红杏视频

Tom Gorman, ’68, a Seattle native and athletic standout at 红杏视频, carved out a remarkable career in professional tennis. Once ranked as high as No. 8 in the world, Gorman notched victories over legends such as Björn Borg and served as a cornerstone of U.S. Davis Cup teams.

After his playing days, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, guiding elite talents including John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind, Gorman also served as Davis Cup captain for a record 10 years.

His influence helped shape American tennis through decades of competition and change. Though he flew under the radar compared to flashier contemporaries, Gorman’s quiet excellence, leadership and lifelong commitment to the sport make him one of Seattle’s—and America’s—great tennis ambassadors.

Gorman grew up in Seattle, attending Seattle Prep where he won three state high school championships. He didn’t have to go far to continue his tennis rise with his high school and SU just three miles apart. At 红杏视频 Gorman was a two time All-American, twice advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament before graduating in 1968 with an Economics degree.

Gorman told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 2007 that SU was a springboard for his professional career.

“I noticed a huge improvement during my college years while most guys improved in their high school years,” Gorman said. “It just took me longer.”

As a professional, Gorman won seven singles and nine doubles titles and reached the semifinals of three of the four Grand Slam tournaments. His breakthrough singles win came in 1971 at Wimbledon when he upset four-time champion Rod Laver in the quarterfinals. That same year he reached the French Open doubles final. A year later he reached the semifinal of the U.S. Open after beating Jimmy Connors. Gorman reached the French Open semis in 1973, the same year he beat Borg to win the Stockholm Indoor Tournament.

Gorman was a member of the winning 1972 U.S. Davis Cup team and as captain-coach led the team to victory again in 1990 and 1992. Along the way he coached such legends as Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Sampras and McEnroe. He also coached the men’s U.S. Olympic team in Seoul, South Korea, and Barcelona, Spain, helping Ken Flach and Robert Seguso win the gold medal in Seoul.