Nancy Richey

Nancy Richey was born in San Angelo, Texas in United States in August 23, 1942. She won the Australian Championships in 1967 and French Open in 1968 singles championship titles. She also took home the U.S. Women’s Clay Court Championships from 1963 to 1968. She won the doubles titles in the 1965 U.S. Championships and the 1966 Australian, U.S. and Wimbledon Championships. All in all, she garnered a total of 69 singles all throughout her career. She was the only female player to earn the US Clay Court Singles championship at least 6 times from 1963 to 1968.

Nancy and Kenneth Gunter married in 1970. Their relationship ended in 1976. Nancy used her maiden name after they were divorced.

She defeated Maria Bueno during the South American singles championships in 1964 and 1965. She played in the U.S. National and Open finals in 1966 to 1969; Australian singles finals in 1966; South African singles finals in 1969; and the Virginia Slims Championships in 1973. She was in the top 10 ranking for at least eleven years, in the top 2 ranking in 1969 and in the no. 1 position in 1964, 1965 and 1968.

She considered her game against Billie Jean King to be one of her memorable matches. She gained a record of 6-4, 5-1 and won twelve straight games. She won the semi-finals and dramatically advanced herself to the Madison Square Garden Championships in New York.

Nancy, standing at 5 feet and 3 inches, was a talented volleyer and baseliner. She helped and led Americans to win in 1969. She was a member of the Fed Cup Team in 1964, 1968 and 1969. She was eventually inducted to the 2003 International Tennis Hall of Fame.