Harold Solomon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harold Solomon (born 17 September 1952 in Washington, DC) is an American former professional tennis player who played during the 1970s and 80s.
Contents |
[edit] Tennis Career
He ranked among the world’s Top 10 Singles players four out of five consecutive years: 1976, 1978, 1979, and 1980, when he reached his highest ATP ranking, No. 5 in the world. Solomon was ranked 7 consecutive years in the world’s Top 20, 1974-80.
The 5’6”/130 lb.(1.67m/58kg) Rice University (Texas) All-American turned professional in 1972, at the close of his sophomore year.
As a pro, employing a slow, methodical style (described by one tennis broadcaster as “the human backboard approach”) and a powerful two-fisted right-handed backhand, Solomon captured 22 singles titles, including the 1980 ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Championship. His ATP career won-loss record is 564-315, and career prize winnings of $1,802,769 (not including the Senior Tour).
Although he never won a singles Grand Slam, Solomon was a French Open finalist in 1976, defeated by Adriano Panatta, semi-finalist 1974 & 1980, and quarter-finalist 1972 & 1975; and U.S. Open semi-finalist in 1977, and in 1976 and 1978 he was runner-up in the United States Pro Championship.
He won the tournament now known as the Cincinnati Masters twice: in 1977 as well as 1980.
In 1980, he was ranked 7th in the world according to ATP rankings.[1]
Playing with doubles partner Eddie Dibbs, media dubbed the twosome “The Bagel Twins.” They reached # 4 in the world in 1976, and ranked in the world doubles Top 10 1974–76.
[edit] Davis Cup
Solomon was a member of United States Davis Cup Teams in 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978. His ’72 and ’78 teams won Davis Cup championships.
[edit] Grand Slam singles finals
[edit] Runner-ups (1)
| Year | Championship | Opponent in Final | Score in Final |
| 1976 | French Open |  Adriano Panatta |
1-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 |
[edit] ATP
Solomon was president of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) from 1980 to 1983.
[edit] Halls of Fame
Soloman was inducted into the USTA Mid Atlantic Section Hall of Fame in 1994.[2]
Solomon, who is Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.[3]]
[edit] Coaching career
Solomon began coaching in the early 1990s. He is mostly identified with women’s pro Mary Joe Fernandez, whom he tutored for five years. He also aided and refined the careers of Jim Courier, Justin Gimelstob, Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles, Mirjana Lucic, Anna Kournikova, and Daniela Hantuchova.
[edit] Links
| This American biographical article related to tennis is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
