William Bowrey

William Bowrey was a former Australian tennis player who was ranked World No. 8 in 1967. He is best remembered as the last amateur to win the Australian Championships in 1968, just before the sport entered the Open Era.

Player Profile and Personal Life

William Walter Bowrey was born on December 25, 1943, in Sydney, Australia.

He started playing tennis at eight years old. Bowrey married fellow Australian tennis professional and major champion Lesley Turner in 1968. After their playing careers, they both became commentators for "Radio Wimbledon."

Professional Career

Bowrey began his amateur career in 1962 and later turned professional in 1968.

His career highlight came at the 1968 Australian Championships, where he was the top seed and defeated Juan Gisbert in the final to claim the singles title.

He also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Championships on three other occasions and the US Open in 1966. In doubles, he was a finalist at Wimbledon in 1966 and at the Australian and US Championships in 1967.

He represented Australia in the Davis Cup in 1968 and 1969. Bowrey retired from professional tennis in 1975.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 450–274
• Career titles: 21
• Highest ranking: No. 8 (1967)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1968)
• French Open: 3R (1965, 1971)
• Wimbledon: 4R (1966)
• US Open: QF (1966)

Doubles

• Career record: 89–60
• Career titles: 5

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: F (1967)
• French Open: QF (1969, 1971)
• Wimbledon: F (1966)
• US Open: F (1967)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: F (1966)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup: W (1968, 1969)