Georgia is home to some of the greatest tennis players in the world.
From past greats like Bill Tilden and Ellsworth Vines to current stars like Sloane Stephens and John Isner, Georgia has produced some of the most successful and talented players in the history of the game.
With a rich tradition of tennis excellence, Georgia has been home to several Grand Slam winners, including Andre Agassi, Lindsay Davenport, and the Williams sisters.
Georgia has also become a hotbed for some of the best juniors in the world, with several top-ranked players coming out of the state. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best tennis players to ever come out of the state of Georgia.
1. Irakli Labadze
Irakli Labadze is a retired professional tennis player from Georgia. He achieved the impressive feat of reaching his career-high singles ranking of World No. 42 in July 2004.
This accomplishment made him the first Georgian player to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon as a qualifier. Labadze was born in the country of Georgia, and as a young tennis player, he was passionate about achieving success.
He began playing tennis in the early 2000s and quickly rose in the rankings, eventually becoming the first Georgian player to make it to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2004. In his career, Labadze has achieved numerous accolades.
He has been named the Georgian Sportsman of the Year three times, and in 2014, he was inducted into the Georgian Tennis Hall of Fame.
He also won two ATP Challenger titles and reached the quarterfinals of the Delray Beach International. While Labadze has retired from professional tennis, he continues to be a major presence in the Georgian tennis community.
He is the president of the Georgian Tennis Federation and was the head coach of the Georgian Davis Cup team in 2017. He continues to be a role model for aspiring tennis players in his home country.
2. Alex Metreveli
Alexander Irakliyevich Metreveli was a highly accomplished tennis player from the Soviet Union who was of Georgian descent. He made a lasting impression in the sport, ultimately becoming an honorary citizen of Australia.
His legacy continues to this day, as his grandson Aleksandre Metreveli is also a professional tennis player. Aleksandre has proudly represented his home country of Georgia in the Davis Cup.
This is a testament to the strong lineage of tennis achievements that Alexander Irakliyevich has created. His impact on the sport, and the Metreveli family, will surely be felt for years to come.
3. Trent Bryde
Trent Bryde is a professional American tennis player. He has been playing tennis since he was a young boy, and has been competing in tournaments since he was twelve years old. Trent is currently ranked #56 in the world and is continuing to climb the rankings.
He has been a part of the American Davis Cup team since 2018 and has had a successful career thus far. His biggest achievement in tennis is winning the US Open Boys’ Singles title in 2016.
Trent is known for his consistent baseline play and is also known for his powerful forehand. He has won numerous tournaments on the ATP Challenger Tour and is continuing to make a name for himself in the professional tennis world.
Trent Bryde is an example of a hard-working, talented American tennis player who is determined to have a successful career.
4. Andres Martin
Andres Martin is an American professional tennis player. He is recognized for his impressive skills on the court and has earned several accolades throughout his career. He began playing tennis at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the game.
He eventually began competing in tournaments and quickly rose to the top of the rankings. Martin has achieved a number of impressive feats in his career, including winning multiple ATP Tour titles. He has also represented the United States in Davis Cup and Olympic matches.
His drive and ambition have led him to great success in the sport. Martin is currently ranked among the top 50 players in the world and continues to impress with his skill and determination.
He is a true role model for aspiring tennis players, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
5. Kevin King
Kevin King is an accomplished American former professional tennis player. He had an impressive career that saw him primarily competing on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Before his professional career, Kevin played collegiate tennis for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where he earned two ITA All-American honors and three All-ACC honors. His greatest success came on May 7, 2018, when he achieved his highest singles ranking of No.
162 on the ATP rankings. This was a remarkable accomplishment for an athlete of his level and one he is sure to remember for a long time. Kevin King is an example of an athlete who worked hard to reach the highest level of success.
He was a dedicated player who put in the time and effort needed to reach his goals. His impressive accomplishments during his collegiate and professional careers demonstrate his dedication and commitment to the sport.
Kevin King is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. His determination and passion for the game of tennis is something that all aspiring athletes should strive to emulate.
6. Ned Neely
Edgar Adams Neely III was an accomplished American tennis player. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the eldest son of attorney Edgar Neely Jr.
At a young age, Neely displayed an impressive talent for the sport, as evidenced by his 1955 national under-15s boys’ singles championship. He went on to attend Georgia Tech, where he was a two-time All-American collegiate player.
His success on the court earned him a place in tennis history, with a legacy that continues to live on.
7. Al Parker
Middleton Albert “Al” Parker was a professional tennis player representing the United States. He had a successful career on the court, competing in many tournaments across the world and winning several titles.
Born in 1930 in San Francisco, California, he began playing tennis at the age of eight. He went on to win the prestigious Davis Cup twice in 1950 and 1951. He was also a four-time U.S. Clay Court Championships winner and a three-time U.S. Hardcourt Championships winner.
He was ranked as one of the top 10 players in the world during his career, and he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990.
He was also known for his aggressive style of playing, which earned him the nickname “The Tiger of the Court.” After his retirement from professional tennis, he turned to coaching and writing instructional books about the sport.
Al Parker was an excellent tennis player who left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis.
8. Crawford Henry
Crawford I. Henry was an exceptional tennis player, even in his high school days. He first made a name for himself when he won the Georgia high school championship as a freshman, and then went on to win the championship every year thereafter.
His streak of consecutive championship wins was remarkable, and it was a feat unmatched by any other player. In 1955, he reached the pinnacle of success in high school tennis when he won the National High School tournament.
His never-ending winning streak was a testament to his skill, dedication, and competitiveness, and he served as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players everywhere.
9. Scoville Jenkins
Scoville Jenkins is a former professional tennis player who was once a part of the ATP Tour. He was affectionately referred to by his nickname “Sco” which was shared by his family and friends.
During his time as a professional, he was able to reach a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 187 in April 2009. This represented a major achievement in his career and is something that he has been proud of since his retirement from professional tennis.
Despite this impressive ranking, Jenkins was never able to break into the top 100 and his career ultimately ended without any major ATP titles.
Nevertheless, Jenkins remains a beloved and admired figure in the tennis world and will always be remembered for his impressive accomplishments.
10. Philip Henning
Philip Henning is a professional tennis player from South Africa. His highest career ranking on the ATP singles circuit was achieved on November 20, 2017, when he attained a ranking of 1608.
Henning has represented his country in the Davis Cup, where he has a win-loss record of 2-2. Henning has been playing tennis for many years and has developed a strong reputation for his skill and commitment to the sport.
He is known for his competitive spirit and his ability to stay focused on the court. Henning is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
He has proven that even those from a smaller country can compete at a high level and compete with the best in the world.
11. Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones is a renowned former tennis player who achieved great success in doubles. He was ranked number one in the world for doubles and had impressive showings at the Australian and US Opens in 1992, reaching the finals in both tournaments.
Jones has since retired from professional tennis and is now the Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He has been in this position for some time, and his passion for the sport and experience has been a great asset to the university.
Jones has been able to pass on his knowledge and wisdom to the students he coaches, inspiring them to reach their potential and become better players.
He has created a strong tennis program at the university that has enabled the players to gain the skills needed to compete at the highest levels. Jones has become a role model to many people and is highly respected in the tennis world.
12. Bud Cox
Charles “Bud” Cox was a professional tennis player from the United States. He was born in 1941 and began his professional tennis career in 1965. Throughout his career, he won several tournaments, including the US Open in 1968 and the French Open in 1971.
He reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 1970 and was a regular on the US Davis Cup team, where he led the team to victory in 1968. Cox was known for his powerful serve and consistent groundstrokes, as well as his ability to remain calm during tense matches.
He was also a skilled doubles player and won the US Open Mixed Doubles title in 1974. Cox retired from professional tennis in 1977 and went on to become the head coach of the men’s tennis team at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He had success during his tenure there, leading the team to the NCAA championship in 1979 and to the final four in 1982. During this time, he was also the head coach of the US Junior Davis Cup team and a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Cox has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the USTA Southern California Hall of Fame and the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. He is remembered as one of the greatest American tennis players of all time and as an influential coach and mentor.
13. Sofia Shapatava
Sofia Shapatava is a professional tennis player from the country of Georgia. She has had an impressive career, winning two singles titles and an impressive 32 doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
On September 8, 2014, Shapatava achieved her highest singles ranking of world No. 186. On November 9, 2015, she reached her peak doubles ranking of No. 132. Shapatava has achieved her success through hard work and dedication to the game of tennis.
She has worked diligently to hone her skills as a tennis player and has had impressive results to show for it. Her success has been remarkable and she continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring tennis players.
14. Ekaterine Gorgodze
Ekaterine Gorgodze is a professional tennis player from Georgia.
She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, having won two doubles titles on the WTA Tour, four doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour, and 18 singles and 32 doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
On 23 May 2022, Gorgodze achieved her highest singles ranking, reaching No. 108 in the world. This success is a testament to Gorgodze’s dedication and drive to excel in her sport.
She has continually pushed herself to reach new heights and her accomplishments thus far are a true testament to her hard work and determination.
15. Melanie Oudin
Melanie Jennings Oudin is an accomplished former professional tennis player with an impressive resume. She was a member of the American Fed Cup team from 2009 to 2011 and was once the second-best junior tennis player in the world.
Her career highlights include the 2011 US Open mixed-doubles title win with fellow American player Jack Sock. During the tournament, Oudin and Sock showed excellent teamwork and strategy, making them a formidable duo.
The match was ultimately decided in their favor in a thrilling, three-set match. Oudin’s tennis career was marked by numerous successes, including several wins at the Championships of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
In addition to her success in mixed doubles, Oudin was also a semifinalist in the US Open in 2009 and reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2010. Overall, Melanie Jennings Oudin was an impressive professional tennis player who made a lasting mark on the sport.
16. Donna Floyd
Donna Floyd Fales was a prominent American amateur tennis player. She was a highly-ranked player in the United States for several years in the 1960s, achieving a top 10 ranking from 1960 to 1963 and from 1965 to 1966.
During this period, she was regarded as one of the top amateur players in the country. Donna Floyd Fales competed in a variety of tournaments, including the US Open, the French Open, and the Wimbledon Championships.
She also participated in the Federation Cup, representing the United States in international competition in 1963. Her career culminated with a singles and doubles championship at the National Hardcourt Championships in 1966.
Donna Floyd Fales was an incredibly successful player, and her accomplishments are a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
17. Nathan Pasha
Nathan Pasha is an American professional tennis player who has had a successful career thus far. He is currently ranked at 507 in the ATP singles rankings, a career-high that was achieved on January 7, 2019.
His highest ATP doubles ranking of 119 was achieved on December 3, 2018. Pasha made his ATP main draw debut at the 2010 US Open, where he partnered with Sekou Bangoura in the doubles draw.
This marked an important milestone in his career, as it was his first appearance in the main draw of an ATP event. Since then, Pasha has continued to make a name for himself on the professional tennis circuit.
He has consistently performed well in both singles and doubles, making him a formidable opponent in any match.
His impressive career thus far is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and with his recent ATP rankings in both singles and doubles, Pasha is only continuing to prove himself as a top talent in the sport.
18. Tanner Cochran
Tanner Cochran Evans is a well-known name in the world of professional tennis. He is a former professional tennis player from the United States who had an impressive career.
He began playing tennis at a young age, and it quickly became evident that he had a natural talent for the game. His skill and dedication soon saw him competing in tournaments all over the world. Evans was one of the best players in the US during his time on the court.
He was known for his powerful strokes and his ability to remain calm under pressure. He was also an excellent strategist, making him a formidable opponent.
He was a consistent top-ranked player in the US and internationally. Throughout his career, Evans was a highly regarded player. He won several tournaments and was one of the most sought-after players in the sport. He was admired for his sportsmanship and his competitive spirit.
He was also a mentor to many up-and-coming players, and he was an inspiration to those who wanted to achieve success in the sport. Although Evans retired from professional tennis in the late 1990s, his legacy in the sport lives on.
He is still remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. His skill and dedication to the sport will never be forgotten.
19. Colton Gromley
Colton Gromley is an American professional tennis player who currently plays college tennis for Georgia Tech. He made his first appearance in an ATP main draw tournament at the 2019 BB&T Atlanta Open, having been given a wildcard to compete in the singles main draw.
Gromley has shown great potential as a player and is expected to have a standout career in the future. Gromley has been playing tennis since he was a child, and is known for his aggressive playing style.
He has the ability to hit the ball with great power and accuracy, and his tenacity on the court is often praised by tennis commentators.
Gromley has won several tournaments throughout his career, including several Futures tournaments in 2015 and 2016. Gromley has been a part of the Georgia Tech tennis team since 2017.
During his time with the team, he has achieved numerous impressive results and has been named to the All-ACC team in both singles and doubles.
Gromley has also been named as the ACC Player of the Year multiple times by his peers and coaches. Gromley’s impressive results in college tennis have made him a highly sought-after prospect for professional tennis.
He has already received several offers from ATP tournaments and is expected to make a successful transition to the professional circuit. It is clear that Gromley is an extremely talented player and is on the path to becoming one of the best tennis players in the United States.
20. Shannan McCarthy
Shannan McCarthy Gaudette is a name that many tennis fans will recognize.
She was a former professional tennis player from the United States who made her mark in the game both as a successful competitor and as a great ambassador for the sport.A native of Massachusetts, Gaudette began her tennis career at a very young age and was soon competing in junior tournaments.
She went on to attend college at the University of Massachusetts, where she was an All-American and won the Atlantic 10 singles championship in 1993.
After college, Gaudette turned pro and competed in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. During her professional career, Gaudette won several tournaments and reached the semi-finals in the 1995 Australian Open.
She also competed in the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, and was ranked as high as number 33 in the world.
Unfortunately, injuries forced her to retire from the sport in 1997. After her playing career, Gaudette continued to stay involved in the sport as a coach and instructor. She was a U.S.
Open a coach for two years and is currently the head coach of the women’s tennis team at the University of Central Florida. Gaudette has also been recognized for her contributions to the sport throughout her career.
She was inducted into the Massachusetts Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008 and also received the USTA’s Community Service Award in 2010 for her efforts in promoting the growth of tennis in the United States. Shannan McCarthy Gaudette is an inspiration to all aspiring tennis players.
Her determination and commitment to the sport is something that will never be forgotten.
21. Murphy Jensen
Murphy Jensen is a well-known former professional tennis player from the United States. He is best known for being the co-champion of the 1993 French Open Doubles title alongside his brother, former professional tennis player Luke Jensen.
Murphy has made a name for himself in the tennis world, having achieved success in both singles and doubles play. Murphy has had a long and successful career on the court, having competed in many tournaments and winning numerous titles.
He has achieved success in both singles and doubles play, winning doubles titles at the French Open, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
He has also been a part of many teams, winning the Davis Cup in 1994 and the Hopman Cup in 1997. Throughout his career, Murphy has been coached by renowned tennis coaches such as Nick Bollettieri and Robert Van’t Hof.
He has also trained with some of the best tennis players, such as Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Michael Chang. Murphy and his brother, Luke, have been playing together since they were young.
They have competed in doubles titles around the world, most notably winning the 1993 French Open Doubles title.
This win was a significant milestone in Murphy’s career, as it was the first time the two brothers had won a Grand Slam title. Murphy Jensen is an impressive player who has achieved success in both singles and doubles play.
His impressive career and his victory at the French Open with his brother Luke Jensen have made him a recognizable figure in the tennis world.
22. Donald Young
Donald Oliver Young Jr. is an American professional tennis player who has achieved tremendous success in his career. He has reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 38 on 27 February 2012, and a doubles ranking of No. 43 on 14 August 2017.
Notably, Young was also the highest-ranked junior in the world back in 2005. His impressive accomplishments have earned him considerable recognition in the tennis world. Young has been playing competitively since he was a teenager and has proven to be a top-tier tennis player.
He has had impressive results in both singles and doubles, which speaks volumes to his talent and dedication to the sport. He has also had a successful career as a junior, being ranked No. 1 in the world in 2005.
Young’s success on the court has been well-deserved, as he has worked hard to achieve his goals. He has been continuously dedicated to improving his game and pushing himself to greater heights.
His accomplishments are a testament to his determination and hard work, and his recognition in the tennis world is well-deserved.
23. Jamea Jackson
Jamea Jackson is a highly accomplished tennis player and coach. She is a former Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) player and current United States Tennis Association (USTA) coach.
In her playing career, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of 45 at the end of 2006. Jackson was born in Atlanta, Georgia and began playing tennis at a young age.
She attended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, which is renowned for producing top-level tennis players.
It was here that Jackson began to hone her craft and develop her skills as an elite tennis player. Today, Jackson is still involved in the tennis world as a USTA coach. She is committed to helping the next generation of tennis players reach their highest potential.
She is an inspiration to many young players and her dedication and passion for the game is evident in the success of her charges.
24. Luke Jensen
Luke Jensen is a former professional tennis player who achieved great success in his career. He won the 1993 French Open Doubles title with his younger brother Murphy Jensen.
This was a major accomplishment and cemented Luke’s place in tennis history. Prior to his professional career, Luke attended the University of Southern California from 1986–87, where he earned singles All-American honors both years.
This highlighted his immense talent and potential as a young tennis player. Luke Jensen is a true example of hard work and dedication paying off. He was able to turn his potential into success, culminating in his French Open Doubles victory with his brother.
This victory is a testament to the Jensen family’s love and support of each other, and their commitment to excellence in tennis.
25. Wendy White
Wendy White-Prausa is an accomplished former professional tennis player. She was born in New York and grew up playing tennis from a young age. She went on to be a successful player, competing at both the collegiate and professional levels.
She was an All-American at the University of Florida and later competed on the WTA Tour, where she achieved a career-high ranking of 149 in singles. She also had success in doubles, reaching a career-high ranking of 98 and winning two doubles titles.
She was also a part of the United States Federation Cup team, representing her country in international competition. Wendy White-Prausa is a respected former professional tennis player who worked hard to reach the highest levels of the sport.
26. Robby Ginepri
Robert Louis Ginepri is a former American professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 15 in December 2005.
During his career, Ginepri was able to win three ATP singles titles, with his best Grand Slam result being the semifinals of the 2005 US Open.
In this semifinal match, he faced the legendary Andre Agassi, who ultimately ended up beating him. Ginepri started playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose up the ranks, competing in several tournaments.
He was able to reach the quarterfinals of the 2004 French Open and the third round of the 2005 Wimbledon Championships. However, it was his semifinal run at the 2005 US Open that really set him apart from the rest.
He had to battle through several difficult opponents before finally facing off against Agassi. Although he ultimately lost, it was still a remarkable achievement for Ginepri. Throughout his career, Ginepri was known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style.
He was also able to keep up with the best players in the world, and this allowed him to reach the highest ranking of his career. Despite his short-lived professional career, Ginepri was still able to make a lasting impact on the sport of tennis.
27. Ashley Harkleroad
Ashley Harkleroad Adams is a former American professional tennis player. During her career, she achieved a great deal of success and recognition.
She reached her highest singles ranking of 39 in the world in June 2003, which was a major milestone for her. Adams began her career in the late 1990s and quickly established herself as a force in the game.
She was able to compete with some of the best players in the world and achieved a number of impressive results.
She won several tournaments, reached the final of a WTA event, and even made the semi-final of the US Open in 2003. In her career, Adams was able to break into the top 40 of the WTA singles rankings and made it as high as 39th in the world.
This was an impressive result for a player who was relatively unknown at the time. She continued to compete until her retirement from professional tennis in 2009. Adams’s career is a testament to her talent and dedication.
She was able to reach the highest levels of the game and achieve a great deal of success during her career. She is an inspirational figure to aspiring tennis players and a reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
28. Bobby Reynolds
Robert Thomas “Bobby” Reynolds is an esteemed former professional tennis player from the United States. Originally from Auburn, Alabama, he has made a name for himself in the world of tennis.
After retiring from the professional circuit, Bobby Reynolds was appointed head men’s tennis coach at Auburn University in June 2016. Reynolds has had a long history of success in tennis, having won three ATP titles, two Grand Slam mixed doubles and one Grand Slam men’s doubles.
He also has experience as a coach, having been named assistant coach at Auburn in 2011 and head coach at Mississippi State in 2014. Reynolds was the driving force behind Auburn’s successful 2016 season, leading the team to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1997.
He is a dedicated coach who is passionate about helping the players reach their full potential and achieve success. Reynolds’ enthusiasm and knowledge of the game have been integral to Auburn’s success and he remains an influential figure in the Auburn tennis community.
29. Natalie Pluskota
Natalie Ann Pluskota is an American former professional tennis player. She was successful in her career, winning four doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit. On July 8, 2013, she achieved her highest singles ranking of world No. 478.
However, she reached even greater success on the doubles court, achieving her peak ranking of No. 157 in the WTA doubles rankings on September 16, 2013.
This accomplishment is a testament to Pluskota’s hard work and dedication to the sport, and she is remembered as one of the more successful American tennis players.
30. Hunter Reese
Hunter Reese is an American professional tennis player who is currently active on the ATP Challenger Tour. He has already achieved a significant amount of success in doubles, having won 10 Challenger titles in his career. His highest career doubles ranking to date is No.
73, which was achieved on June 27th, 2022. This remarkable feat is even more impressive considering the level of competition on the Challenger Tour as well as the high standards of the sport. Reese is known for his aggressive playing style and strong net presence.
He is capable of taking control of a match with his powerful groundstrokes and ability to hit angles. His effective volleys are also a key strength of his, as he is able to put away points at the net with precise placement.
Reese is hoping to continue his success on the ATP Tour in the future and is aiming to break into the top 50 in the world rankings.
Conclusion
Georgia has some of the best tennis players in the world. From the rising stars of the future to the veterans of the past, Georgia’s tennis players have earned their place in the tennis world.
With a long-standing tradition of excellence, Georgia’s tennis players have consistently proven their worth and will continue to do so in the years to come.
