour at the suggestion of Larry King and the sponsorship of Joe Cullman and Virginia Slims.

Julie Heldman was one of the Original 9 players who competed in the Houston event, and she played on the tour until she retired in 1975.