Jim Courier

Jim Courier is easily one of the most celebrated players in the world of Tennis. His career spanned 13 years and during that time, he won several Grand Slam singles titles. He has also spent a total of 58 weeks ranked as The World’s Number 1 in Tennis.

Born James Courier in August 1970, Courier’s first love was baseball – much like his father and brother. But, when he turned 13, he decided to give tennis a go and he has never looked back. For years he trained tirelessly. In the 1980’s he attended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy where he brushed elbows with other future tennis greats, including Andre Agassi.

Courier debuted professionally in 1988. He won his first Grand Slam singles title in the French Open, in 1991 against Agassi. He did it again a year later in both the Australian and French Open against Swedish Stefan Edberg and Czech Petr Korda respectively. In 1993, he won his fourth Grand Slam singles title in the Australian Open against Edberg again. It was also in 1993 that he finished as a runner up for the French Open and Wimbledon.

In his entire career, Courier has won 4 Grand Slam Singles titles, 5 ATP Masters Series and 14 ATP Tours. He has placed runner up on several matches and has won several doubles matches including the Italian Open in 1989 where he paired up with fellow American Pete Sampras against Brazilians Danilo Marcelino and Mauro Menezes.

Courier was a member of the American team that won the Davis Cup in 1992. It was also in 1992 that Courier finished Number 1 in the world ranking. He stayed in that spot for a 58 non-consecutive weeks.

Courier decided to retire in 2000. He is still very much part of Tennis scene and has served as a sports analysts for American Sports networks including NBC sports. He continues to play in charity events. He has also founded Courier’s Kids, an organization that promotes tennis for young children.

Courier was name captain of the United States on October 27, 2010 for the Davis Cup team.