Peter Wright (tennis)

Peter Wright (born December 8, 1963) is a former Irish American professional tennis player who played for Ireland in the Davis Cup. He was formerly the head tennis coach at the University of California, Berkeley.

Peter Wright
Country (sports)United States United States
Republic of Ireland Ireland
ResidenceBerkeley, California, U.S.
Born (1963-12-08) December 8, 1963
Berkeley, California, U.S.
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Turned pro1986
PlaysRight-handed
Singles
Career record0–4
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 300 (July 2, 1977)
Doubles
Career record1–8
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 190 (August 21, 1989)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open1R (1989)
Mixed doubles
Career titles0
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
Wimbledon1R (1989)

Playing career

Wright, who was born and raised in Berkeley, qualified to represent Ireland in international tennis as it was the country of his parents.[1] He appeared in 13 Davis Cup ties from 1988 to 1994 and won 16 of his 27 rubbers, 8 in singles and 8 in doubles.[2]

Although he was seen mostly on the Challenger circuit, Wright took part in the 1987 Seoul Open, a Grand Prix tournament.[3] He was beaten in the opening round by Dutch player Michiel Schapers.[3]

In 1989 he played in the men's doubles event at the Australian Open, partnering fellow Californian Julian Barham.[3] The pairing of Tim Pawsat and Tobias Svantesson defeated them in the first round.[3] He also appeared in the 1989 Wimbledon Championships, as a mixed doubles player, with Lea Antonoplis as his partner. They weren't able to make the second round.[4]

Coaching

Wright was head coach of the California Golden Bears (UC Berkeley) tennis team from 1993 to 2021. In that time they have only once failed to make the NCAA postseason. He was the Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 1997 and again in 2001.[5]

From 1995 to 2003, Wright was captain of the Ireland Davis Cup team.[3]

He also served as Ireland's head tennis coach at the 1996 Summer Olympics.[3]

Challenger titles

Doubles: (2)
No. Year Tournament Surface Partner Opponents Score
1. 1986 Berkeley, United States Hard United States Randy Nixon United States Mike Bauer
United States Charles Strode		 6–4, 6–3
2. 1988 Brisbane, Australia Hard Australia Paul Kronk Australia Steve Furlong
Australia John Gibson		 6–7, 6–4, 6–4

References
  1. Toronto Star, "Soviet tennis star says he's keeping tourney winnings", May 8, 1989
  2. Davis Cup profile
  3. ATP World Tour profile
  4. ITF Pro Circuit profile
  5. University of California Website: Peter Wright Archived October 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
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