Raul Ramirez

Raul Ramirez, a former professional tennis player from Mexico, was regarded as one of the best all-rounders of his generation. He was active in the 1970s and 1980s and can play both singles and doubles at the top of his game. Famously, Ramirez was the first player to finish first in both singles and doubles Grand Prix point standings, accomplishing the feat in 1976. Although he hasn't won any Grand Slam singles titles, the Mexican has won three Grand Slam doubles titles - the French Open (1975, 1977) and Wimbledon (1976). Besides, he also reached the doubles final of 1977 in the US Open but had to settle for the runners-up spot. In singles, Ramirez is no less of a player. In his amazing career, the Mexican has won 19 singles titles. But it is in doubles, he has had the most success, clinching incredible 60 doubles titles. 

He has attended and played tennis at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Raul Ramirez, who was born in Ensenada, Baja California, began his amateur tour from 1970 and wasted no time in demonstrating his talent. From a young age, the Mexican was regarded as a gifted player. In 1973, he turned professional and rapidly adapted to the demands of the game's highest level. Ramirez began to win important matches and the odd titles in a short period of time. In both singles and doubles, he effectively established himself as one of the players to watch.

The 68-year-old Mexican player has been ranked as high as World No. 4 - achieved in November 1976. Notably, he is one of the all-time great doubles champions, having spent a staggering 61 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings, starting on April 12, 1976. Meanwhile, his spectacular singles career has seen him win 19 singles titles. It also famously includes the titles at the ATP Masters Series events in Rome and Monte Carlo in 1975 and 1978, respectively. In 1971, he also won the Ojai Tennis Tournament's men's singles.

He has remarkably won 60 doubles titles during his stellar career. They also include three Grand Slam titles. Partnering alongside Brian Gottfried, he won the doubles in Wimbledon (1976) and the French Open (1975 & 1977). It was his maiden Grand Slam title - the 1975 doubles victory in French Open - that kickstarted the proceedings for him. He went on to win two more Grand Slams in the next two years. In 1977, he also reached the US Open doubles final but failed to cross the last hurdle. Ramirez also won the ATP Masters Series events in Cincinnati (1978), Canada (1976, 1977 & 1981), Monte Carlo (1979), Paris (1977), and Rome (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977). In 1975 and 1980, he also won the WCT World Doubles.

Ramirez, who married the Venezuelan-born former Miss Universe Maritza Sayalero in 1981, participated in the tournaments of the two world tennis circuits played at the time - the Grand Prix tennis circuit and the World Championship Tennis (WCT). The right-handed player, who is known for his one-handed backhand, brought an end to his illustrious playing career in 1983.

Grand Slam singles record:

French Open: SF (1976, 1977)

Wimbledon: SF (1976)

US Open: QF (1978)

Grand Slam doubles record:

French Open: W (1975, 1977)

Wimbledon: W (1976)