Brian Tobin

Brian Tobin was born in WA, Australia on December 5, 1930. He was in the top 10 since 1956 to 1962. He was number 8 in 1956 until 1962, which was his highest so far as to national ranking. He earned the doubles championship title in Australian hard courts in 1954 and the mixed doubles titles at the 1964 Netherlands Championship and the 1964 Swiss Championships. He played in the finals for major events, three times from 1954, 1956 and 1958. His best year in the courts was in 1967 when he took home the U.S. championship title under singles division and the U.S. Clay Court title for the doubles division. He became the Federation Cup Captain for three years, from 1964 to 1967.

Tobin’s contribution to tennis was more on his performances off the court. In 1982 to 1989, he was an active member of the Men’s Professional Tennis Council. His skills in leadership also carried on to the Women’s Professional Tennis Council where he was also elected as a member in 1983 to 1985. Since 1965 to 1989, he was already an active council member in Tennis Australia then advanced himself to becoming the president of the institution from 1977-1989. He was also elected as the president of the International Tennis Federation from 1991 to 1999.

During his leadership, he led the construction and opening of the stadium that holds Australian Open. The building includes retractable roof which prevents game cancellations due to rain. After Tobin’s retirement from the organization, he was appointed to become the Lifetime Honorary President. He continued to serve and made exceptional contributions to the world of tennis. He led the operation of the Olympic tennis, Fed Cup and the Davis Cup. Under his influence, these events were enhanced and developed. Eventually, these major activities carried out its mission as the body that ensures growth and governs all other minor groups under it.

He was inducted to the International World of Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003.