Tennis in 1968: The Dawn of the Open Era
The year 1968 stands as one of the most pivotal moments in the history of tennis. This year marked the official beginning of the Open Era, a transformative period where Grand Slam events—the most prestigious tournaments in the sport—were opened to professional players for the first time. Previously, these tournaments were reserved for amateurs, creating a divide between the world's best players and the official championships.
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Key Facts
- The Open Era: Started in 1968, allowing professionals to compete in Grand Slam events.
- Dominant Nations: Australia and the USA featured prominently across all major championships.
- Standout Performer: Billie Jean King won both the Australian and Wimbledon Women's Singles titles.
- Davis Cup: The United States defeated Australia 4–1 in the 1968 final.
The 1968 Grand Slam Championships
With the transition to the Open Era, the four major championships saw a clash of titans as professional and amateur ranks merged.
Australian Championships
In Australia, William Bowrey secured the Men's Singles title by defeating Spain's Juan Gisbert, Sr. in a hard-fought match ending 7–5, 2–6, 9–7, 6–4. On the women's side, Billie Jean King of the USA dominated the final, defeating Margaret Smith Court 6–1, 6–2.
Wimbledon
The grass courts of England saw an all-Australian final in the Men's Singles, where Rod Laver defeated Tony Roche with a decisive 6–3, 6–4, 6–2 victory. Billie Jean King continued her successful run in the Women's Singles, overcoming Judy Tegart Dalton 9–7, 7–5.
French Championships
The clay courts of France hosted another Australian showdown in the Men's Singles, with Ken Rosewall defeating Rod Laver 6–3, 6–1, 2–6, 6–2. In the Women's Singles, Nancy Richey of the USA claimed the title after a comeback victory against Great Britain's Ann Haydon Jones, finishing 5–7, 6–4, 6–1.
American Championships
The USA championships featured a grueling Men's Singles final. Arthur Ashe (USA) defeated Tom Okker of the Netherlands in a five-set marathon: 14–12, 5–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3. In the Women's Singles, Virginia Wade of Great Britain took the title by defeating Billie Jean King 6–4, 6–2.
International Team Competition: The Davis Cup
Beyond the individual championships, the 1968 Davis Cup—the premier international team event in men's tennis—concluded with a victory for the United States. The match took place on the grass courts of the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide, Australia, where the United States defeated Australia with a final score of 4–1.
1968 Tennis Results Summary
| Tournament | Men's Winner | Women's Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Championships | William Bowrey (AUS) | Billie Jean King (USA) |
| Wimbledon | Rod Laver (AUS) | Billie Jean King (USA) |
| French Championships | Ken Rosewall (AUS) | Nancy Richey (USA) |
| American Championships | Arthur Ashe (USA) | Virginia Wade (GBR) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Open Era" in tennis?
The Open Era began in 1968 when Grand Slam tournaments opened their entries to professional players, who had previously been barred from competing in these events.
Who won the most women's Grand Slam titles in 1968?
Billie Jean King won two of the four major titles in 1968, taking the championships at both the Australian and Wimbledon events.
Which country dominated the men's singles in the first three Grand Slams of 1968?
Australia dominated the early part of the year, winning the Men's Singles titles at the Australian, Wimbledon, and French championships.
Who won the 1968 Davis Cup?
The United States won the 1968 Davis Cup, defeating Australia 4–1 at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide.
How long was the American Men's Singles final in 1968?
The final between Arthur Ashe and Tom Okker was a five-set match, with the first set alone reaching a score of 14–12.