Frederick Hovey

Frederick Hovey was a former World No. 1 American tennis player and a Harvard University graduate. He won the U.S. National Championships men's singles title in 1895 and two consecutive U.S. National doubles titles. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1974.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Frederick Howard Hovey was born on October 7, 1868, in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, USA. He was the son of Alvah Hovey, a theologian and educator. While attending Harvard University, he won the NCAA men's singles championship in 1890.

He stands 185cm tall and he is right-handed with a one-handed backhand. After earning his law degree from Harvard, he became a member of the Boston and New York Stock Exchanges. He died in Miami Beach, Florida, in 1945.

Professional Career

Hovey's amateur career spanned the 1890s. He reached the pinnacle of his singles career in 1895 when he was ranked No. 1 in the United States and defeated Robert Wrenn in three straight sets in the Challenge Round to win the U.S. National Championships.

He was a capable all-around player, competing well from both the baseline and the net.

In doubles, he partnered with Clarence Hobart to win the U.S. National Doubles Championship in both 1893 and 1894.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 121–42 (74.23%)
• Career titles: 20
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1895)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• US Open: W (1895)

Doubles

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• US Open: W (1893, 1894)
• US Open: F (1895)