Joseph Hunt

Joseph Hunt was an American tennis champion who was the No. 1 ranked American in 1943. He is the only man in history to win the U.S. National Championships at the boys' (15 and under), junior (18 and under), collegiate, and men's singles levels. He died in an airplane crash during World War II.

Player Profile

Joseph Raphael Hunt was born on February 17, 1919, in San Francisco, California, USA. He was known for his handsome, athletic build and confidence.

He stands 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall and plays right-handed with a one-handed backhand. After graduating from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1941, he was serving as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant when he won the U.S. National Championships in 1943.

He died on February 2, 1945, off the coast of Florida, just shy of his 26th birthday.

Professional Career

Hunt began his amateur career in 1935. His tennis career was historic for his achievements across all levels of U.S. amateur tennis. His defining moment came in his final tournament, the 1943 U.S. National Championships, where he was granted leave from the Navy to compete.

He won the title by defeating Jack Kramer in a dramatic four-set final, cementing his rank as the U.S. No. 1 for that year. He was a semi-finalist at the U.S. Nationals in both 1939 and 1940. Hunt also represented the United States in the 1939 Davis Cup Challenge Round.

Career Record

Singles

• Career titles: 1 major title
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1943)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• US Open: W (1943)
• US Open: SF (1939, 1940)
• US Open: QF (1937, 1938)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup: F (1939)