Jack Kramer

Long before tennis rackets bearing his name were used to great success by the likes of Hall of Famers John McEnroe and Chuck McKinley, Jack Kramer was one of the best players in the world. He also later was a prominent promoter of collegiate tennis. In 1946-47, Kramer was ranked No. 1 in the world, led the U.S. to two Davis Cup titles, won two Wimbledon doubles championships (including in 1947 with Hall of Famer Jack Kramer), and won the U.S. Nationals singles both years. He also was the Wimbledon singles champion in 1947. Kramer also won four U.S. doubles titles in his career (1940-441-43-47). Kramer’s iconic Wilson Pro Staff, used by McEnroe to win the 1978 NCAA singles title (the racket is on display in the Hall of Fame), was among the most popular rackets of the day. Wilson first began selling a Jack Kramer model racket in 1949. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1968, Kramer died in 2009 at age 88.