Jim Courier

No. 1 ranking: 10th February 1992
Duration: 58 weeks

What made Nick Bollettieri enrol James Spencer Courier for free at his own academy in Bradenton, Florida? Courier was never the star, but what the world's most recognisable coach thought, was that he was willing to work on his immense talent due to his heart for the game.

Courier joined Andre Agassi, David Wheaton and Malivai Washington at the academy, linking up with Pete Sampras and Michael Chang on junior Davis Cup duty… even then Courier got no attention. It wasn't until 1991, three years after turning professional that the world took note as Courier rose to number two in the world, by winning the French Open singles crown and featuring in the U.S. Open final that year.

Jim Courier's great promise winning four major titles dried up in the early 1990s as he struggled against bad form and lapses in self-belief

By repeating the performance at Roland Garros in 1992, accompanied by wins at the Australian Open in 1992 and 1993, Courier established himself as the man to beat - rising to the top spot in February of 1992 - combining a forehand, which became deadly with hours of practice and gym work after matches.

Then, he suddenly lost his edge, appearing in his last major final at Wimbledon in 1993 where he lost to Sampras, on his own road to greatness. After frequent breaks from the game, Courier showed glimpses of his glory days. He showed his determination again though, by being the only American to win two five set matches in the fifth and deciding rubber of a Davis Cup match, in 1998 and 1999.

The Floridian player was named the ATP Player of the Year, having played in the 1992 Summer Olympics. He served as the ATP Tour Charities chairman in 1996 and eventually decided to retire on 8th May 2000. He won 23 singles and 6 doubles titles, in a 12-year professional career, recording a 506-237-match record, amassing $14,033,132 in prize money.

Grand Slam Record

Australian Open Singles winner 1992-93

French Open Singles winner 1991-92; Singles finalist 1993

Wimbledon Singles finalist 1993

U.S. Open Singles finalist 1991

Tournament Record (inc. Davis Cup)

United States Davis Cup team member 1990-99; winning side 1992

Top