Owen Davidson dead at 79: Billie Jean King ‘heartbroken’ over death of partner she won eight grand slams with
THIRTEEN time tennis Grand Slam doubles winner Owen Davidson has died aged 79.
The Australian won 11 Grand Slams in mixed double’s and two in men’s doubles.
Eight of his 13 Grand Slam triumphs came playing alongside American tennis icon Billie Jean King.
Melbourne-born Davidson also reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon as a singles player in 1966, and spent time coaching the British Davis Cup team.
King paid an emotional tribute to Davidson on Twitter, writing: “Yesterday, the world lost Owen Davidson, a Hall of Fame tennis champion who proudly represented Australia in @DavisCup, a man who was my mixed doubles partner, & a longtime friend to Ilana & me.
“Owen was the only man with whom I could win the Mixed @Wimbledon. Together, we won 8 major Mixed titles.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find peace in the lifetime of wonderful memories we shared with our friend Davo.”
Fellow Australian Rod Laver wrote on Twitter: “I’m saddened to learn of Owen Davidson’s passing.
“He was a fellow leftie, great sporting champion, the best in doubles, and above all, a great mate. Rest in peace Davo.”
Davidson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.
More to follow…