Alex Metreveli

Perhaps, if one has to look at the starting point of Georgian Tennis history, then the name Alex Metreveli will feature quite predominantly. When he secured the boys' championship in 1962 in Wimbledon, at that time, Georgia was still under the influence of the Soviet Union. But, Metreveli had given Soviet Tennis a massive boost with his display on the green courts of Wimbledon. Although his career faded out once the Open Era began, Metreveli had laid the foundation for some magnificent talent to come out of Georgia. Three decades later, his grandson Aleksandre also stepped up into the Tennis world. Although his accomplishments are few and far in between, Metreveli has ensured that Georgian Tennis had a name for itself in both the Amateur and Open Eras. Having reached a career-high ranking of nine, it is a testament to his grit and talent from a country that did not have many resources.

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia on November 2, 1944, Metreveli was a right-handed server who had a one-handed backhand. He primarily was a baseline player who used to wear opponents down with his patience and consistency. 

Metreveli came around at the time when the Open Era had begun in 1968. His career coincided with the likes of Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe, and other legendary players. Yet, he managed to carve a niche for himself. His first major title came in 1970 in Adelaide when he won the grass-court tournament. He followed it up in 1971 with another title in Australia, this time in Melbourne. 

The year 1972 proved to be the best year for Metreveli in his career. He won four titles, which included his two titles in Adelaide as well as wins in Beckenham and Sydney. He reached the semi-final of the Australian and French Open tournament. During the year 1973, he reached the final of Wimbledon 1972 and looked good to repeat his feat of 1962. But, in the final against Jan Kodes, he lost in three straight sets. That was the closest he ever got to a Grand Slam final. 

In 1974, he reached the quarterfinal of the US Open and secured yet another title in South Orange. But, that was the last time he would win any further titles. Out of his nine ATP titles, he secured eight titles on the Grass surface, with one win coming in the Hard Courts of San Juan. His performances in Wimbledon indicated that had he had a more consistent run, he could have excelled in grass. He retired from the professional circuit in 1979 and became an honorary citizen of Australia. 

Having reached a career-high ranking of nine in the world, this was one of the best periods for Metreveli in his career. Although his later achievements did not match up to the initial success, Metreveli carved a niche for himself in the Tennis world in his own right. 

Grand Slam record

Australian Open: SF (1972)

French Open: SF (1972)

Wimbledon: F (1973)

US Open: QF (1974)