Heldman started playing tennis at the age of eight. She celebrated her first major tournament victory at the Canadian National 18- and under Championship at the age of twelve. She won the US Open junior title in 1960 and 1963.
She reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament three times . 1970 at the French Open , 1974 at the Australian Open and 1974 at the US Open . Twice, in 1966 and 1969 , she won the Federation Cup with the US team. She won a total of 22 titles. She reached her best world ranking position with 5th place.
Her mother Gladys, father Julius and her older sister Carrie also played tennis. At Stanford University , her major was history. From 1979 she was still studying at UCLA Law School. In addition to English, she speaks French and Spanish. Heldman is married and has one daughter (Amy Rebecca).