Kirijax
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- Dec 20, 2012
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The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that every tennis player aspires to win. After going through some dark days in the 1970s with many players skipping the tournament, it has reinvented itself in sucn a remarkable way that it may rival even Wimbledon as the best run Grand Slam tournament. The courts, the fans, and the competition are fantastic and makes it one of the highlights of the tennis year. Over the years, many Miami Hurricanes have traveled Down Under and have left their mark in the history books of the tournament. Here are some of the Canes who have found success Down Under.
Doris Hart: The most successful Cane would have to be Doris Hart. Doris Hart participated in the Australian Open only twice; in 1949 and 1940. But in those two years, she managed to win the singles title (1949), the doubles title (1950) and two mixed doubles titles (1949, 1950). It’s a shame she only made it down there twice because she surely would have added to her record of 35 Grand Slam titles.
Gardnar Mulloy: The father of Miami Hurricanes tennis was never able win a title in Australia. His best singles result was the semifinals in the 1947 tournament. He did see some success in Australia in 1946, when the USA team went down to Australia and defeated the Australians 5-0 in the Davis Cup final.
Pieter Aldrich: The former Cane won his first of two Grand Slam doubles titles in 1990, pairing up with Danie Visser. Aldrich went on to win the U.S. Open title and finish the year ranked No. 1 in the doubles rankings that year.
Michael Russell: So why is a guy who has never advanced past the second round of the Australian Open on this list? Russell’s overall record at the Aussie Open is 2 wins and 10 losses. But what should be said about Russell is his longevity and amazing fight to keep at it. While other Canes greats such as Pancho Segura and Eddie Dibbs never made it down to Australia, Russell’s journey is inspiring. He turned pro in 1998 and has now played in 10 Australian Opens. He may not have the success that others have, but the way he fought through three qualifying rounds this year to make it to the main draw was surprising. There is something to be learned from journeyman tennis players and Michael Russell is a perfect example. He definitely deserves to be on this list.
Of the current Canes, freshman Piotr Lomacki could see some success at the Australian Open someday. Looking forward to seeing more Canes find success at the Australian Open!
Link
Doris Hart: The most successful Cane would have to be Doris Hart. Doris Hart participated in the Australian Open only twice; in 1949 and 1940. But in those two years, she managed to win the singles title (1949), the doubles title (1950) and two mixed doubles titles (1949, 1950). It’s a shame she only made it down there twice because she surely would have added to her record of 35 Grand Slam titles.
Gardnar Mulloy: The father of Miami Hurricanes tennis was never able win a title in Australia. His best singles result was the semifinals in the 1947 tournament. He did see some success in Australia in 1946, when the USA team went down to Australia and defeated the Australians 5-0 in the Davis Cup final.
Pieter Aldrich: The former Cane won his first of two Grand Slam doubles titles in 1990, pairing up with Danie Visser. Aldrich went on to win the U.S. Open title and finish the year ranked No. 1 in the doubles rankings that year.
Michael Russell: So why is a guy who has never advanced past the second round of the Australian Open on this list? Russell’s overall record at the Aussie Open is 2 wins and 10 losses. But what should be said about Russell is his longevity and amazing fight to keep at it. While other Canes greats such as Pancho Segura and Eddie Dibbs never made it down to Australia, Russell’s journey is inspiring. He turned pro in 1998 and has now played in 10 Australian Opens. He may not have the success that others have, but the way he fought through three qualifying rounds this year to make it to the main draw was surprising. There is something to be learned from journeyman tennis players and Michael Russell is a perfect example. He definitely deserves to be on this list.
Of the current Canes, freshman Piotr Lomacki could see some success at the Australian Open someday. Looking forward to seeing more Canes find success at the Australian Open!
Link