John Van Ryn
United StatesJohn Van Ryn was an American tennis champion of the 1930s, primarily known for his exceptional doubles play. He won numerous major doubles titles and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1963.
He was a key member of the United States Davis Cup team and was the first male player to win the French, British, and American doubles titles.
Player Profile and Personal Life
John William Van Ryn was born on June 30, 1905, in Newport News, Virginia, USA. He played right-handed with a one-handed backhand. On October 22, 1930, he married fellow tennis player Midge Gladman.After his tennis career, he passed away on August 7, 1999, in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 94.
Professional Career
Van Ryn was a dominant force in doubles tennis during the 1930s. He won the Wimbledon men's doubles title three consecutive years from 1929 to 1931. He won two of those titles with his doubles partner, Wilmer Allison, and the third with George Lott.In 1931, he also won the French Championships with Lott and became the first male player to win the French, British, and American doubles titles in the same year when he won the U.S. National Championships with Allison.
In total, he won five Grand Slam doubles titles.
In singles, Van Ryn won 10 career titles and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 8 in 1929. His best Grand Slam singles results were quarterfinal appearances at the French Championships, Wimbledon, and the U.S. National Championships. He had an excellent record in the Davis Cup, winning 22 of 24 encounters for the United States over an eight-year period. He retired from tennis in 1945.
Career Record
Singles
- Career record: 135–70
- Career titles: 10
- Highest ranking: No. 8 (1929)
Best Grand Slam Singles Performances
- Australian Open – 2R (1933)
- French Open – QF (1931)
- Wimbledon – QF (1931)
- US Open – QF (1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1937)
Doubles
Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances
- French Open – W (1931)
- Wimbledon – W (1929, 1930, 1931)
- US Open – W (1931, 1935)
Mixed Doubles
Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances
- Wimbledon – 4R (1936)
John Van Ryn FAQ
How many major singles titles has John Van Ryn won?
John Van Ryn has not won a major singles title.
What is John Van Ryn’s career-high singles ranking?
John Van Ryn’s career-high singles ranking is World No. 8, first achieved in 1929.
What is John Van Ryn’s best Grand Slam result?
John Van Ryn’s best Grand Slam singles result is reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1931, Wimbledon in 1931, and the US Open in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, and 1937.
When did John Van Ryn retire?
John Van Ryn retired from tennis in 1945.