Richard Sears

Winning the first of his seven consecutive titles, Richard Dudley Sears was active in playing major tournaments while he was studying at Harvard University. Called “Dick” by his close friends and relative, Sears started in 1881 for his first round and proceeded to an 18-match game without defeat that eventually advanced him to the 1887 championship titles.

Born on October 26, 1861 in Boston, Massachusstes, United States and died in April 8, 1943, Sears was the first 19 year old to win the U.S. championship title. He grew up in a family who extremely loved to play the sports. His older brother played the first tennis in the U.S.; his younger brother, Philip. was consistently in the top ten ranking for five years; and his cousin, Eleo Sears, was inducted to the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sears only lost a few sets all throughout his games. Players he defeated include William E. Glynn in 1881; Clarence Clark in 1882; James Dwight in 1883; Howard Taylor in 1884; Godfrey Brinley in 1885; R. Livingston Beeckham in 1886; and Henry Slocum in 1887.

During his challenge rounds in 1884, he played hard to achieve the title after four years. It was known that Sears was using his prized racquet given to him by Willie Renshaw, the all-time Wimbledon champion. He also won doubles championship titles in 1885 when he teamed up with Joseph Clark.

He gave up playing lawn tennis in 1887 after an exceptional winning streak. But in 1892, Sears still claimed the U.S Court Tennis singles championship title. He was eventually elected to become the USTA president from 1887 to 1888.

Standing 5’9” and plays in his right hand, Sears usually play best during rallies and volleying the ball. He, as well, became an expert in the topspin forehand which he adopted from English player Herbert Lawford.

Sears was inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1955.