Harry Hopman

Henry Hopman was an Australian tennis player, journalist, and coach. He is best remembered as the legendary non-playing captain who led the Australian Davis Cup team to 15 titles between 1939 and 1967. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1978.

Player Profile

Henry “Harry” Christian Hopman was born on August 12, 1906, in Glebe, Sydney, Australia. He began playing tennis at the age of 13. He stood 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) tall and played right-handed with a one-handed backhand. After his playing career, Hopman became a sports journalist. He died in Seminole, Florida, U.S., in 1985.

Professional Career

Hopman's playing career spanned the amateur era, during which he reached the Australian Championships singles final three consecutive times (1930, 1931, and 1932). His greatest playing success was in doubles and mixed doubles. He and his partner, Jack Crawford, were a dominant Australian doubles pair, winning the Australian doubles title twice.

Hopman's primary legacy lies in his 29-year tenure as the non-playing captain and coach of the Australian Davis Cup team. He is widely credited as the architect of the nation's post-war tennis dominance, mentoring stars like Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 463–201 (69.7%)
• Career titles: 34

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open: F (1930, 1931, 1932)
• French Open: QF (1930)
• Wimbledon: 4R (1934, 1935)
• US Open: QF (1938, 1939)

Doubles

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1929, 1930)
• French Open: F (1930, 1948)
• US Open: F (1939)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1930, 1936, 1937, 1939)
• Wimbledon: F (1945)
• US Open: W (1939)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup: W (1950, 1951, 1952)