Peter Doohan: 1961-2017

Peter Doohan, who recorded arguably the biggest upset in Open Era history over Boris Becker at Wimbledon in 1987, passed away on Friday aged 56 following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Tennis Australia issued a statement, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Peter was unbeaten in Davis Cup representation. He won the South Australian Open singles title and reached No. 15 in doubles, winning five titles during his distinguished career.”

Chris Kermode, the ATP Executive Chairman and President, said, "Peter Doohan was taken too early. He commanded the respect of everyone, on and off the court, and his passing is a sad loss to the tennis world. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

The tennis world first learned of Doohan’s condition only nine weeks ago, when the Australian was told he had a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

The wiry serve-volleyer, who was staying in an ‎£11-per-night hostel and travelled to Wimbledon by bus, beat World No. 1 and two-time defending champion Becker 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round on 26 June 1987. It was the earliest defeat by a Wimbledon defending champion since 1967. "I kept telling myself he is not a [Ivan] Lendl or a [Henri] Leconte," Becker said after the match. "He can't keep volleying like this. He'll crack just once, and then it will be easy." Becker had beaten Doohan 6-2, 6-4 in The Queen’s Club first round two weeks earlier.

Dubbed ‘The Becker Wrecker’, upon his return to Locker Room 2 at the All England Club, Doohan received a standing ovation and was later given a civic reception in his hometown of Newcastle, in New South Wales, after reaching the Last 16 (l. to Zivojinovic).

RIP mate! You were the better player ...#PeterDoohan pic.twitter.com/97I3wKF7Uo

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 22, 2017

Doohan would later joke with Davis Cup team mate Pat Cash, the eventual 1987 Wimbledon champion, “I’ll have to remind him to send me the royalty cheque in the mail.”

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Nicknamed "The Bear", 6’3” Doohan won one singles title at 1984 Adelaide and reached a career-high No. 43 on 3 August 1987, having started the year at No. 301 in the Emirates ATP Rankings due to tendinitis in his right shoulder the previous season. The right-hander also picked up five doubles trophies, reaching a career-high No. 15 in the Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings. He reached the 1987 Australian Open doubles final with Laurie Warder, but was most proud of his 3-0 record in Davis Cup ties for Australia, when he partnered Cash and Wally Masur in doubles rubbers.

"Peter did it the tough way on the tour," Cash told ATPWorldTour.com. "He wasn’t given any free rides as a junior, so he worked hard through US college where we all saw his talent bloom. His long rangy arms big serve and great touch were the envy of many of us. With his oversized Prince racquet, strung incredibly loose, the ball just shot off making him really tough to play. He soon became a very tough singles player and a great doubles player.

"He was the perfect guy to have in the Australian Davis Cup team with his friendly manor and good work ethic. Peter's happy energy light up the room, but I will remember him most of all because of his great sense of humour - that special laugh of his and that giant smile, which was never too far away."

Masur told ATPWorldTour.com, "Peter was a character, very individual and an independent thinker. He was, at the same time, a great teammate. As a competitor he fought as hard as anyone to play the game and was undefeated in the green and gold. Australian tennis is poorer for the loss.

"Peter and I played a lot of juniors together and represented Australia in the Galea Cup. We played the finals in Vichy and proceeded to rent a speedboat on our day off and crash and sink it in the river that runs through the town centre. There was more excitement after that little exercise than our [13-11 fifth set] Davis Cup doubles rubber win versus Mexico [in 1987]."

Former Australian player Brad Drewett, who was the ATP Executive Chairman and President until his passing in May 2013, and Angie Cunningham, the WTA's former Vice President of Player Relations and On-Site Operations, who passed away in October 2016, both succumbed to the disease.

Before turning professional, Doohan studied and played at the University of Arkansas where he won an NCAA doubles title in 1982 and made an All American. He returned after 20 years in the United States – working at clubs in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Oklahoma – to live in Nelson Bay, Australia in 2009 and coached until June last year. He was a big rugby league fan of the Newcastle Knights.

Doohan, who was down to earth and a gentleman, is survived by his mother, Thelma, his sons, John and Hunter, who both live in Arkansas, United States, and his sisters Cathie and Margaret.

TRIBUTES

Former Australian doubles player David Macpherson: "He was a salt of the Earth Aussie. A fierce competitor and a great sportsman. He embodied being Australian."

My heartfelt condolences to the family of #PeterDoohan ! The tennis fraternity lost a great guy and wonderful player ! #tennisaustralia

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 22, 2017

Our tribute to Peter Doohan. #RIP #FightMND pic.twitter.com/F9wAN2Lov6

— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 22, 2017

???? RIP Bear... big hugs and condolences to all of Peter's family & friends. https://t.co/1J4T49KAVt

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) July 22, 2017

Oh dear, very sad news of the passing of our Aussie tennis peer Peter Doohan. The 'Bear' a terrific player and true to himself. RIP Bear

— Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) July 22, 2017

RIP mate ... Always enjoyed life and life was better with you in it mate. You deserve the rest now. pic.twitter.com/Un359j4B41

— roger rasheed (@roger_rasheed) July 22, 2017

Sad news on the passing overnight of former top 50 Aussie player, Peter Doohan. Taken too soon by MND. RIP Peter #tennisaustralia

— Craig Tiley (@CraigTiley) July 22, 2017

I can't believe it.....Peter Doohan passed away today....can't believe it....how many Aussie tennis players are... https://t.co/Fd6rUJ4rLq

— Johan Kriek (@johankriek) July 21, 2017