Passing of Hall of Famer Sven Davidson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kat Anderson
194 Bellevue Ave.
Newport,
401-849-3990
kat@tennisfame.com
05/29/08 - Newport, RI--The International Tennis Hall of Fame has announced the passing of Hall of Famer Sven Davidson. Inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer alongside Pete Sampras, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Russ Adams, Davidson died yesterday in Arcadia, California of pneumonia. One year ago, Davidson had been diagnosed with initial stage of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79.
Davidson was born July 13, 1928 and became Sweden’s junior champion in 1947. He became the first Swede to win a Grand Slam championship (French Championships, 1957). Davidson was the prominent Swedish singles champion from 1950 through 1960, prior to the reign of Bjorn Borg (Hall of Famer 1987). Davidson was ranked in the World Top 10 as an amateur for 6 years (1953-58), earning the world No. 3 ranking in 1957. He was a finalist three consecutive years at the French Championships, claiming that major title in 1957. He also captured the Wimbledon Doubles Championship in 1958 (with partner Ulf Schmidt).
Davidson was a member of Sweden’s Davis Cup team from 1950-61 with a win-loss record of 62-23 (39-14 in singles; 23-9 in doubles). He still holds Sweden’s record for most Davis Cup doubles match wins.
In addition, Davidson was successful playing on the Grand Masters tournament circuit -- the first professional senior tour established in the sport, inaugurated in 1973 for ex-champions over the age of 45. In 1978, Davidson became the Wimbledon Grand Masters Singles Champion, claiming victory over Neale Fraser 6-4, 3-6, 8-6.
After his playing career, Davidson went on to cover tennis for Swedish TV (1960-64). He created and established Stockholm Open in 1969, the first tournament in Northern Europe with official prize money. He chaired the tournament’s management committee from 1969-1972, and then was designated Chairman Emeritus. Davidson is also credited with initiating the first general meeting of the International Tennis Federation (Paris, 1968) where the advent of “open” tennis was discussed and where 47 countries agreed in principle to the idea.
Davidson is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Mary, daughters Mia Davidson, Mona Davidson, and his son Sven Davidson, Jr., his wife JoAnn, and their two children, Erika Davidson and Sven Davidson, III.
Links:
www.tennisfame.com
