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USC Tennis Loses Greats Alex Olmedo And Dennis Ralston

USC legend Alex Olmedo, who won Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 1959 plus two NCAA singles titles, has died. He was 84.

Olmedo, who was born in Arequipa, Peru, was only 17-years-old when he boarded a ship from Peru to Cuba, flew to Miami and a bus to Los Angeles because he wanted to be part of the Southern California tennis scene.

Olmedo won NCAA championships in singles and doubles in both 1956 and 1958.

In 1959, he won two Grand Slam tournaments, defeating Rod Laver in the Wimbledon final.

He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.

“Alex Olmedo came from humble beginnings and he made sacrifices and worked hard to chase his dreams of a tennis career, ultimately becoming a major champion and Hall of Famer,” said fellow USC tennis legend Stan Smith, president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, in a statement. “He was a great champion, a great friend, and he will be missed.”

  • Dennis Ralston, another USC tennis great, died earlier this week. He was 78.

Ralston and fellow USC tennis player Rafael Osuna won the Wimbledon doubles’ title in 1960. Ralston was part of three NCAA championship teams in 1962, 63 and 64. Ralston lost in the 1966 Wimbledon final to Manuel Santana, 6-4, 11-9, 6-4.

“Dennis Ralston lived his whole life in tennis. He was a terrific champion, but he contributed to every part of the sport really, and with a real passion for it,” Smith said. “To me, he was a fellow USC Trojan, my coach, my captain, and a great friend. I, along with so many in the tennis world, will greatly miss his friendship and kindness.”

25 thoughts on “USC Tennis Loses Greats Alex Olmedo And Dennis Ralston”

      1. Yes, great player. [I wish he didn’t end the career of Jimmy Connors at the U. S Open, though]……..
        #TooPowerfulForOlderFinessePlayerToBeat

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Michael, do you remember Connors’ “skyhook overhead”? That wouldn’t cut it today…but with those wooden rackets, there was a lot of artistry demonstrated by those guys in the 60s and 70s.

        Like

  2. So many great Trojan tennis players. What a great legacy the school has there. More NCAA men’s titles than any school the last time I looked. Sorry Owns, girls softball and badminton don’t count.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Why do the above four assholes continue to post on this blog?
      You should be wiping up the shit from EX- PRESIDENT Trump’s
      rear anatomy.

      Like

      Reply

      3. Well if our offensive line is healthy and we protect Kedon, and I here they’re healthy, I don’t think they can keep up.
        But honestly, I think Vic So oto has that defensive line doing better each week.

        Liked by 2 people

  4. I swore off Converse in high screwell in favor of Adidas Stan Smith. Had I known he was an SC alum……well…. I still would have done the same. My thrifty parents forced me to pay the difference & I think Adidas we’re twice the price, lol.

    #$5WasABigDealThen

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    2. The adidas were over-the-top expensive back in the day. When $10 was meant the difference between the $20 pair and the $10 pair.

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      Reply

  5. Guarino, we don’t need to get deep in the weeds about this. You’re dating yourself with the $1.99 reference.

    In an economy posting move….
    *Hear
    #SorryP76

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  6. Dating myself with $1.99 Penny’s Tennis Shoes? Why, I can remember getting shoes for 50 cents….. and a steak dinner for 35 cents…..
    P.S.
    How do you think you’re improving things with the spelling checks?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      3. Ha! Owns WILL always be happy to correct us!
        #FunnyHowHe&Cal75HateEachOther…
        #WishICouldBringThemTogether……
        #[MaybeATripForAll3OfUs…ToTijuana]….

        Liked by 2 people

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