Kerry Harris

Kerry Harris (born 19 September 1949) is an Australian former professional tennis player, active from 1967 to 1975, who reached the semi-final of the 1972 Australian Open, and reached four Grand Slam doubles finals, of which she won one, in the 1972 Australian Open.

Kerry Harris
Harris in 1969
Country (sports) Australia
ResidencePerth, Western Australia
Born (1949-09-19) 19 September 1949
Melbourne, Australia
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
PlaysRight-handed
Singles
Grand Slam singles results
Australian OpenSF (1972), QF(1973)
French Open3R (1968)
Wimbledon4R (1969, 1972)
US Open3R (1971)
Doubles
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian OpenW (1972), F (1973), F (1974)
French OpenF (1971)

Career

Kerry's early years were spent under the guidance of J Hildebrands (Snr), before being coached by Harry Hopman and trained by Stan Nicholes. In 1968, Harris started on the International tour, the first year in the open era, and she was chosen to be a part of Lawn Tennis Association of Australia's Touring Team with Harry Hopman as manager. She later was coached by Merv Rose.

Kerry first reached a Grand Slam final in the 1971 French Open Women's Doubles, partnering Helen Gourlay, which they lost in two sets to defending champions Françoise Dürr and Gail Chanfreau.

Kerry won the final of the 1972 Australian Open Women's Doubles tournament partnered with Helen Gourlay, beating Patricia Coleman-Clegg and Karen Krantzcke. In the women's singles, seeded number 6, she reached the semifinals, losing to eventual champion Virginia Wade in three sets.

She reached the women's doubles final of the 1973 Australian Open and 1974 Australian Open partnering Kerry Melville on both occasions. In 1973, Margaret Court and Virginia Wade won the final, and in 1974, Evonne Goolagong and Peggy Michel won.

Kerry had wins in her career over Margaret Court, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Judy Dalton, Wendy Turnbull, Betty Stöve, and Francoise Durr. She was described as an athletic player, with a very powerful serve-and-volley game. She was praised for her good temperament on and off the court.

After her tennis career ended, she became a tennis coach.

Grand Slam finals

Doubles (1 title, 3 runner-ups)

Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Loss1971French OpenClayAustralia Helen GourlayFrance Françoise Dürr
France Gail Chanfreau
4–6, 1–6
Win1972Australian OpenGrassAustralia Helen GourlayAustralia Patricia Coleman
Australia Karen Krantzcke
6–0, 6–4
Loss1973Australian OpenGrassAustralia Kerry MelvilleAustralia Margaret Court
United Kingdom Virginia Wade
4–6, 4–6
Loss1974Australian OpenGrassAustralia Kerry MelvilleAustralia Evonne Goolagong
United States Peggy Michel
5–7, 3–6

Other tournaments

Singles (1 title, 4 runner-ups)

Result Year Tournament Surface Opponent Score
Loss1969Victoria (Australia)GrassAustralia Margaret Court6–1, 6–4
Win1971Essex Championships (UK)GrassAustralia Helen Gourlay6–2, 6–4.
Loss1972Adelaide (Australia)GrassAustralia Evonne Goolagong6–1, 6–2
Loss1973Philadelphia (USA)HardAustralia Margaret Court6–1, 6–0
Loss1973Perth (Australia)GrassAustralia Evonne Goolagong7–5, 6–1

Doubles (7 titles)

Result Year Tournament Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win1969Cincinnati (USA)ClayAustralia Valerie ZiegenfussUnited States Emilie Burrer
United States Pam Richmond
6–3, 9–7
Win1971Newport (Wales)GrassAustralia Helen GourlayFrance Gail Chanfreau
United Kingdom Winnie Shaw
6–3, 8–6
Win1971Cincinnati (USA)ClayAustralia Helen GourlayFrance Gail Chanfreau
United Kingdom Winnie Shaw
6–4, 6–4
Win1972Tucson (USA)HardAustralia Karen KrantzckeAustralia Judy Tegart Dalton
France Françoise Dürr
6–3, 6–7, 6–3
Win1973Phoenix (USA)HardAustralia Kerry MelvilleUnited States Rosemary Casals
United States Billie Jean King
6–4, 6–4
Win1973Honolulu (USA)HardAustralia Kerry MelvilleAustralia Helen Gourlay
Australia Karen Krantzcke
6–3, 3–6, 6–3
Win1974Mission Viejo (USA)HardAustralia Lesley HuntUnited States Chris Evert
United States Billie Jean King
7–5, 6–4


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