Stan Smith
ResidenceHilton Head Island, South Carolina, U.S.
FullnameStanley Roger Smith
Birth dateDecember 14, 1946 (age 79)
Birth placePasadena, California, U.S.
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Turnedpro1969 (amateur from 1964)
Retired1985
PlaysRight-handed (one-handed backhand)
Careerprizemoney$1,420,869
Tennishofyear1987
Tennishofidstan-smith
Singlesrecordin pre-Open-Era & Open Era[1]
Singlestitles64[2] (48 open era titles listed by ATP)
HighestsinglesrankingNo. 1 (1971, Judith Elian)
Australianopenresult3R (1970, 1975, 1977Dec)
FrenchopenresultQF (1971, 1972)
WimbledonresultW (1972)
UsopenresultW (1971)
Othertournamentsyes
MasterscupresultW (1970)
WctfinalsresultW (1973)
Doublesrecord558–201
Doublestitles54
HighestdoublesrankingNo. 1 (March 2, 1981)
AustralianopendoublesresultW (1970)
FrenchopendoublesresultF (1971, 1974)
WimbledondoublesresultF (1972, 1974, 1980, 1981)
UsopendoublesresultW (1968, 1974, 1978, 1980)

Stanley Roger Smith (born December 14, 1946) is an American former professional tennis player. A world No. 1 player and two-time major singles champion (at the 1971 US Open and 1972 Wimbledon Championships), Smith also paired with Bob Lutz to create one of the most successful doubles teams of all-time.

In 1970, Smith won the inaugural year-end championships title. In 1972, he was the year-end world No. 1 singles player.[3] In 1973, he won his second and last year end championship title at the Dallas WCT Finals. In addition, he won four Grand Prix Championship Series titles.

In his early years he improved his tennis game through lessons from Pancho Segura, the Pasadena Tennis Patrons,[4] and the sponsorship of the Southern California Tennis Association headed by Perry T. Jones. Smith is a past President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and an ITHF Life Trustee.[5] Outside tennis circles, Smith is best known as the namesake of a line of tennis shoes made by Adidas.

Career

Smith grew up in Pasadena, California and was coached mainly by Pancho Segura. He played collegiate tennis at the University of Southern California (USC), under Coach George Toley, where he was a three-time All-American and won the 1968 NCAA Singles Championship as well as the 1967 and 1968 doubles titles. At USC, Smith was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity's Gamma Tau chapter.

As a boy, he tried to get a job as a ball boy for the Davis Cup, but was turned down because the organizers thought he was too clumsy.[6]

In 1971 Smith lost in the Wimbledon final to John Newcombe in five sets. "Although both men relied on power, there were relatively few errors despite the fierce struggle".[7] Smith beat Jan Kodeš in the final of the US championships in four sets. After losing the first set, Smith changed his tactics. "I decided I would hit slower but put more spin on my serve" said Smith afterwards and he also took charge at the net more.[8] That year Smith and John Newcombe were joint recipients of The Martini and Rossi Award, voted for by 11 journalists[9] and were co-ranked world No. 1 by Judith Elian.[10]

In 1972 Smith beat Ilie Năstase in the Wimbledon final in five sets. "Oldtimers at the Club, who've seen all the finals back to the 1930's, said the match was the best since Australia's Jack Crawford beat Ellsworth Vines of America, 6-4 in the fifth, to win in 1933."[11] That year Smith won the 'Martini and Rossi' Award, voted for by a panel of journalists[12] and was ranked world No. 1 by Elian,[10] Tingay,[3] World Tennis,[13] Collins,[14] Frank Rostron[15] and Rex Bellamy.[16]

In his 1979 autobiography, Jack Kramer, the long-time tennis promoter and great player himself, ranked Smith as one of the 21 best players of all time.[17]

In 2005, TENNIS magazine ranked Smith as 35th in its "40 Greatest Players of the TENNIS Era".

Smith was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.[18][19]

Following his playing career, Smith became active as a coach for the United States Tennis Association. He has his own tennis academy with Billy Stearns, located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

In 1974, Smith married Princeton University tennis player, Marjory Gengler.[20][21] They later mentored South African tennis player Mark Mathabane, helping increase pressure on the South African government to end apartheid. Smith lives in Hilton Head with his wife and four children, all of whom competed in collegiate tennis.

Tennis shoes

To the general public, Stan Smith is probably best known for the line of tennis shoes which Adidas renamed after him in 1978. Although the Adidas Stan Smith shoe is not recommended for modern tennis playing, it continues to be a widely available iconic fashion brand.[22]

Grand Slam finals

Singles: 3 (2 titles, 1 runner-up)

ResultYearChampionshipSurfaceOpponentScore
Loss1971WimbledonGrassJohn Newcombe3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 4–6
Win1971US OpenGrassJan Kodeš3–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–6(5–3)
Win1972WimbledonGrassIlie Năstase4–6, 6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 7–5

Doubles: 13 (5 titles, 8 runners-up)

ResultYearChampionshipSurfacePartnerOpponentsScore
Win1968US OpenGrassBob LutzArthur Ashe
Andrés Gimeno
11–9, 6–1, 7–5
Win1970Australian OpenGrassBob LutzJohn Alexander
Phil Dent
6–3, 8–6, 6–3
Loss1971French OpenClayTom GormanArthur Ashe
Marty Riessen
6–4, 3–6, 4–6, 9–11
Loss1971US OpenGrassErik van DillenJohn Newcombe
Roger Taylor
7–6, 3–6, 6–7, 6–4, 6–7
Loss1972WimbledonGrassErik van DillenBob Hewitt
Frew McMillan
2–6, 2–6, 7–9
Loss1974French OpenClayBob LutzDick Crealy
Onny Parun
3–6, 2–6, 6–3, 7–5, 1–6
Loss1974WimbledonGrassBob LutzJohn Newcombe
Tony Roche
6–8, 4–6, 4–6
Win1974US OpenGrassBob LutzPatricio Cornejo
Jaime Fillol
6–3, 6–3
Win1978US OpenHardBob LutzMarty Riessen
Sherwood Stewart
1–6, 7–5, 6–3
Loss1979US OpenHardBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
2–6, 4–6
Loss1980WimbledonGrassBob LutzPeter McNamara
Paul McNamee
6–7, 3–6, 7–6, 4–6
Win1980US OpenHardBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
7–6, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3
Loss1981WimbledonGrassBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
4–6, 4–6, 4–6

Career finals

Note: Smith won 10 titles before the Open Era

Singles: 95 (64 titles, 31 runners-up)

ResultW–LYearTournamentSurfaceOpponentScore
Win1–01964Pasadena Metropolitan, Pasadena?Robert Potthast6–1, 3–6, 6–3
Loss1–11965Ojai Tennis Tournament, Ojai?Charlie Pasarell3–6, 1–6
Win2–11965Tucson Invitation, Tucson?Allen Fox6–1, 4–6, 8–6
Win3–11966Western Indoor Championship, Salt Lake CityCarpet (i)Charlie Passarell7–5, 2–6, 8–6
Loss3–21966Southern California Championships, Los AngelesHardArthur Ashe4–6, 2–6
Win4–21966US Hard Court Championship, La JollaHardIan Crookenden6–4, 6–1
Loss4–31966National Championship, Coral Gables?Charlie Passarell4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 1–6
Loss4–41966Pennsylvania Lawn Tennis Championships, HaverfordGrassClark Graebner3–6, 6–4, 3–6
Loss4–51966Tucson Invitation, Tucson?Marty Riessen6–8, 2–6
Win5–51967Phoenix Thunderbird Championships, PhoenixHardAllen Fox7–5, 6–3
Win6–51967Southern California Championships, Los AngelesHardAllen Fox7–5, 13–11
Win7–51967Southern California Tennis Classic, Pasadena?Bob Lutz6–4, 7–5
Win8–51967US Hard Court Championship, Sacramento (2)HardGary Rose6–4, 6–3
Win9–51967Western Indoor Championship, Salt Lake City (2)Carpet (i)Jim Osborne6–2, 6–2
Win10–51968Phoenix Thunderbird Championships, Phoenix (2)HardBob Lutz4–6, 6–2, 6–1
↓  Open Era  ↓
Win11–51968Southern California Championships, Los Angeles (2)HardRick Leach6–4, 6–3
Loss11–61968Central California Championships, Sacramento?Clark Graebner8–10, 4–6, 2–6
Win12–61968National Championship, San Antonio?Bob Lutz3–6, 6–1, 6–0, 6–2
Loss12–71968U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, MilwaukeeClayClark Graebner3–6, 5–7, 0–6
Win13–71968
  • Pacific Coast Championships, Berkeley
Hard (i)Jim McManus10–8, 6–1, 6–1
Win14–71968
  • US Hard Court Championship, La Jolla (3)
HardRoy Barth6–1, 9–7
Win15–71968Carpet (i)Mark Cox6–4, 6–4
Loss15–81968Queensland Championships, BrisbaneGrassArthur Ashe4–6, 6–1, 7–9, 6–4, 5–7
Win16–81969GrassArthur Ashe14–12, 6–8, 6–3, 8–6
Win17–81969
  • U.S. National Indoor Championships, Salisbury
Hard (i)Ismail El Shafei6–3, 6–8, 6–4, 6–4
Win18–81969
  • Dallas Invitation, Dallas
Carpet (i)Thomaz Koch6–3, 6–4
Win19–81969Southern California Championships Los Angeles (3)HardBob Lutz6–3, 6–4
Win20–81969GrassClark Graebner6–1, 6–4, 6–4
Win21–81969GrassBob Lutz9–7, 6–3, 6–1
Win22–81969Hard (i)Cliff Richey6–2, 6–3
Loss22–91969Torneo di Ancona (2-man), AnconaHard (i)Ilie Năstase4–6, 5–7
Loss22–101969Denver Invitation (2-man), Denver?Ilie Năstase4–6, 5–6
Win23–101969Coupe Albert Canet, ParisCarpet (i)Jean-Baptiste Chanfreau6–4, 6–1, 6–2
Win24–101969Hawaiian Cup Classic, Honolulu?Arthur Ashe6–2, 6–3
Win25–101970Carpet (i)Jim Osborne6–2, 7–5, 6–3
Loss25–111970Richmond WCT, RichmondCarpet (i)Arthur Ashe2–6, 11–13
Win26–111970Hard (i)Thomaz Koch6–3, 6–2, 7–5
Win27–111970GrassChauncey Steele III6–3, 6–4
Loss27–121970U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, IndianapolisClayCliff Richey2–6, 8–10, 6–3, 1–6
Win28–121970
  • Phoenix Open, Phoenix (3)
HardJim Osborne6–3, 6–7, 6–1
Win29–121970Hard (i)Arthur Ashe5–7, 6–4, 6–4
Win30–121970Carpet (i)Rod Laver4–6, 6–3, 6–4
Loss30–131971Carolinas International Tennis Tournament, CharlotteHardArthur Ashe3–6, 3–6
Win31–131971City of Paris Open Championships, Paris[23][24]ClayFrançois Jauffret6–2, 6–4, 7–5
Win32–131971GrassPremjit Lall7–9, 6–4, 6–2
Win33–131971
  • Caribe Hilton International, San Juan
HardCliff Richey6–3, 6–3[25]
Win34–131971GrassJohn Newcombe8–6, 6–3
Loss34–141971Wimbledon Championships, LondonGrassJohn Newcombe3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 4–6
Win35–141971ClayJuan Gisbert, Sr.7–6, 6–3
Win36–141971GrassJan Kodeš3–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–6
Loss36–151971Pepsi-Cola Masters, ParisCarpet (i)Ilie Năstase7–5, 6–7, 3–6
Win37–151972Hard (i)Ilie Năstase5–7, 6–2, 6–3, 6–4
Win38–151972
  • Clean Air Classic, New York City
Carpet (i)Juan Gisbert, Sr.4–6, 7–5, 6–4, 6–1
Win39–151972
  • Hampton Grand Prix, Hampton (2)
Hard (i)Ilie Năstase6–3, 6–2, 6–7, 6–4
Win40–151972Carpet (i)Jimmy Connors4–6, 6–1, 6–3, 4–6, 6–1
Win41–151972GrassIlie Năstase4–6, 6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 7–5
Win42–151972HardColin Dibley6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4
Win43–151972HardRoscoe Tanner6–4, 6–4
Win44–151972Hard (i)Andrés Gimeno6–2, 6–2, 7–5
Win45–151972Hard (i)Tom Okker6–4, 6–3
Loss45–161972Commercial Union Assurance Masters, BarcelonaHard (i)Ilie Năstase3–6, 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 3–6
Loss45–171973La Costa WCT, La CostaHardColin Dibley3–6, 6–7
Win46–171973Carpet (i)Bob Lutz7–6, 7–6, 4–6, 6–4
Loss46–181973CBS Classic, Hilton HeadClayRod Laver2–6, 4–6
Win47–181973Carpet (i)Rod Laver6–3, 6–4
Win48–181973Carpet (i)Rod Laver6–4, 3–6, 6–4
Win49–181973Carpet (i)Cliff Richey6–1, 7–5
Win50–181973
  • Brussels WCT, Brussels
Carpet (i)Rod Laver6–2, 6–4, 6–1
Win51–181973Carpet (i)John Alexander5–7, 6–4, 6–2
Win52–181973Carpet (i)Arthur Ashe6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 6–4
Win53–181973ClayManuel Orantes6–4, 6–2, 7–6
Loss53–191973World Invitational Tennis Classic, Hilton HeadHardRod Laver6–7, 5–7
Loss53–201973Paris Open, ParisHard (i)Ilie Năstase6–4, 1–6, 6–3, 0–6, 2–6
Win54–201974
  • Hempstead WCT, Hempstead
Carpet (i)John Newcombe6–4, 3–6, 6–3
Loss54–211974La Costa WCT, La CostaHardJohn Newcombe2–6, 6–4, 4–6
Win55–211974
  • St. Louis WCT, St. Louis (2)
Carpet (i)Alex Metreveli6–2, 3–6, 6–2
Win56–211974
  • Nottingham Open, Nottingham (2)
GrassAlex Metreveli6–3, 1–6, 6–3
Win57–211974
  • Chicago International, Chicago
CarpetMarty Riessen3–6, 6–1, 6–4
Loss57–221975Toronto Indoor, TorontoCarpet (i)Harold Solomon4–6, 1–6
Loss57–231975San Antonio WCT, San AntonioHardDick Stockton5–7, 6–2, 6–7
Loss57–241975Tokyo WCT, TokyoCarpetRobert Lutz4–6, 4–6
Win58–241975Hard (i)Robert Lutz7–6, 6–2
Loss58–251976Memphis Open, MemphisHard (i)Vijay Amritraj2–6, 6–0, 0–6
Loss58–261976Columbus Open, ColumbusClayRoscoe Tanner4–6, 6–7
Loss58–271977Springfield International Tennis Classic, SpringfieldCarpet (i)Guillermo Vilas6–3, 0–6, 3–6, 2–6
Loss58–281977Hampton Grand Prix, HamptonHard (i)Sandy Mayer6–4, 3–6, 2–6, 6–1, 3–6
Win59–281977Carpet (i)Brian Gottfried6–4, 2–6, 6–3
Loss59–291978Denver Open, DenverCarpet (i)Jimmy Connors2–6, 6–7
Win60–291978
  • Atlanta Grand Prix, Atlanta
HardEliot Teltscher4–6, 6–1, 2–1 ret.
Win61–291978Carpet (i)Balázs Taróczy4–6, 7–6, 7–6, 6–3
Loss61–301979Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, NewportGrassBrian Teacher6–1, 3–6, 4–6
Win62–301979HardIlie Năstase7–6, 7–5
Win63–301979Carpet (i)Wojciech Fibak6–4, 6–0, 6–2
Win64–301980Carpet (i)Johan Kriek2–6, 7–6, 6–2
Loss64–311980Palm Harbor Open, Palm HarborHardPaul McNamee4–6, 3–6
  • 48 Open Era titles listed by the ATP website

Doubles (54 titles, 27 runners-up)

ResultW–LYearTournamentSurfacePartnerOpponentsScore
Win1–01968US Open, New YorkGrassBob LutzArthur Ashe
Andrés Gimeno
11–9, 6–1, 7–5
Win2–01969Cincinnati, U.S.ClayBob LutzArthur Ashe
Charlie Pasarell
6–3, 6–4
Win3–01970Australian Open, MelbourneGrassBob LutzJohn Alexander
Phil Dent
6–3, 8–6, 6–3
Loss3–11970Los Angeles, U.S.HardBob LutzTom Okker
Marty Riessen
6–7, 2–6
Win4–11970Berkeley, U.S.HardBob LutzRoy Barth
Tom Gorman
6–2, 7–5, 4–6, 6–2
Win5–11970Stockholm, SwedenCarpet (i)Arthur AsheBob Carmichael
Owen Davidson
6–0, 5–7, 7–5
Win6–11971Paris, FranceClayTom GormanPierre Barthès
François Jauffret
3–6, 7–5, 6–2
Loss6–21971French Open, ParisClayTom GormanArthur Ashe
Marty Riessen
6–4, 3–6, 4–6, 9–11
Loss6–31971London Queen's Club, U.K.GrassErik van DillenTom Okker
Marty Riessen
6–8, 6–4, 8–10
Win7–31971Cincinnati, U.S.ClayErik van DillenSandy Mayer
Roscoe Tanner
6–1, 3–6, 6–4
Loss7–41971US Open, New YorkGrassErik van DillenJohn Newcombe
Roger Taylor
7–6, 3–6, 6–7, 6–4, 6–7
Win8–41971Stockholm, SwedenHard (i)Tom GormanArthur Ashe
Bob Lutz
6–3, 6–4
Win9–41972Madrid, SpainClayIlie NăstaseAndrés Gimeno
Manuel Orantes
6–2, 6–2
Win10–41972Nice, FranceClayJan KodešFrew McMillan
Ilie Năstase
6–3, 3–6, 7–5
Loss10–51972Wimbledon, LondonGrassErik van DillenBob Hewitt
Frew McMillan
2–6, 2–6, 7–9
Win11–51973Brussels WCT, BelgiumCarpet (i)Bob LutzJohn Alexander
Phil Dent
6–4, 7–6
Win12–51973Johannesburg WCT, South AfricaHard (i)Bob LutzFrew McMillan
Allan Stone
6–1, 6–4, 6–4
Win13–51973World Doubles WCT, MontrealCarpet (i)Bob LutzTom Okker
Marty Riessen
6–2, 7–6, 6–0
Win14–51973Båstad, SwedenClayNikola PilićBob Carmichael
Frew McMillan
2–6, 6–4, 6–4
Win15–51973San Francisco, U.S.Carpet (i)Roy EmersonOve Nils Bengtson
Jim McManus
6–2, 6–1
Win16–51974Atlanta WCT, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzBrian Gottfried
Dick Stockton
6–3, 3–6, 7–6
Win17–51974New Orleans WCT, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzOwen Davidson
John Newcombe
4–6, 6–4, 7–6
Loss17–61974French Open, ParisClayBob LutzDick Crealy
Onny Parun
3–6, 2–6, 6–3, 7–5, 1–6
Loss17–71974Nottingham, U.K.GrassBob LutzCharlie Pasarell
Erik van Dillen
4–6, 7–9
Loss17–81974Wimbledon, LondonGrassBob LutzJohn Newcombe
Tony Roche
6–8, 4–6, 4–6
Win18–81974Boston, U.S.ClayBob LutzHans-Jürgen Pohmann
Marty Riessen
3–6, 6–4, 6–3
Win19–81974US Open, New YorkGrassBob LutzPatricio Cornejo
Jaime Fillol
6–3, 6–3
Win20–81974San Francisco, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzJohn Alexander
Syd Ball
6–4, 7–6
Win21–81975Fort Worth WCT, U.S.HardBob LutzJohn Alexander
Phil Dent
6–7, 7–6, 6–3
Win22–81975Tokyo Indoor, JapanCarpet (i)Bob LutzJohn Alexander
Phil Dent
6–4, 6–7, 6–2
Win23–81975Houston, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzMike Estep
Russell Simpson
7–5, 7–6
Win24–81975Washington, D.C., U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzBrian Gottfried
Raúl Ramírez
7–5, 2–6, 6–1
Win25–81975Columbus Open, U.S.ClayBob LutzJürgen Fassbender
Hans-Jürgen Pohmann
6–2, 6–7, 6–3
Win26–81976Indianapolis WCT, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzVitas Gerulaitis
Tom Gorman
6–2, 6–4
Win27–81976Rome WCT, ItalyCarpet (i)Bob LutzDick Crealy
Frew McMillan
6–7, 6–3, 6–4
Loss27–91976Las Vegas, U.S.Hard (i)Bob LutzArthur Ashe
Charlie Pasarell
4–6, 2–6
Win28–91976Cincinnati Masters, U.S.ClayErik van DillenEddie Dibbs
Harold Solomon
6–1, 6–1
Loss28–101976Louisville, U.S.ClayErik van DillenByron Bertram
Pat Cramer
3–6, 4–6
Win29–101976Los Angeles, U.S.HardBob LutzArthur Ashe
Charlie Pasarell
6–2, 3–6, 6–3
Win30–101976Wembley, U.K.Carpet (i)Roscoe TannerWojciech Fibak
Brian Gottfried
7–6, 6–3
Loss30–111976Johannesburg WCT, South AfricaHardJuan Gisbert, Sr.Brian Gottfried
Sherwood Stewart
6–1, 1–6, 2–6, 6–7
Loss30–121977Memphis, U.S.Hard (i)Bob LutzFred McNair
Sherwood Stewart
6–4, 6–7, 6–7
Win31–121977Hampton, U.S.Carpet (i)Sandy MayerPaul Kronk
Cliff Letcher
6–4, 6–3
Win32–121977Washington Indoor, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzBrian Gottfried
Raúl Ramírez
6–3, 7–5
Loss32–131977Los Angeles PSW, U.S.HardBob LutzBob Hewitt
Frew McMillan
3–6, 4–6
Win33–131977Las Vegas, U.S.Hard (i)Bob LutzBob Hewitt
Raúl Ramírez
6–3, 3–6, 6–4
Win34–131977Columbus, U.S.ClayBob LutzPeter Fleming
Gene Mayer
4–6, 7–5, 6–2
Win35–131977Maui, U.S.HardBob LutzBrian Gottfried
Raúl Ramírez
7–6, 6–4
Win36–131977Johannesburg WCT, South AfricaHardBob LutzPeter Fleming
Raymond Moore
6–3, 7–5, 6–7, 7–6
Win37–131978Springfield, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzJan Kodeš
Marty Riessen
6–3, 6–3
Win38–131978Washington Indoor, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzArthur Ashe
John McEnroe
6–7, 7–5, 6–1
Loss38–141978Rotterdam WCT, NetherlandsCarpet (i)Bob LutzFred McNair
Raúl Ramírez
2–6, 3–6
Loss38–151978World Doubles WCT, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzWojciech Fibak
Tom Okker
7–6, 4–6, 0–6, 3–6
Win39–151978US Open, New YorkHardBob LutzMarty Riessen
Sherwood Stewart
1–6, 7–5, 6–3
Loss39–161978San Francisco, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
7–5, 4–6, 4–6
Loss39–171978Stockholm, SwedenHard (i)Bob LutzWojciech Fibak
Tom Okker
3–6, 2–6
Win40–171979Birmingham, U.S.Carpet (i)Dick StocktonIlie Năstase
Tom Okker
6–2, 6–3
Win41–171979Denver, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzWojciech Fibak
Tom Okker
7–6, 6–3
Win42–171979Washington Indoor, U.S.Carpet (i)Bob LutzBob Carmichael
Brian Teacher
6–4, 7–5, 3–6, 7–6
Loss42–181979New Orleans, U.S.CarpetBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
1–6, 3–6
Win43–181979Newport, U.S.GrassBob LutzJohn James
Chris Kachel
6–4, 7–6
Win44–181979Cleveland, U.S.HardBob LutzFrancisco González
Fred McNair
6–3, 6–4
Loss44–191979Cincinnati Masters, U.S.HardBob LutzBrian Gottfried
Ilie Năstase
6–1, 3–6, 6–7
Loss44–201979US Open, New YorkHardBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
2–6, 4–6
Win45–201979Cologne, West GermanyCarpet (i)Gene MayerHeinz Günthardt
Pavel Složil
6–3, 6–4
Loss45–211979Wembley, U.K.Carpet (i)Tomáš ŠmídPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
2–6, 3–6
Win46–211980Rotterdam, NetherlandsCarpet (i)Vijay AmritrajBill Scanlon
Brian Teacher
6–4, 6–3
Win47–211980Frankfurt, West GermanyCarpet (i)Vijay AmritrajAndrew Pattison
Butch Walts
6–7, 6–2, 6–2
Win48–211980Las Vegas, U.S.HardBob LutzWojciech Fibak
Gene Mayer
6–2, 7–5
Loss48–221980Wimbledon, LondonGrassBob LutzPeter McNamara
Paul McNamee
6–7, 3–6, 7–6, 4–6
Win49–221980US Open, New YorkHardRobert LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
7–6, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3
Loss49–231980Sawgrass Doubles, U.S.HardBob LutzBrian Gottfried
Raúl Ramírez
6–7, 4–6, 6–2, 6–7
Win50–231980Vienna, AustriaCarpet (i)Bob LutzHeinz Günthardt
Pavel Složil
6–1, 6–2
Loss50–241980Stockholm, SwedenCarpet (i)Bob LutzHeinz Günthardt
Paul McNamee
7–6, 3–6, 2–6
Win51–241980Johannesburg, South AfricaHardBob LutzHeinz Günthardt
Paul McNamee
6–7, 6–3, 6–4
Loss51–251981Wimbledon, LondonGrassBob LutzPeter Fleming
John McEnroe
4–6, 4–6, 4–6
Loss51–261981Cincinnati, U.S.HardBob LutzJohn McEnroe
Ferdi Taygan
6–7, 3–6
Loss51–271981Sawgrass Doubles, U.S.HardBob LutzHeinz Günthardt
Peter McNamara
6–7, 6–3, 6–7, 7–5, 4–6
Win52–271983Caracas, VenezuelaHardJaime FillolAndrés Gómez
Ilie Năstase
6–7, 6–4, 6–3
Win53–271983Vienna, AustriaCarpet (i)Mel PurcellMarcos Hocevar
Cássio Motta
6–3, 6–4
Win54–271984Columbus, U.S.HardSandy MayerCharles Bud Cox
Terry Moor
6–4, 6–7, 7–5

Grand Slam performance timeline

Singles

Tournament1964196519661967196819691970197119721973197419751976197719781979198019811982198319841985SR
Grand Slam tournaments
Australian OpenAAAAAA3RAAAAA3RA3RAAAAAAAA0 / 3
French OpenAAAAA4R1RQFQF4R1R4RA4R3R3RAAAAAA0 / 10
WimbledonA2R4R3R2R4R4RFWASF1R4R4R1R3R3R4R2R1RAA1 / 18
US Open2R2R1R3R2R2RQFWQFSFQF1R4R2R3R3R1R2R2R1RAA1 / 20
Grand Slam SR0 / 10 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 30 / 41 / 31 / 30 / 20 / 30 / 30 / 30 / 40 / 30 / 30 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 00 / 02 / 51
Year-end rankingN/A582116242522282294100745794

References

  1. ^ "Stan Smith: Career match record". thetennisbase.com. Madrid, Spain: Tennismem SL. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Stan Smith: Career tournament results". Tennismem SL. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  3. ^ Neil Amdur (December 12, 1972). "Metreveli to join pro net tour". The New York Times
  4. ^ Futterman, Matthew (2016). Players: How sports became a business. Simon & Schuster. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-4767-1695-4.
  5. ^ "International Tennis Hall of Fame". www.tennisfame.com. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  6. ^ "50 Famously Successful People Who Failed At First". OnlineCollege.org. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011.
  7. ^ "Newcombe rallies for Wimbledon title". Star News. 4 July 1971. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  8. ^ "Smith tops Kodes for open title". Star News. 15 September 1971. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 December 1971". newspapers.com. December 19, 1971.
  10. ^ Quidet, Christian (1989). La Fabuleuse Histoire du Tennis (in French). Paris: Nathan. p. 772. ISBN 9782092864388.
  11. ^ "Smith, Nastase in final thriller". Ellensburg Daily Record. 10 July 1972. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  12. ^ "The Baltimore Sun, 13 February 1973". newspapers.com. February 13, 1973.
  13. ^ "Evening Herald (Shenandoah), 17 January 1973". newspapers.com. January 17, 1973.
  14. ^ Collins, Bud & Hollander, Zander (1997). Bud Collins' Tennis Encyclopedia. 3rd ed. Detroit: Visible Ink Press. p. 651. ISBN 978-1578590001.
  15. ^ "Around the world...". World Tennis. Vol. 20, no. 10. March 1973. p. 96.
  16. ^ The Times (London), 13 December 1972, p. 9
  17. ^ Kramer considered the best player ever to have been either Don Budge (for consistent play) or Ellsworth Vines (at the height of his game). The next four best were, chronologically, Bill Tilden, Fred Perry, Bobby Riggs, and Pancho Gonzales. After these six came the "second echelon" of Rod Laver, Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall, Gottfried von Cramm, Ted Schroeder, Jack Crawford, Pancho Segura, Frank Sedgman, Tony Trabert, John Newcombe, Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Björn Borg, and Jimmy Connors. He felt unable to rank Henri Cochet and René Lacoste accurately but felt they were among the very best.
  18. ^ Communications, Emmis (August 1992). Cincinnati Magazine. Emmis Communications.
  19. ^ "Amelie Mauresmo inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame". Tennis.com. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  20. ^ Fran Hulette (March 17, 2010). "Whatever happened to Marjory Gengler Smith '73?". paw.princeton.edu. Princeton University.
  21. ^ "Stan Smith Weds Miss Gengler". The New York Times. 1974-11-24. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  22. ^ Tennis.com – Blog – The Pro Shop by Bill Gray – My Adidas
  23. ^ Tennis Federation, International (26 April 1971). "City of Paris Tournament". ITF TENNIS. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  24. ^ "STAN SMITH GAINS PARIS TENNIS FINAL". The New York Times. 2 May 1971. p. 8. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  25. ^ "Stan Smith upsets Richey". The Ithaca Journal. 6 April 1971. p. 26.

Further reading

  • Smith, Stan (2002). Stan Smith's Winning Doubles. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. ISBN 0-7360-3007-7.
  • Little Pancho (2009) by Caroline Seebohm
  • The Golden Age of College Tennis (2009) by George Toley