Induction Year: 2009

 

Richey Reneberg (born 1965) began playing tennis in Texas when he was nine. He attended Westchester High School in Houston and ranked number one in Texas from ages 10-18. At Southern Methodist University he was an All-American three times and was ranked the No. 1 collegiate player in the country. His coaches included Bob Atkins, Jim Parker, Chris Bovett, Dennis Ralston, John Fielding, Tommy Tucker, Jose Higueras and Tom Gullikson.

 

In 1987 he began his professional career in tennis, which he pursued for thirteen years. He was the ATP newcomer of the year in 1987. He was known on the tour for creating nicknames for the other players. He reached No. 20 in the world in singles in 1991 and 1996. In 1992 he and partner, Jim Grabb, won the U.S. Open doubles title and were ranked No. 1 in the world. His most famous match was the 1992 Wimbledon final which he and Jim Grabb lost 19-17 in the fifth set to John McEnroe and Michael Stich. It took 2 days and 83 games to complete the 5 hour, 1 minute match – the longest Wimbledon doubles match in history. He ranked No. 1 in doubles in 1993. His 2nd Grand Slam doubles win came at the Australian Open in 1995 where he and Jared Palmer defeated Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor. He represented the United States in the Davis Cup 5 times and in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996.