In Memoriam: Hall of Famer Dennis Ralston
American tennis great Dennis Ralston, a Hall of Famer who made his mark on the sport as a top player and coach, has passed away at age 78, following a battle with cancer. A five-time major doubles champion and integral part of US Davis Cup team in the 1960s and 70s, Ralston was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.
“Dennis Ralston lived his whole life in tennis. He was a terrific champion, but he contributed to every part of the sport really, and with a real passion for it. To me, he was a fellow USC Trojan, my coach, my captain, and a great friend. I, along with so many in the tennis world, will greatly miss his friendship and kindness,” stated International Tennis Hall of Fame President Stan Smith.
Smith was coached and captained by Ralston when competing for the US Davis Cup team, including the team’s historic 1972 championship win over Romania.
“Dennis had an incredible mind for tennis, and he wanted to share what he knew to help others. He really prepared us for that battle in Romania. It was the most challenging and satisfying of all my Davis Cup campaigns. Dennis knew what it would take for us to compete, and he was a tremendous leader for me and the team,” said Smith.
"Dennis Ralston lived his whole life in tennis. He was a terrific champion, but he contributed to every part of the sport really, and with a real passion for it. To me, he was a fellow USC Trojan, my coach, my captain, and a great friend. I, along with so many in the tennis world, will greatly miss his friendship and kindness.”
- Stan Smith
Dennis Ralston first garnered attention on the global tennis scene in 1960 as a 17-year-old who skipped his high school graduation ceremony to seize the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon for the first time. The young Californian paired up with Rafael Osuna of Mexico, a fellow young player, to plow through the draw upset-after-upset and claim the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Doubles title. There was no looking back from there on for Ralston.
He went on to play for the University of Southern California, helping the Trojans to three straight NCAA titles in 1962, ’63, ’64. Simultaneously, Ralston continued to compete on the sport’s global stage.
He added four more major doubles titles to his records, winning the US Nationals doubles in 1961, ’63, and ’64 with Chuck McKinley, as well as the French Nationals in 1966 with Clark Graebner. He represented the US in Davis Cup competition from 1960-66, and was a member of the championship team in 1963.
In 1966, Ralston reached the singles final at Wimbledon, where he outlasted Cliff Drysdale in a five-set marathon semifinal to ultimately face Manuel Santana in the final. Ralston fell to Santana, 6-4, 11-9, 6-4, in a match the Associated Press called “easily one of the best finals seen here in many years.”
With the tennis world on the verge of the Open Era, yet not quite there yet, Ralston turned pro in 1966, seeking greater opportunity to make a living playing the sport he loved. He was a member of the Handsome Eight, the eight original pros signed to the World Championship Tennis tour, which traveled the US competing in a circuit, paving the way for the ATP Tour.
After retiring from competition, Ralston’s passion for the sport and commitment to tennis continued to thrive. He served as the US Davis Cup team coach from 1968-71 and captain from 1972-75, leading the team to victory in the historic 1972 championship over Romania.
Ralston coached Hall of Famer Chris Evert for six years, during the height of her career and rivalry with Martina Navratilova. He was also a coach to Hall of Famer Gabriela Sabatini, among other top players.
Ralston coached the men’s team at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 1981 – 89, and again from 1991 – 93. He was named NCAA Coach of the year in 1983, having led the team to a second-place finish nationally.
In 2015, Ralston was presented his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring in a special ceremony at SMU, with the current players providing an honor guard for the ceremony.
In addition to coaching, Ralston has led tennis programming at numerous clubs, most recently teaching at Grey Rock Tennis Club in Austin, Texas.
Upon Ralston’s passing yesterday, tributes and memories were shared from former colleagues, players he coached, and friends. A constant theme was Ralston’s unwavering love for tennis and his willingness to help others succeed in the sport and grow their love for the game as well.
In a December 2019 interview for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Ralston was asked what he would like his legacy to be in tennis.
Ralston replied, “I've been in the game 72 years at least and in one shape or form, first as a ball boy and then as a player and then as a coach, and now still teaching and working with people and I enjoy teaching. It's been fun. The legacy I’d like to leave is that to get good, you got to work hard.”
