Phil Dent

This former tennis player from Australia was born on February 14, 1950, in Sydney, New South Wales, and rose to fame when he reached the finals of the 1974 Australian Open where he lost to Jimmy Connors. He was also the mixed doubles champion at the 1975 Australian Open with partner John Alexander.

Dent grabbed the mixed doubles title in 1976 at the US Open with doubles partner Billy Jean King. He also played for the Australian Davis team which won the cup in 1977 and when it won the World Team Cup in 1979. Another notable victory was that over Bjorn Borg at the 1974 Australian Open which was the only time that Borg played in the tournament.

Dent has also had a good amateur career, winning the boy’ singles at the 1968 Australian and French Opens. He has three singles titles and reached a career high rank of 19 on January 16, 1978. He won two top level singles titles in Brisbane and Sydney in 1979 and reached the finals of five Grand Slams.

In doubles, Dent has won a total of 24 career titles and reached a career high rank of 51 in 1983. He retired on the same year, settling in Orange County, California. His son Taylor Dent also became a professional tennis player and has played for the US. Several injuries forced Taylor to take time off from tour although he has recently returned playing. Phil Dent started coaching his son since the boy was 11.