Oliver Campbell

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Oliver Campbell bigraphy, stories - American tennis player

Oliver Campbell : biography

February 25, 1871 – July 11, 1953

Oliver Edward Michael Campbell (February 25, 1871, Brooklyn, New York – July 11, 1953, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada) was a former American male tennis player.

Grand Slam record

U.S. Championships

  • Singles champion: 1890, 1891, 1892
  • Men’s Doubles champion: 1888, 1891, 1892
  • Men’s Doubles runner-up: 1889, 1893

Career

For over a century, Campbell had the honour of being the youngest male player to win the U.S. singles title. He did it as a 19 year, 6 months and 9 days old student in 1890. That record went to fellow American Pete Sampras, 19 years and 28 days, when he won the title in 1990.

Campbell defended his title in the challenge round matches in 1891, defeating Clarence Hobart, and in 1892, defeating Fred Hovey, but did not defend it in 1893 and thereby defaulted the title to Robert Wrenn. The challenge round against Clarence Hobart was the first title match played over five sets.

In addition to his singles titles Campbell won the men’s doubles titles at the U.S. National Championships in 1888, 1891 and 1892.

Campbell was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1955.

Grand Slam finals

Singles

Titles (3)

Year Championship Opponent Score in Final
1890 U.S. Championships USA|1877}} Henry Slocum 6–2, 4–6, 6–3, 6–1
1891 U.S. Championships (2) USA|1877}} Clarence Hobart 2–6, 7–5, 7–9, 6–1, 6–2
1892 U.S. Championships (3) USA|1877}} Fred Hovey 7–5, 3–6, 6–3, 7–5

Doubles

Titles (2)

Year Championship Partner Opponents Score
1888 U.S. Championships USA|1877}} Valentine Hall USA|1877}} Clarence Hobart Edward MacMullen 6–4, 6–2, 6–4
1891 U.S. Championships USA|1877}} Bob Huntington USA|1877}} Valentine Hall Clarence Hobart 6–3, 6–4, 8–6
1892 U.S. Championships USA|1877}} Bob Huntington USA|1877}} Edward L. Hall Valentine Hall 6–4, 6–2, 4–6, 6–3