Jan Kodes - Czech Tennis Star

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Kodes' greatest success was on the clay courts of the French Open. He won his first title there in 1970, beating Zeljko Franulovic 6–2, 6–4, 6–0. He followed that the next year by beating Ilie Nastase 8–6, 6–2, 2–6, 7–5, before he made the successful transition to grass by winning Wimbledon in 1973. He beat home favourite Roger Taylor in the semi-final in a five-set match 6–1, 6–8, 3–6, 6–3, 7–5. The final against Alex Metreveli was more straightforward, winning in straight sets 6–1, 9–8, 6–3.

Jan Kodes could never repeat the success of Wimbledon and the French Open elsewhere. Indeed, he never appeared at the Australian Open. At the US Open, he was runner-up twice in 1971 and 1973.

Kodes reached his highest tour ranking of World No. 5 in September 1973. During his career, he won a total of 8 top-level singles titles and 17 doubles titles.

Kodes was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990.

Grand Slam singles finals

Wins (3)
Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
1970 French Open Zeljko Franulovic 6–2, 6–4, 6–0
1971 French Open Ilie Nastase 8–6, 6–2, 2–6, 7–5
1973 Wimbledon Alex Metreveli 6–1, 9–8, 6–3

Runner-ups (2)
Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
1971 U.S. Open Stan Smith 3–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–6
1973 U.S. Open John Newcombe 6–4, 1–6, 4–6, 6–2, 6–2

Go to the List of Male and Female Tennis Players


Source of this Jan Kodes article: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia