Owen Davidson was an Australian tennis player who won eight Grand Slam titles in the 1960s and ‘70s as Billie Jean King’s mixed doubles partner.
- Died: May 12, 2023 (Who else died on May 12?)
- Details of death: Died in Conroe, Texas of cancer at the age of 79.
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Owen Davidson’s legacy
Davidson was known for his success playing doubles tennis, both mixed and men’s. He began playing mixed doubles with King in 1964, when both of their careers were on the rise. They were a good match, with King later noting in her autobiography, “He let me take a lot of volleys that most guys would not. They would get in and try to take the volley first.” That strategy worked for King and Davidson, who won their first Grand Slam at the French Open in 1967. They would go on to win seven more mixed doubles Grand Slam titles through their 1974 Wimbledon win.
Davidson’s successes in men’s doubles included Grand Slam wins at the 1972 Australian Open, partnered with Ken Rosewall, and at the 1973 U.S. Open, playing with John Newcombe (and winning against his previous partner, Rosewall). In singles tennis, Davidson was a competitive opponent but never won a title, with his best finish coming at Wimbledon in 1966, when he made it to the semi-finals. However, in 1968, Davidson became the first player to win a match in the open era of tennis, when professionals and amateurs alike were allowed to compete in Grand Slam events.
Davidson lived in Texas after his years in competitive tennis, working as a pro at the Woodlands Country Club. In 2010, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Notable quote
“I think I lacked a little bit of self-confidence in singles. But when I played doubles or mixed, especially with great players like Billie Jean or John Newcombe, I gained a lot of confidence.” —as quotes at Wimbledon.com
Tributes to Owen Davidson
Full obituary: The New York Times
