Bernard Mitton

Background

He was born in Vryburg, South Africa.

Career

Mitton reached his highest rank in singles at World Number. 51 on 15 December 1975, and in doubles of World Number. 20 on 25 June 1984. His career record in singles in the Association of Tennis Professionals tour was 199–218, winning two titles.

In doubles, he went 210–191, winning nine titles.

His two title wins in singles were at Newport, Rhode Island in 1978 and San Jose, California in 1979. He was the runner-up in three tournaments: San Jose (1978), Adelaide (1979) and Johannesburg (1981).

His nine title wins in doubles include: Auckland (1979). Stowe, Vermont and Cologne (1980).

Richmond WCT (1981); Johannesburg (1981).

Tampa (1981). Columbus, Ohio (1982). Ferrara (1983); and Louisiana Quinta, California (1984).

He was the runner-up in eight tournaments: Sarasota, Florida (1978).

North Conway, New Hampshire (1978). Rotterdam (1979); Maui, Hawaii (1982) Ancona (1982). Toulouse (1983); Florence (1984), and Queen"s Club (1984).

Mitton had career wins over John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, and Arthur Ashe in singles.

Although he failed to reach the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam tournament, he reached the fourth round on three separate occasions. In his very first Grand Slam tournament in 1973, he reached the fourth round of Wimbledon before losing to Connors 6–3, 6–3, 6–2.

In 1980, he reached the fourth round at the United States Open, defeating José Luis Clerc in the first round (6–3, 6–2, 4–6, 2–6, 7–5) before finally losing to Connors (7–6, 6–4, 6–4). Mitton retired from the tour in 1984 and joined the Newport Beach Tennis Club as director of tennis.

From 2000–2003, he was at Rancho San Clemente and is currently teaching at The Racket Club of Irvine, California.

He has three children, Natalie, Brend and Olivia. Singles runners-up (3) 1978: San Jose (lost to Arthur Ashe).

Achievements

• 1978: San Jose (lost to Arthur Ashe) 1979: Adelaide (lost to Kim Warwick) 1981: Johannesburg (lost to Kevin Curren) 1979: Auckland (with Kim Warwick) 1980: Stowe, Cologne (with Bob Lutz) 1981: Richmond WCT (with Tim Gullikson) Johannesburg: (with Raymond Moore) Tampa: (with Butch Walts) 1982: Columbus (with Tim Gullikson) 1983: Ferrara (with Butch Walts) 1983: Louisiana Quinta (with Butch Walts).