Dennis Ralston, Wimbledon Champion and Hall of Fame tennis player, dies at 78
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Dennis Ralston
The world has lost one of its most remarkable sports legends. Dennis Ralston died on Sunday, December 6 at the age of 78, from a battle with cancer. Ralston invested more of his soul into tennis than almost any other player.
He was a player, captain, coach, instructor and friend on his many years on the tennis court. The American shared his wisdom with many and left a deep mark on the community.
Ralston’s career
At the age of 17, Dennis won the Wimbledon 1960 doubles title along with Rafael Osuna. This was the first of Ralston’s five Grand Slam wins. Further, for three consecutive years, he was the top-ranked American. He was one of the leading singles players for American at the Davis Cup 1963.
Ralston attended the University of Southern California, helping the Trojans to NCAA titles in 1962, ‘63 and ‘64, when he also won the NCAA doubles title.
Ralston turned pro in 1966 and became a member of the historic “Handsome Eight.” This troupe helped usher the Open Era of tennis.
He and his compatriot, Chuck McKinley won titles at the U.S. National Championships in 1961, ‘63 and ‘64. The American was a three-time Grand Slam finalist in mixed doubles as well.
As a singles-player, Ralston was the runner-up in the Wimbledon 1966 final. Moreover, he reached the semifinals at the U.S. National Championships 1960 and the Australian Open 1970.
Even after Ralston’s retirement as a tennis pro, he continued to contribute as a coach. He America’s Davis Cup team from 1972-75 and led it to the 1972 win over Romania in the final.
Further, he coached Chris Evert for six years, even at the time of her rivalry with Martina Navratilova.
He went on to coach the men’s team of Southern Methodist University during the 1980s and ‘90s. In the past decade, he remained on the teaching staff at Grey Rock Tennis Club in Austin.
Ralston had the epic career singles record of 576-251 and a doubles record of 125-87. He won 41 titles and retired in 1977. The American was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987. Dennis Ralston was a force to be reckoned with who will be missed dearly.
Also Read: “Great loss” Tennis World pays tribute to Legend, Dennis Ralston
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Chhavi Jindal
(404 Articles Published)