MaliVai Washington

MaliVai Washington (first name pronounced: mal-a-VEE-a) (b. June 20 1969, in Glen Cove, New York) is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He is best remembered for reaching the men's singles final at Wimbeldon in 1996.

Related Topics:
June 20 - 1969 - Glen Cove - New York - Tennis - United States - Wimbeldon - 1996

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An African-American, Washington began playing tennis at the age of five. In the late-1980s he played tennis for the University of Michigan and was ranked the No. 1 college player in the US at the end of his sophomore season. He then turned professional in 1989.

Related Topics:
African-American - 1980s - University of Michigan - 1989

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He first notable tour result came in 1990, when he defeated Ivan Lendl in straight-sets in the second round of the tournament at New Haven, Connecticut. Just a week earlier, Lendl had lost the World No. 1 ranking to Stefan Edberg, and he would have regained it if he had won that match.

Related Topics:
1990 - Ivan Lendl - New Haven, Connecticut - Stefan Edberg

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Washington won his first top-level singles title in 1992 at Memphis, Tennessee.

Related Topics:
1992 - Memphis, Tennessee

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In 1996, Washington reached his first (and only) Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. In the final, he faced the Dutch player Richard Krajicek and lost in straight-sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.

Related Topics:
1996 - Grand Slam - Richard Krajicek

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During his career, Washington won four tour singles titles. His career-high singles ranking was World No. 11 in 1992.

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The later years of Washington's career were plagued by injuries, and he retired from the professional tour in 1999. Since retiring, he has served as a TV analyst with ESPN.

Related Topics:
1999 - ESPN

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In 1994, Washington established the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation to "teach achievement and positive life skills through the game of tennis".

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His sister Mashona Washington is also a professional tennis player.

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