One of the most celebrated American tennis players of the second half of the 20th century, Marty Riessen left an indelible mark on world tennis in both singles and, especially, doubles competitions. His name is synonymous with versatility on the court, exceptional partnership play, and an unwavering dedication to the sport. He stood out not just for his technique and physical conditioning, but for his unique approach: an ability to anticipate his partner’s moves, find creative solutions in crunch moments, and possess a never-say-die attitude. His career is a story of continuous hard work, bold decisions, and a commitment to advancing tennis for himself and for future generations. Read more on chicago1.one.
Early Life and Amateur Dominance
Marty Riessen was born on July 4, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. From early childhood, he showed a keen interest in sports, particularly tennis. His formative years were spent under the guidance of professional coaches who helped him build his technical and tactical skills. Thanks to his natural talent and tireless work ethic, Riessen quickly rose above his peers, winning numerous junior tournaments across the US. By his teenage years, Riessen was demonstrating a high level of mastery, allowing him to transition to professional sports in the 1960s and compete in prestigious national and international events. Marty quickly became a standout star among his age group. Not only was he an elite tennis player, but also a strong basketball player. However, it was on the court where he achieved his highest results: he became the first player in Illinois state history to win the state championship singles title four years in a row. His final high school season was triumphant, as he won 49 of 53 sets.
Before fully committing to professional tennis, Marty Riessen attended Northwestern University, where he played for the varsity team coached by his father. He reached the NCAA singles final three times while simultaneously earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Tennis at that time was strictly an amateur sport, and Marty had planned to pursue a Ph.D. in school administration. However, in 1968, a new opportunity arose: entrepreneur Lamar Hunt founded World Championship Tennis (WCT), the first professional alternative to amateur tournaments. Riessen joined, choosing the professional route. His collegiate experience was instrumental in shaping his playing style: a combination of a powerful serve, quick net reactions, and strategic point construction. Riessen won numerous intercollegiate accolades and caught the eye of national team coaches, which allowed him to participate in more prestigious international tournaments and solidify his reputation as a promising player.
Professional Breakthroughs and Doubles Dominance
Marty Riessen debuted at the professional level in the early 1960s and quickly became a noticeable force on the global stage. His career included appearances at all the Grand Slam tournaments: Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open.
In singles, Riessen achieved significant results, reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals of prestigious competitions multiple times. His style was characterized by precise groundstrokes, high speed, and psychological resilience during long, grueling matches.
His success in doubles was particularly notable, as he formed several powerful partnerships with other great tennis players of his era. Riessen won the 1971 French Open with Arthur Ashe—a triumph that was a sensation, as Americans rarely won on clay, and Ashe was known primarily as a singles player. In mixed doubles with Margaret Court and other partners, he claimed a string of titles, bringing his total Grand Slam victories to nine. His most successful partnership was with Dutchman Tom Okker. Together, they won dozens of tournaments over a decade, including the 1976 US Open, reached three Grand Slam finals, and peaked at World No. 2 in the doubles rankings. In the 1970s, Dunlop even released a special wooden racquet named “Marty Riessen”—a testament to his popularity.
Riessen won in both men’s and mixed doubles, demonstrating excellent partner coordination, strategic thinking, and exceptional net play. Marty Riessen represented the US in international tournaments and the Davis Cup, where his contribution was vital to the team’s success. He was known for his consistent results and his ability to clinch key matches for the national team. His style and achievements inspired a new generation of American tennis players, setting standards for play and on-court ethics.
Riessen retired from the main tour in the early 1980s but remained highly involved in the sport. He played in veteran competitions and began working as a coach. His most significant coaching success was helping Tracy Austin, who won the 1981 US Open under his guidance. Additionally, he coached two US Olympic teams, passing his valuable experience on to the next generations of American players.
The Riessen Playing Style
Riessen’s game blended classic technique with innovative tactics. He possessed a powerful serve, precise groundstrokes from all court positions, and excellent net skills. His strategy hinged on balancing offense and defense, quickly adapting to opponents, and maintaining psychological composure during extended matches.
A key feature of Riessen’s game was his versatility: he was equally successful on grass, clay, and hard courts, making him a formidable opponent in any condition.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his career, Marty Riessen earned numerous titles and accolades, including:
- Multiple Grand Slam victories in men’s and mixed doubles.
- Representing the USA in the Davis Cup.
- Recognition as one of the most consistent and technically skilled tennis players of his generation.
In 1989, Marty Riessen was inducted into the International Tennis Association Hall of Fame, and in 2000, he was honored by his alma mater, Hinsdale High School.
Off the court, Marty Riessen was an active promoter of tennis, organizing youth tournaments, and conducting clinics and training sessions. The foundation for this work was laid by his father, Clare Riessen, with the program at Hinsdale Township High School. It was there that the young athlete first experienced serious competition, achieving the unique feat of winning the Illinois State Singles Championship four times. This dedication continued at Northwestern University’s tennis program, where Clare Riessen served as head coach. This approach emphasized not only athletic results but also the personal development of the players. In professional sports, Riessen was part of a new era—the emergence of the World Championship Tennis tournaments. Later, as a coach and mentor, Riessen worked with his own students, passing on his high-level playing experience and supporting junior tennis programs. His career is an example of how an athlete can leave a lasting legacy not just through personal achievements, but by contributing to the system that trains future generations.
Marty Riessen is an outstanding representative of American tennis who combined success in singles and doubles with an active role in the sport’s development. His technique, strategy, and versatility cemented his status as a tennis legend. Riessen left behind not only sporting victories but also an enduring example for future generations, proving that success in tennis is built on talent, discipline, and a deep love for the game.
