Induction Year: 1984

 

Frank David Guernsey Jr. (1917–2008) was an accomplished American tennis player known for his significant contributions to the sport during the late 1930s and 1940s.

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Born in Orlando, Florida, Guernsey developed a passion for tennis at a young age. He attended Rice University, where he showcased his exceptional talent by winning the NCAA Men's Tennis Championship singles titles in both 1938 and 1939. 

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In 1939, Guernsey secured the singles title at the River Oaks Invitational Tournament, a prestigious event at the time. His prowess in doubles was equally notable; in 1941, he partnered with Don McNeill to win the National Indoor Doubles Championship, defeating the formidable duo of Jack Kramer and Bobby Riggs in the final. That same year, teaming up with Bobby Riggs, he clinched the River Oaks Doubles Championship by overcoming Jack Kramer and Ted Schroeder.

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After a hiatus due to World War II, Guernsey returned to the tennis scene and, in 1946, alongside Don McNeill, successfully defended their National Indoor Doubles Championship title, this time defeating Pancho Segura and Alejo Russell in the final. Later that year, the duo reached the finals of the U.S. National Championships (now the US Open) in men's doubles but fell in a hard-fought five-set match to William Talbert and Gardnar Mulloy, with a final score of 3–6, 6–4, 2–6, 6–3, 20–18.

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In addition to the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, Guernsey was inducted into the Rice University Hall of Fame in 1941 and 1989, he was honored with induction into the Men's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's distinguished athletes.

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Frank Guernsey passed away on March 20, 2008, in The Woodlands, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and service to his country.