Born on December 8, 1904 in San Antonio, Texas, Wilmer Allison, Jr., was considered as one of the greatest doubles team player and as the tennis player who had the best forehand volley. While playing as an amateur tennis player, Allison already built quite a reputation for himself. In the 1930s, Allison was the American amateur tennis champion. Also, while attending college at the University of Texas at Austin in 1927, Allison was named the intercollegiate tennis champion.
When Allison turned pro, he did not immediately experience a smashing career in the limelight. Instead, his career was somewhat overshadowed by the arrival of another great tennis player, Don Budge. However, even with this overshadowing figure, Allison still retained his place as one of the fine single players in the sport and one of the great doubles player together with his frequent partner, John Van Ryn.
| Born | 8 Dec 1904 |
| Died | 20 Apr 1977 (72 years) |
| Nationality |
United States
|
For Allison’s entire professional career, his greatest triumph was when he won in the 1935 US Champion’s singles, defeating the likes of Fred Perry and Sidney Wood. Because of his outstanding performance, Allison was able to reach the number one ranking in the US and the number 4 ranking in the whole world for the best tennis players. Allison accumulated several titles in the doubles circuit partnering with John Van Ryn. Together, the two managed to win the 1929 and 1930 Wimbledon as well as the 1935 US doubles championships. The last major tournament Allison played was on 1936, losing in the quarter-finals to Bunny Austin.
Allison has a record of 44 matches played, 29 of them in doubles with partner, John Van Ryn. This record was the third most number of games played behind players such as John McEnroe and Vic Seixas. Out of all the matches Allison played, he won 32 of them but he never managed to win the cup.
Allison was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1963. He died on April 20, 1977 in Austin, Texas.
