arvau

Wikipedia / Holcombe Ward

Holcombe Ward (November 23, 1878 – January 23, 1967) was an American tennis player who was active during the last years of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th. He won the U.S. National Championships singles title in 1904 and additionally won six doubles titles at the Grand Slam event.

Biography

Ward is best remembered for winning the men's singles title at the U.S. National Championships in 1904 after defeating William Clothier in straight sets in the all-comer's final. He graduated from Harvard University.

In 1905 Ward won the London Grass Court Championships, now known as Queen's Club Championships, after a walkover in the final against compatriot Beals Wright.

Ward was a member of the USA Davis Cup Team in 1900, 1902, 1905 and 1906. In 1900 and 1902 he played the doubles match in the challenge round which the US team won against the British Isles. In total, Ward played 14 Davis Cup matches in seven ties and compiled a 7–7 win–loss record.

After his active career, Ward became President of the USLTA (U.S. Lawn Tennis Association) from 1937 to 1947.

Grand Slam finals

Singles: 2 (1 title, 1 runner-up)

Result

Year

Championship

Surface

Opponent

Score

Win

1904

U.S. National Championships

Grass

William Clothier

10–8, 6–4, 9–7

Loss

1905

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Beals Wright

2–6, 1–6, 9–11

Doubles: 9 (6 titles, 3 runners-up)

Result

Year

Championship

Surface

Partner

Opponents

Score

Loss

1898

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

George Sheldon Leo Ware

6–1, 5–7, 4–6, 6–4, 5–7

Win

1899

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

George Sheldon Leo Ware

6–4, 6–4, 6–3

Win

1900

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

Fred Alexander Raymond Little

6–4, 9–7, 12–10

Loss

1901

Wimbledon

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

Laurence Doherty Reginald Doherty

6–4, 2–6, 3–6, 7–9

Win

1901

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

Leo Ware Beals Wright

6–3, 9–7, 6–1

Loss

1902

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Dwight F. Davis

Laurence Doherty Reginald Doherty

9–11, 10–12, 4–6

Win

1904

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Beals Wright

Kreigh Collins Raymond Little

1–6, 6–2, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1

Win

1905

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Beals Wright

Fred Alexander Harold Hackett

6–4, 6–4, 6–1

Win

1906

U.S. National Championships

Grass

Beals Wright

Fred Alexander Harold Hackett

6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 6–3

References