Armistead Neely (March 19, 1947 – March 7, 2024) was an American professional tennis player. He is a member of the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame.

Armistead Neely
Full nameArmistead C. Neely
Country (sports) United States
Born(1947-03-19)March 19, 1947
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.[1]
DiedMarch 7, 2024(2024-03-07) (aged 76)
PlaysRight-handed
Singles
Career record14–41
Highest rankingNo. 144 (June 2, 1975)
Grand Slam singles results
French Open2R (1975)
Wimbledon1R (1974)
US Open2R (1966, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1975)
Doubles
Career record16–37
Grand Slam doubles results
French Open2R (1975)
Wimbledon2R (1973)
US OpenQF (1975)

Biography

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Neely grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he moved to as a child from Mobile, Alabama.[1] He played collegiate tennis for the University of Florida, earning All-American honors in 1968 and 1969. During his time at the University of Florida he remained unbeaten in SEC singles dual matches.[1]

A right-handed player, Neely competed on the professional tour in the 1970s and had a career high singles ranking of 144 in the world. He featured regularly in the main draw of the US Open and also made appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon. His best grand slam performance came at the 1975 US Open, where he reached the quarter-finals of the men's doubles, partnering Tenny Svensson.[2]

From 1977 to 1981 he was head coach of men's tennis at the University of Alabama.[1]

Neely died on March 7, 2024, at the age of 76.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Neely, Stephens, Utley Picked For Hall Of Fame". www.southern.usta.com. November 26, 2013.
  2. ^ Herman, Robin (September 5, 1975). "Vilas: Poetry on the Courts". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Atlanta tennis great Armistead Neely dead at age 76". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
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