Players who were at the top before retiring become icons of their sport. Their name gets solidified in history, and they are remembered forever. However, fans of the sport have to bid them adieu someday. It is with a heavy heart that the world of tennis announced the passing of one of its golden players, Owen Davidson. His mixed doubles partner, Billie Jean King, remembered him fondly after the news broke on the internet.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Davidson played during the 60s and the 70s. He was one of the best doubles players during his active years. Alongside a few partners, Davidson has won 13 titles in his career.
Billie Jean King fondly remembers her doubles partner
Davidson was an Australian player who partnered up with Billie Jean King for mixed doubles during his prime. As a team, the two went on to win eight Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. He has won five other doubles titles with other partners. Davidson came during the heyday of Australian tennis, along with legendary figures like Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Ken Rosewall.
The New York Times obituary: Hall of Famer Owen Davidson.
With comment from his most successful mixed doubles partner: Billie Jean King
"He let me take a lot of volleys that most guys would not"https://t.co/dvD6072JWz
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) May 15, 2023
However, unlike his peers, Davidson could not perform consistently in singles. Therefore, he sought to conquer the doubles tournaments. His killer serve and great volleys made him a great doubles partner. He and King started training with each other, and the rest is history.
When talking about how she felt while playing with Davidson, she said, “I played mixed with so many great players, but I couldn’t win with the others“. King also said that Davidson was a kind person and steady. She also remembered that he had faith in her, unlike other male partners she had. “He let me take a lot of volleys that most guys would not,” King said. “They would get in and try to take the volley first.”
She also said that he was a tennis player through and through, watching the tennis channel on TV every chance he had. With the help of King, Davidson was able to enter the Hall of Fame in 2010. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer and left behind his legacy. King remembers him fondly and praised his game in her autobiography.
Watch this story – Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer
Davidson made the most of his life and became a tennis legend due to his effort. The world of tennis will miss him sorely.
Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas