Richard Sears (tennis player)

Richard Dudley 'Dick' Sears (October 16, 1861 - April 8, 1943) was an American male tennis player.

Related Topics:
October 16 - 1861 - April 8 - 1943 - American - Tennis

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Undefeated in the U.S. Championships, he won the first of his seven titles there in 1881 while still a student at Harvard. Starting in the 1881 first round, he went on an 18-match unbeaten streak that would take him through the 1887 championships, after which he retired from the game. Not until 1921 was his 18-match unbeaten run ovetaken (by Bill Tilden). During his first three championships, Sears did not even lose a single set, never mind a match. Sears was the first 19-year old to win in the U.S., slightly older than Oliver Campbell was in 1890 and slightly younger than the very youngest winner, Pete Sampras, in 1990.

Related Topics:
U.S. Championships - 1881 - Harvard - 1887 - 1921 - Bill Tilden - Oliver Campbell - 1890 - Pete Sampras - 1990

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After giving up playing lawn tennis, Sears won the U.S. Court Tennis singles title in 1892 and went on to serve as USTA President in 1887 and 1888.

Related Topics:
Lawn tennis - Court Tennis - 1892 - USTA - 1887 - 1888

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He was inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1955, where his cousin Eleo Sears also has a place.

Related Topics:
International Tennis Hall of Fame - 1955 - Eleo Sears

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