Just concluded Australian Open was dominated by brothers and sisters. This year's doubles titles in men and women category were won by Black brothers and Williams sisters respectively. But that is not all. Women's runner up Dinara Safina has an equally famous brother - Marat Safin himself a former world no 1. Our own Yuki Bhambri, Junior champion at Oz open this year proudly mentions his two tennis playing sisters - Ankita and Saana.
That prompts me to chalk down a list of famous siblings in Tennis. I do not claim that the list is complete. If you could add to following list, please go ahead.
Williams sisters - Venus ans Serena
The pair is undoubtedly the most powerful ever combination in women's doubles. Both the sisters, former world no 1, having won 18 Grand slam singles titles between them, have a fantastic record in doubles too. They have 8 grand slam doubles titles and last year's Olympics gold medal to their credit. In the last decade or so, women's tennis saw rise and fall of many players. Williams sisters have endured the likes of Henin, Sharapova, Ivanovic and others and are set to rule the women's cirsuit for many years to come.
Black brothers - Byran and wyne
The Blacks have won virtually everything under the sun as far as men's doubles is concerned. Not quite highly ranked individually in singles, their combination is superb. Originally from Zimbabwe, they form an important part of US Davis cup team. The Blacks also Olympics Bronze medal. This team of brothers has been a flesh in the thorn for Indian pair of Bhupati and Paes when they were playing together and now when they are with different partners. Yestersay too, Bhupatiwas aiming for two titles at Australian Open. But he along with Knowles were beaten squarely by the Blacks ( who are not black!)
McEnroe brothers - John and Pathrick
John McEnroe needs no introduction to any Tennis fan. His rivalry with borg, his tantrums on the court and his sliken game are a part of the folklore. Apart from a magnificent record in singles, he won many doubles titles parterin mainly with Peter Fleming. His younger brother, Pathrick was less exuberent. He was a more successful Doubles player although he played with John for very few times. Pathrick won French Open in 1989 (with Jimmy Grab) and was runner up in Australian Open in 1991 ( with David wheaton ). In addition, he won fifteen double titles on the ATP circuit. Like his elder brother, Pathrick represented US in Davis Cup both as a player and coach.
The Sanchez siblings - Emilio, Javier and Arantxa
The trio forms one of the most successful tennis families in the world. Arantxa, former world no 1, the youngest became youngest female player to win French Open, went on to win 14 Grand slam titles in all, in addition to Olympics medals in 1992 and 1996 Games. Her borthers, Emilio and Javier both were one of the most accomplished Doubles players, although rarely did they play together. Emilio, a top ten Singles player too, won 50 doubles titile on ATP circuit including 3 grand slam wins. He along with Sergio Casal was the top most doubles team in Eighties and Nineties. Emilio was coach of Spain's Davis Cup team that won last year's championship. Javier too, was a successful doubles player, winning 24 ATP titles, many of them. interestingly, with Sergio Casal!
Amritraj brothers - Anand, Vijay and Ashok
The First family of Indian Tennis. Vijay Amritraj his brothers, Anand and Ashok , were among the first Indians to play in top-flight international tour tennis. Vijay was said to be as talented as Borg and Connors. He had ability to surprise any top ranked player on his day. Twice Wimbledon Quarter finalist, he won 13 singles in his career. But Indians know him better for his tenacious play in Davis Cup matches and his partnership with his elder brother Anand. Vijay took India to finals of Davis Cup twice - in 1974 and 1987. While Anand played mostly in Davis Cup matches, youngest of the brothers, Ashok after initial foray in the sport quickly turned to Hollywood to become a successful producer.
The Austins - Tracy and John
Just before the advent of Steffi Graf, a teen age sensation had blazed the Tennis world. Tracy Austin won US open 1979 when only 16. Sadly her career was shoret lived because of injuries. She had won 1980 Wimbledon mixed doubles title with her brother John, himself a member of US Davis cup team.
Then there have been siblings Cyril Suk and Helena Sukova and won the Wimbledon mixed in the 90's. And You had Gene and Sandy Mayer back in the 80's. On the national scene in India, Keertane brothers Nitin and Sandeep represented Maharashtra, while Bhambri sisters Ankita and Saana regularly feature in Challengers. Their younger brother, Yuki is today the toast of nation following his win at Australian open. Oberai sisters Neha and Shikha are also around but the NRI sisters' dream to represent India seems to be in jeopardy following government's decision not to allow NRIs to represent the country in sports.
As I said in the beginning, the list may be incomplete. Readers are welcome to contribute to the compilation.
No comments:
Post a Comment