Ronald Holmberg
Encyclopedia
Ronald E. Holmberg was a World-Class tennis player during the '50s, '60s and '70s. He was ranked No. 7 in the World and was ranked in the U.S. "Top Ten" for an impressive nine years. He is currently one of the USPTA
's select "Master Professionals" and devotes most of his time being involved with tennis.
Indeed, the U.S. Tennis Association Official Encyclopedia of Tennis sites Holmberg as one of “the leading tennis players of his day.” He ranked among the top 10 in U.S. Men’s Singles nine times during the ‘50s and ‘60s, he was a semifinalist at the U.S. National Championships (the US Open), a quarter-finalist at the French (the French Open), won the singles crown once and doubles crowns twice at the Canadian Open in Toronto and he won the U.S. National Indoor Doubles Championship among other titles.
His record was impressive, but more importantly, Holmberg was a spectator’s delight. Steve Flink, a past editor of World Tennis said, “Ron was his own kind of player, a consummate stylist, which made him stand out. He reminded me of Ken Rosewall
in that he was so effortless. He could hit winners from everywhere.” In fact, Flink remembers watching him play Rosewall in the Wimbledon
warm-up at the Queen’s Club, London, in the late ‘60s. Holmberg was down a set and 2-0, but after a rain delay, he found his timing and completely took over the match. “He was brilliant!” said Flink.
Holmberg learned the game in his native Brooklyn at Fort Greene Park
and progressed through the N.Y.C. Parks system. Tennis was merely another game to complement baseball and basketball, but his potential carried him beyond his roots into the national arena when he was 14. He met teaching pro John Nogrady, who was a tremendous help, especially with match-play strategy. During these formative years Ron feels very lucky to have also worked closely with some of the all time greats: Pancho Segura
, Pancho Gonzalez, Bobby Riggs
, Jack Kramer and Emmett Pare
’, all top playing professionals who took Ron under their wing and remained good friends throughout his career to the present. In 1953, at age 15, Ron won three out of the four U.S. National Boys’ titles and played in his first U.S. National Men’s Championships at Forest Hills (US Open) thus becoming one of the youngest players ever to play in the event. He won his first match in five sets, at age of 15 years 7 months.
Attaining a top junior ranking in the United States, Ron was highly recruited and wound up taking his powerful serve and volley game to New Orleans, Louisiana
and Coach Emmett Pare
’ at Tulane University. Winner of Junior Wimbledon
in 1956, Ron was named All-American three successive years and twice won the NCAA Doubles Championship, prior to graduation from Tulane University. While at Tulane, he was the SEC Singles Champion in 1958 and 1959 and the SEC Doubles Champion in ’57, ’58 and ’59 with Crawford Henry
and Lester Sack. In 1956 Ron began a string of appearances at the Men’s Sugar Bowl Tennis Classic in New Orleans that lasted nearly two decades. During that time he won a remarkable twelve singles and doubles titles.
A former playing member of the U.S. Davis Cup
Team, Ron was ranked #7 in the world in 1960 and in the “Top Ten” in U.S. Men’s Singles for nine years. Ron also won numerous international doubles titles with many prominent partners such as Barry MacKay
(in Davis Cup
), Pancho Gonzalez, John Newcombe
, Tony Roche
, Bob Mark
, and Arthur Ashe
(Holmberg and Ashe were ranked # 3 in the U.S.). Ron spent nineteen years on the “International Circuit” and in 1971 retired from professional competition to become Head Coach of Tennis and Squash at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point and served as President of the Eastern Collegiate Tennis Coaches Association.
Today Ron Holmberg has an international reputation as one on the game’s outstanding coaches. The Ron Holmberg Tennis Camps, owned and operated by Ron, were among the premiere tennis camps in the United States from 1971 to 1989. Presently, the Ron Holmberg Tennis Programs are widely acclaimed for excellence and Ron is always exploring new avenues of teaching. RON GUARANTEES IMPROVEMENT.
“Teaching is terrific, as is coaching”, says Holmberg. “It’s fun to work with a group when everybody enjoys being there ... I do not choose to teach people strictly on ability, but on their desire to learn. For this reason all my lessons are enjoyable.”
Ron’s teaching reflects his approach to life. “Ron is a direct person and uncompromising in his principles”, says one former student, “but he’s also carefree.” Ron’s personality comes across on the tennis court. He talks about the game in very precise terms, yet he believes players should spend time just fooling around on the court (other than practice). He feels that players who do that love the game and learn to be creative. The Holmberg philosophy: “Hit the ball as hard as you can and as close to the lines as you can, but don’t miss!”
Ron is a member of the ATP
, USPTA
and USTA. Year-round he directs Junior Development programs and pro/celebrity tournaments ... conducts corporate outings ... teaches and coaches regional, national and international tournament players ... and conducts clinics and workshops for professional coaches and teachers. Ron also participates in, helps and directs numerous charity events. Ron, a member of the prestigious “Instruction Advisory Board of Tennis Magazine” for its nineteen year duration, was also director of the Bob Griese / Jerry Lewis Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament for Muscular Dystrophy.
Ron, a member of the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame, the Tulane Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, was elected in 2011 into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, his eighth Hall of Fame. He is one of the USPTA
’s select “Master Professionals”.
In 1997 Ron was recipient of the USPTA
“Lifetime Achievement Award” which signifies all-around accomplishment in both playing and teaching.
In 1999 Ron received the USTA “George Seewagen Award” which signifies excellence in playing and service to the game.
In 2010 Ron became Chairman of The Louisiana Tennis Patrons Foundation.
In 2010 Ron participated in his 61st consecutive year at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships ... having played in the event from 1953 to 1972 ... a remarkable twenty years.
Ron Holmberg has resided in New Orleans since his playing days at Tulane, with stints in both Houston and Dallas, Texas
. He also maintains a home – “Match Point Acres” in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York
, with his beautiful wife, Sylvia.
Ron Holmberg is multi-faceted. He worked as an ESPN
broadcaster over a three year period beginning in 1981. His life is one of a jet-setter ... always on the go, socializing with many successful people in the entertainment and sports industries, who have become good friends. His daughter, Holly, “the light of my life”, attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After her graduation Ron traveled even more extensively. Incredibly, he played in regular pickup basketball games all around the country at every opportunity. “Basketball is my first love”, he says, “probably because I was better at tennis ... My good friend, John Andariese
, (the voice of the New York Knicks
) knows basketball the way I know tennis, but we both love the other sport ... life is funny that way.”
USPTA
USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
's select "Master Professionals" and devotes most of his time being involved with tennis.
Summary
- Won his first tournament at age 12 and won three out of the four possible U.S. National Boys' titles in 1953.
- Won the Junior WimbledonThe Championships, WimbledonThe Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three Majors...
title to be crowned “World Champion" in 1956.
- Graduated from Tulane UniversityTulane UniversityTulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
where he was a three time All-American. Won the SEC singles twice and doubles championship three times and the NCAA doubles championship twice.
- Was a U.S. National Championships (the US Open) Men's Singles Semi-Finalist in 1959, a Quarter-Finalist in 1961 and a French (the French Open) Quarter-Finalist in 1961.
- Was ranked No. 7 in the World in 1960 and ranked in the “TOP TEN” of U.S. Men’s singles for a remarkable nine years.
- Was selected to be a playing member of the U.S. Davis CupDavis CupThe Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
Team four times.
- Played in several Blue Gray events when it was an individual competition. Won the singles championship in 1959. Captured back-to-back Blue Gray doubles titles in 1957 and 1958.
- Won numerous international doubles titles with many prominent players such as Barry MacKayBarry MacKayBarry MacKay is a former American tennis player and tournament director and a current tennis broadcaster. While competing in college for the University of Michigan, he won the singles title at the 1957 NCAA Men's Tennis Championship to clinch the team title for Michigan. He was also a finalist...
(in Davis CupDavis CupThe Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
), Pancho Gonzalez, John NewcombeJohn NewcombeJohn David Newcombe, AO, OBE is a former World No. 1 tennis player.-Biography:He won seven Grand Slam singles titles, A natural athlete, Newcombe played several sports as a boy until devoting himself to tennis. He was the Australian junior champion in 1961, 1962, and 1963 and was a member of...
, Tony RocheTony RocheAnthony "Tony" Dalton Roche is a former professional Australian tennis player, native of Tarcutta. He played junior tennis in the New South Wales regional city of Wagga Wagga. He won one Grand Slam singles title and twelve Grand Slam doubles titles. He is also very well known for coaching...
, Bob MarkBob MarkBob Mark was an Australian professional tennis player.-References:*...
and Arthur AsheArthur AsheArthur Robert Ashe, Jr. was a professional tennis player, born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. During his career, he won three Grand Slam titles, putting him among the best ever from the United States...
. Holmberg and Ashe were ranked No. 3 in the U.S.
- After retiring from professional competition in 1971, became Head Coach of Tennis and Squash at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point.
- Continues to be involved in teaching tennis to this day and is widely recognized as one of the game's outstanding coaches. Member of Tennis Magazine’s prestigious “Instruction Advisory Board” for it’s duration of 19 years.
- Among others, was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall-of-Fame, the USTA Eastern Tennis Hall-of-Fame, Louisiana Tennis Hall-of-Fame and the USTA Southern Tennis Hall-of-Fame his eighth Hall of Fame
- Received the USPTAUSPTAUSPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
“Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1997.
- Received the USTA George Seewagen Award in 1999.
Biography
In the late 1950s and ‘60s World Tennis magazine frequently paid tribute to Ron Holmberg’s tennis ability: “Holmberg can do more with a tennis ball than any other player of his era. There is no shot that is beyond his aptitude ... His touch, power and stroke making are beautiful to watch.”Indeed, the U.S. Tennis Association Official Encyclopedia of Tennis sites Holmberg as one of “the leading tennis players of his day.” He ranked among the top 10 in U.S. Men’s Singles nine times during the ‘50s and ‘60s, he was a semifinalist at the U.S. National Championships (the US Open), a quarter-finalist at the French (the French Open), won the singles crown once and doubles crowns twice at the Canadian Open in Toronto and he won the U.S. National Indoor Doubles Championship among other titles.
His record was impressive, but more importantly, Holmberg was a spectator’s delight. Steve Flink, a past editor of World Tennis said, “Ron was his own kind of player, a consummate stylist, which made him stand out. He reminded me of Ken Rosewall
Ken Rosewall
Kenneth Robert Rosewall AM MBE is a former world top-ranking amateur and professional tennis player from Australia. He won 23 Majors including eight Grand Slam singles titles and before the Open Era a record fifteen Pro Slam titles . Rosewall won 9 slams in doubles with a career double grand slam...
in that he was so effortless. He could hit winners from everywhere.” In fact, Flink remembers watching him play Rosewall in the Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three Majors...
warm-up at the Queen’s Club, London, in the late ‘60s. Holmberg was down a set and 2-0, but after a rain delay, he found his timing and completely took over the match. “He was brilliant!” said Flink.
Holmberg learned the game in his native Brooklyn at Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene Park is a municipal park in Brooklyn, New York, comprising 30.2 acres .The park includes the high ground where the Continental Army built Fort Putnam during the American Revolutionary War. The site was chosen and the construction supervised by General Nathanael Greene...
and progressed through the N.Y.C. Parks system. Tennis was merely another game to complement baseball and basketball, but his potential carried him beyond his roots into the national arena when he was 14. He met teaching pro John Nogrady, who was a tremendous help, especially with match-play strategy. During these formative years Ron feels very lucky to have also worked closely with some of the all time greats: Pancho Segura
Pancho Segura
Pancho Segura, born Francisco Olegario Segura , was a leading tennis player of the 1940s and 1950s, both as an amateur and as a professional. In 1950 and 1952, as a professional, he was the World Co-No. 1 player...
, Pancho Gonzalez, Bobby Riggs
Bobby Riggs
Robert Larimore "Bobby" Riggs was a 1930s–40s tennis player who was the World No. 1 or the co-World No. 1 player for three years, first as an amateur in 1941, then as a professional in 1946 and 1947...
, Jack Kramer and Emmett Pare
Emmett Pare
J. Emmett Pare was an outstanding tennis player in early part of the 20th century and a coach at Tulane University....
’, all top playing professionals who took Ron under their wing and remained good friends throughout his career to the present. In 1953, at age 15, Ron won three out of the four U.S. National Boys’ titles and played in his first U.S. National Men’s Championships at Forest Hills (US Open) thus becoming one of the youngest players ever to play in the event. He won his first match in five sets, at age of 15 years 7 months.
Attaining a top junior ranking in the United States, Ron was highly recruited and wound up taking his powerful serve and volley game to New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and Coach Emmett Pare
Emmett Pare
J. Emmett Pare was an outstanding tennis player in early part of the 20th century and a coach at Tulane University....
’ at Tulane University. Winner of Junior Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three Majors...
in 1956, Ron was named All-American three successive years and twice won the NCAA Doubles Championship, prior to graduation from Tulane University. While at Tulane, he was the SEC Singles Champion in 1958 and 1959 and the SEC Doubles Champion in ’57, ’58 and ’59 with Crawford Henry
Crawford Henry
Crawford I. Henry is a former professional tennis player.A high school tennis star in Georgia, Henry won the high school championship as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. He never lost a match in high school and won the National High School tournament in 1955...
and Lester Sack. In 1956 Ron began a string of appearances at the Men’s Sugar Bowl Tennis Classic in New Orleans that lasted nearly two decades. During that time he won a remarkable twelve singles and doubles titles.
A former playing member of the U.S. Davis Cup
Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
Team, Ron was ranked #7 in the world in 1960 and in the “Top Ten” in U.S. Men’s Singles for nine years. Ron also won numerous international doubles titles with many prominent partners such as Barry MacKay
Barry MacKay
Barry MacKay is a former American tennis player and tournament director and a current tennis broadcaster. While competing in college for the University of Michigan, he won the singles title at the 1957 NCAA Men's Tennis Championship to clinch the team title for Michigan. He was also a finalist...
(in Davis Cup
Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
), Pancho Gonzalez, John Newcombe
John Newcombe
John David Newcombe, AO, OBE is a former World No. 1 tennis player.-Biography:He won seven Grand Slam singles titles, A natural athlete, Newcombe played several sports as a boy until devoting himself to tennis. He was the Australian junior champion in 1961, 1962, and 1963 and was a member of...
, Tony Roche
Tony Roche
Anthony "Tony" Dalton Roche is a former professional Australian tennis player, native of Tarcutta. He played junior tennis in the New South Wales regional city of Wagga Wagga. He won one Grand Slam singles title and twelve Grand Slam doubles titles. He is also very well known for coaching...
, Bob Mark
Bob Mark
Bob Mark was an Australian professional tennis player.-References:*...
, and Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe
Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. was a professional tennis player, born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. During his career, he won three Grand Slam titles, putting him among the best ever from the United States...
(Holmberg and Ashe were ranked # 3 in the U.S.). Ron spent nineteen years on the “International Circuit” and in 1971 retired from professional competition to become Head Coach of Tennis and Squash at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point and served as President of the Eastern Collegiate Tennis Coaches Association.
Today Ron Holmberg has an international reputation as one on the game’s outstanding coaches. The Ron Holmberg Tennis Camps, owned and operated by Ron, were among the premiere tennis camps in the United States from 1971 to 1989. Presently, the Ron Holmberg Tennis Programs are widely acclaimed for excellence and Ron is always exploring new avenues of teaching. RON GUARANTEES IMPROVEMENT.
“Teaching is terrific, as is coaching”, says Holmberg. “It’s fun to work with a group when everybody enjoys being there ... I do not choose to teach people strictly on ability, but on their desire to learn. For this reason all my lessons are enjoyable.”
Ron’s teaching reflects his approach to life. “Ron is a direct person and uncompromising in his principles”, says one former student, “but he’s also carefree.” Ron’s personality comes across on the tennis court. He talks about the game in very precise terms, yet he believes players should spend time just fooling around on the court (other than practice). He feels that players who do that love the game and learn to be creative. The Holmberg philosophy: “Hit the ball as hard as you can and as close to the lines as you can, but don’t miss!”
Ron is a member of the ATP
Association of Tennis Professionals
The Association of Tennis Professionals or ATP was formed in 1972 by Donald Dell, Jack Kramer, and Cliff Drysdale to protect the interests of male professional tennis players. Since 1990, the association has organized the worldwide tennis tour for men and linked the title of the tour with the...
, USPTA
USPTA
USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
and USTA. Year-round he directs Junior Development programs and pro/celebrity tournaments ... conducts corporate outings ... teaches and coaches regional, national and international tournament players ... and conducts clinics and workshops for professional coaches and teachers. Ron also participates in, helps and directs numerous charity events. Ron, a member of the prestigious “Instruction Advisory Board of Tennis Magazine” for its nineteen year duration, was also director of the Bob Griese / Jerry Lewis Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament for Muscular Dystrophy.
Ron, a member of the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame, the Tulane Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, was elected in 2011 into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, his eighth Hall of Fame. He is one of the USPTA
USPTA
USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
’s select “Master Professionals”.
In 1997 Ron was recipient of the USPTA
USPTA
USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
“Lifetime Achievement Award” which signifies all-around accomplishment in both playing and teaching.
In 1999 Ron received the USTA “George Seewagen Award” which signifies excellence in playing and service to the game.
In 2010 Ron became Chairman of The Louisiana Tennis Patrons Foundation.
In 2010 Ron participated in his 61st consecutive year at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships ... having played in the event from 1953 to 1972 ... a remarkable twenty years.
Ron Holmberg has resided in New Orleans since his playing days at Tulane, with stints in both Houston and Dallas, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. He also maintains a home – “Match Point Acres” in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, with his beautiful wife, Sylvia.
Ron Holmberg is multi-faceted. He worked as an ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
broadcaster over a three year period beginning in 1981. His life is one of a jet-setter ... always on the go, socializing with many successful people in the entertainment and sports industries, who have become good friends. His daughter, Holly, “the light of my life”, attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After her graduation Ron traveled even more extensively. Incredibly, he played in regular pickup basketball games all around the country at every opportunity. “Basketball is my first love”, he says, “probably because I was better at tennis ... My good friend, John Andariese
John Andariese
John Andariese is a color commentator for the New York Knicks and NBA TV and a former college basketball player. He also hosts NBA Legends with Johnny Hoops on NBA TV.-Playing career:...
, (the voice of the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
) knows basketball the way I know tennis, but we both love the other sport ... life is funny that way.”
Career Highlights
- Junior WimbledonThe Championships, WimbledonThe Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three Majors...
1956 Singles Champion - Intercollegiate Highlights while at Tulane University:
- All-American (first team) (1957, 1958, 1959)
- NCAA Doubles Champion with Crawford HenryCrawford HenryCrawford I. Henry is a former professional tennis player.A high school tennis star in Georgia, Henry won the high school championship as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. He never lost a match in high school and won the National High School tournament in 1955...
(1957, 1959) - SEC Singles Champion (1958, 1959),
- SEC Doubles Champion with Crawford HenryCrawford HenryCrawford I. Henry is a former professional tennis player.A high school tennis star in Georgia, Henry won the high school championship as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. He never lost a match in high school and won the National High School tournament in 1955...
(1957, 1959), with Lester Sack (1958)
- U.S. National Championships (the US Open) Men's Singles Semi-Finalist (1959)
- U.S. National Championships (the US Open) Men's Singles Quarter-Finalist (1961)
- French Championships (the French Open) Men's Singles Quarter-Finalist (1961)
- U.S. National Indoor Doubles Championships, Champion 1961 with Chris Crawford, Finalist 1962 with Whitney ReedWhitney ReedWhitney Reed was a tennis player in the 1950s and 1960s.Reed was ranked No. 1 in the United States in 1961 and was ranked in the U.S. top ten in 1957 , 1959 , 1960 , and 1962 Whitney Reed (born August 20, 1932, in Oakland, California) was a tennis player in the 1950s and 1960s.Reed was ranked No....
- Played in several Blue Gray events when it was an individual competition. In 1959, won the singles championship. In 1957 and 1958, captured back-to-back Blue Gray doubles titles.
- Selected as a playing member to the U.S. Davis CupDavis CupThe Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
Team four times
- Rogers Cup: 1965 Canadian Championships Singles Champion
- Rogers Cup: 1965 Canadian Championships Doubles Champion with Lester Sack
- Rogers Cup: 1969 Canadian Open Doubles Champion with John NewcombeJohn NewcombeJohn David Newcombe, AO, OBE is a former World No. 1 tennis player.-Biography:He won seven Grand Slam singles titles, A natural athlete, Newcombe played several sports as a boy until devoting himself to tennis. He was the Australian junior champion in 1961, 1962, and 1963 and was a member of...
- Los Angeles OpenLos Angeles Open (tennis)The Los Angeles Open and formerly known as the Countrywide Classic, Los Angeles Tennis Open, Pacific South West Open, and other sponsored names, is an ATP World Tour 250 series tennis tournament on the ATP Tour held in Los Angeles, California, United States...
: 1969 Doubles Champion with Pancho Gonzalez Los Angeles Open (tennis)Los Angeles Open (tennis)The Los Angeles Open and formerly known as the Countrywide Classic, Los Angeles Tennis Open, Pacific South West Open, and other sponsored names, is an ATP World Tour 250 series tennis tournament on the ATP Tour held in Los Angeles, California, United States...
- Ranked in the U.S. "Top Ten" nine times ( 1957 : No 6, 1959 : No 4, 1960 : No 7, 1961 : No 7, 1964 : No 6, 1965 : No 9, 1966 : No 6, 1967 : No 6, 1968 : No 6 )
Awards and Honors
- Inducted into the USTA Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990
- Inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 1993
- Recipient of the USPTAUSPTAUSPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
“Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1997 for his all-around accomplishment in both playing and teaching
- Received the USTA George Seewagen Award in 1999 for excellence in playing and service to the game
- Inducted into the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006
- Chairman of the LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
Tennis Patrons Foundation
- Member of the USPTAUSPTAUSPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and was founded in 1927. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities...
select "Master Professionals"
- Inducted into the 2010 Blue Gray National Tennis Classic Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the USTA Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 2011
Books and Magazines
- As a member of the prestigious “Instruction Advisory Board" of Tennis Magazine for nineteen years he was featured in the "Classic Instruction Series from Tennis Magazine" which included the following three books: "Tennis Strokes & Strategies", "Tennis: How to Play, How to Win", and "Teach Yourself Tennis!"
Articles
- Life Magazine "A Tennis Future in Kids"
- New York Magazine "How to Play Tennis with Rod Laver and Other Hot-Shots"
- Sports Illustrated "Scorecard"
- Sports Illustrated "An Absence Of Homebreds"
- Sports Illustrated "...these Faces In The Crowd..."
- Sports Illustrated "Great Scott! Gene Won Another One"
- Sports Illustrated "Tennis without Trabert"
- nola.com "Ron Holmberg selected to Southern Tennis Association Hall of Fame"
- City Park Tennis Club of New Orleans "2011 Interview with Ron Holmberg"