Steve Denton
Encyclopedia
Steve Denton is a former professional tennis
player for the ATP Tour. He is currently the head men's tennis coach at Texas A&M University
.
After becoming an all-American at the University of Texas in 1978, Denton spent nine seasons playing for the ATP Tour. He won the 1982 US Open doubles championship with Kevin Curren
, ranking No. 2 in doubles and No. 11 in singles in the world tennis rankings. He won a total of 20 professional doubles titles, and appeared in the singles final of the Australian Open
in 1981 and 1982. In 1984, his 138 miles per hour (222.1 km/h) serve broke the world record, which would not be broken until 13 years later. After retiring from the pros, he moved to Corpus Christi, Texas
, coaching several local junior tennis teams. In 2001, he debuted his college coaching career at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
, where he led his teams to three conference championships and a first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. In 2006, he resigned to become the head coach at Texas A&M University.
For his accomplishments, he is a member of the ITA
Hall of Fame, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, the Blue-Gray Tennis Class Hall of Fame, and the Longhorn Hall of Honor.
. As a prep, he won four consecutive UIL
state 3A singles titles. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin
, where he played tennis from 1976–79. He earned all-American honors in 1978. Along with teammate Kevin Curren, he won the U.S. Tennis Association amateur indoor and SWC doubles title in 1979. He completed his college career with an 85–22 singles record, which currently ranks third all-time in school history. He also compiled a 72–18 doubles record, and a 78–27 team record. For his collegiate and professional accomplishments, he was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 2006.
who recorded a 142 mi/h delivery. The current record of 156 mi/h is held by Ivo Karlovic
.
He reached six singles finals, most notably the Australian Open (in 1981 and 1982) and the Cincinnati Masters
(in 1982). He also won 18 doubles titles (including the U.S. Open
and the Canada Masters
) in 1982, and reaching 23 additional doubles finals.
regular-season championships, two tournament championships, and the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament
appearance. He was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year twice, in 2004 and 2005. He finished with a 64–48 overall record.
On August 8, 2006, Denton became the head men's tennis coach at Texas A&M University
. After struggling for two years in Big 12 Conference play, Denton led the Aggies to a 5-1 conference record and 2nd place finish in his third year, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors.
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
player for the ATP Tour. He is currently the head men's tennis coach at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
.
After becoming an all-American at the University of Texas in 1978, Denton spent nine seasons playing for the ATP Tour. He won the 1982 US Open doubles championship with Kevin Curren
Kevin Curren
----Kevin Melvyn Curren is a former professional tennis player. He played in two Grand Slam singles finals and won four Grand Slam doubles titles.-Career:...
, ranking No. 2 in doubles and No. 11 in singles in the world tennis rankings. He won a total of 20 professional doubles titles, and appeared in the singles final of the Australian Open
Australian Open
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court...
in 1981 and 1982. In 1984, his 138 miles per hour (222.1 km/h) serve broke the world record, which would not be broken until 13 years later. After retiring from the pros, he moved to Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. The MSA population in 2008 was 416,376. The population was 305,215 at the 2010 census making it the...
, coaching several local junior tennis teams. In 2001, he debuted his college coaching career at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is a state university located in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States, on Ward Island in Oso Bay. The university is part of the Texas A&M University System...
, where he led his teams to three conference championships and a first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. In 2006, he resigned to become the head coach at Texas A&M University.
For his accomplishments, he is a member of the ITA
Intercollegiate Tennis Association
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association is an organization of 1,500 coaches and 15,000 collegiate tennis players, encompassing more than 1,000 college tennis programs...
Hall of Fame, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, the Blue-Gray Tennis Class Hall of Fame, and the Longhorn Hall of Honor.
High school and college
Denton attended Bishop High School in Bishop, TexasBishop, Texas
Bishop is a city in Nueces County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,305 at the 2000 census, but decreased to 3,126 by 2009. Located on U.S...
. As a prep, he won four consecutive UIL
University Interscholastic League
The University Interscholastic League is an organization that creates rules for and administers almost all athletic, music, and academic contests for public primary and secondary schools in the American state of Texas....
state 3A singles titles. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
, where he played tennis from 1976–79. He earned all-American honors in 1978. Along with teammate Kevin Curren, he won the U.S. Tennis Association amateur indoor and SWC doubles title in 1979. He completed his college career with an 85–22 singles record, which currently ranks third all-time in school history. He also compiled a 72–18 doubles record, and a 78–27 team record. For his collegiate and professional accomplishments, he was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 2006.
Professional
Denton was ranked as high as World No. 12 on the ATP Rankings in singles and No. 5 in doubles. Both rankings came in 1983. Denton was known for his big serve and employed an unusual service motion which involved taking two steps forward prior to striking the ball. Current ATP rules prohibit such a motion (or any service motion involving a running or walking start). In 1984, Denton set a service record of 138 mi/h that would stand for 13 years until it was broken in 1997 by Mark PhilippoussisMark Philippoussis
Mark Anthony Philippoussis is an Australian tennis player. He turned professional in 1994. His father is Greek, while his mother is of Italian ancestry....
who recorded a 142 mi/h delivery. The current record of 156 mi/h is held by Ivo Karlovic
Ivo Karlovic
Ivo Karlović is a Croatian tennis player. He has won four ATP singles titles: three in 2007 and one in 2008. Karlović is the tallest player ever on the ATP Tour at 208 cm . He is a serve-and-volleyer, Karlovic holds the fastest serve recorded in professional tennis, measured at 251 km/h ...
.
He reached six singles finals, most notably the Australian Open (in 1981 and 1982) and the Cincinnati Masters
Cincinnati Masters
The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between...
(in 1982). He also won 18 doubles titles (including the U.S. Open
U.S. Open (tennis)
The US Open, formally the United States Open Tennis Championships, is a hardcourt tennis tournament which is the modern iteration of one of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the U.S. National Championship, which for men's singles was first contested in 1881...
and the Canada Masters
Canada Masters
The Canada Masters , currently sponsored as the Rogers Cup, is an annual tennis tournament held in Canada. The men's competition is a Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour. The women's competition is a Premier 5 tournament on the Women's Tennis Association tour...
) in 1982, and reaching 23 additional doubles finals.
Runner-ups (2)
| Year | Championship | Opponent in Final | Score in Final |
| 1981 | Australian Open Australian Open The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court... |
 Johan KriekJohan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
2–6, 6–7, 7–6, 4–6 |
| 1982 | Australian Open |  Johan Kriek |
3–6, 3–6, 2–6 |
Doubles titles (18)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Partnering | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 1. | 1980 | Denver ATP Denver The Denver Open is a defunct WCT and Grand Prix affiliated tennis tournament played from 1972 to 1982. It was held in Denver, Colorado in the United States and played on indoor carpet courts.... , U.S. |
Carpet | Kevin Curren Kevin Curren ----Kevin Melvyn Curren is a former professional tennis player. He played in two Grand Slam singles finals and won four Grand Slam doubles titles.-Career:... |
 Wojtek Fibak  Heinz GünthardtHeinz Günthardt Heinz Peter Günthardt is a former tennis player from Switzerland, who won five singles titles during his professional career, including the Rotterdam WCT in 1980.... |
7–5, 6–2 |
| 2. | 1980 | Indianapolis, U.S. | Clay | Kevin Curren |
Wojtek Fibak  Ivan LendlIvan Lendl Ivan Lendl is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Lendl became a United States citizen. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980s and remained a top competitor into the early 1990s. He is considered to be one of the greatest tennis... |
3–6, 7–6, 6–4 |
| 3. | 1980 | Barcelona, Spain | Clay | Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Lendl became a United States citizen. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980s and remained a top competitor into the early 1990s. He is considered to be one of the greatest tennis... |
Pavel Složil Pavel Složil Pavel Složil is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia....  Balázs TaróczyBalazs Taroczy Balázs Taróczy is a former tennis player from Hungary, who won thirteen singles titles in his career. The right-hander achieved his highest ranking during the ATP Tour on February 8, 1982, when he became World Number 13. He's a six times Hungarain champion... |
6–2, 6–7, 6–3 |
| 4. | 1980 | Basel Davidoff Swiss Indoors The Swiss Indoors is a professional tennis tournament played on indoor hard courts. Originally an event of the Grand Prix tennis circuit between 1970 and 1989. It is currently part of the World Tour 500 Series of the ATP Tour. It is held annually at the St... , Switzerland |
Hard (i) | Kevin Curren |
Bob Hewitt Bob Hewitt Robert "Bob" Anthony John Hewitt is a former professional male tennis player from Australia... Frew McMillanFrew McMillan Frew Donald McMillan is a former professional male tennis player from South Africa.He won five major doubles championships including three Wimbledons with Bob Hewitt. The most notable aspect of his game was that he had both a two-handed backhand and forehand, which simultaneously increased his... |
6–7, 6–4, 6–4 |
| 5. | 1981 | Monterrey WCT, Mexico | Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Johan Kriek Johan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French...  Russell Simpson |
7–6, 6–3 |
| 6. | 1981 | Indianapolis, U.S. | Clay | Kevin Curren |
 Raúl RamírezRaúl Ramírez Raúl Ramírez is a retired Mexican professional tennis player. He was active during the 1970s and 1980s, and is regarded as one of the great all-around players of the modern era. Ramírez was also the first player to finish first in both singles and doubles Grand Prix point standings, accomplishing... Van WinitskyVan Winitsky Van Winitsky , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Winitsky enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 9 doubles titles and finished runner-up an additional 11 times. Partnering Fritz Buehning in doubles, Winitsky finished... |
6–3, 5–7, 7–5 |
| 7. | 1981 | Vienna BA-CA TennisTrophy The Erste Bank Open is a professional tennis tournament played on indoor hard courts. Originally an event of the Grand Prix tennis circuit . It is currently part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour... , Austria |
Hard (i) | Tim Wilkison Tim Wilkison Tim Wilkison is a former professional male tennis player from the United States.Wilkison was the #1 ranked junior in the United States and went on to play professional tennis for over 25 years. He won 6 singles titles and 9 doubles championships... |
Sammy Giammalva Jr. Fred McNair Fred McNair ----Frederick V. McNair, IV is a former professional tennis player from the United States who reached the World No. 1 doubles ranking in 1976. That year, he teamed up with Sherwood Stewart to capture the men's doubles titles at French Open, the German Open and the Masters... |
4–6, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 8. | 1981 | Stockholm Stockholm Open The If Stockholm Open is a tennis event on the ATP Tour held in Stockholm, Sweden in the end of October or beginning of November each year. The organizer of the tournament is The Royal Lawn Tennis Club of Stockholm.... , Sweden |
Hard (i) | Kevin Curren |
Sherwood Stewart Sherwood Stewart Sherwood Stewart played amateur and professional tennis in the 1970s and 1980s. Stewart was ranked as high as No. 60 in the world in singles on the ATP Rankings on December 31, 1978, and No... Ferdi TayganFerdi Taygan Ferdi Taygan , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Taygan enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 19 doubles titles and finished runner-up an additional 19 times. Partnering Sherwood Stewart, Taygan won the 1982 French Open... |
6–7, 6–4, 6–0 |
| 9. | 1982 | Denver ATP Denver The Denver Open is a defunct WCT and Grand Prix affiliated tennis tournament played from 1972 to 1982. It was held in Denver, Colorado in the United States and played on indoor carpet courts.... , U.S. |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
 Phil DentPhil Dent Phillip "Phil" Dent, born on 14 February 1950, in Sydney, Australia, is a former professional tennis player. Dent's high water mark as a pro singles player was reaching the Australian Open final in 1974, which he lost to Jimmy Connors 7–6, 6–4, 4–6, 6–3... Kim WarwickKim Warwick Kim Warwick is a former Australian professional male tennis player mostly known for his doubles titles with Mark Edmondson, and for reaching the final of the singles Australian Open in 1980... |
6–4, 6–4 |
| 10. | 1982 | Memphis, U.S. | Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Peter Fleming John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
7–6, 4–6, 6–2 |
| 11. | 1982 | Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt Grand Prix (tennis) The Frankfurt Grand Prix was a men's tennis tournament played in Frankfurt, Germany from 1980-1982. The event was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:... |
Carpet | Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... |
Tony Giammalva Tony Giammalva Tony Giammalva , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.During his career he won 4 doubles titles and achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 32 in 1985. His best singles ranking was reached in February, 1981, at World No... Tim MayotteTim Mayotte Timothy "Tim" Mayotte is a former professional tennis player from the United States.- Career :... |
6–7, 6–3, 6–3 |
| 12. | 1982 | Houston River Oaks International Tennis Tournament River Oaks Country Club has played host to the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931. The tournament is the oldest in the country to still be played in its original site, in the original stadium. From the very beginning, the River Oaks International was an amateur tournament, and... , U.S. |
Clay | Kevin Curren |
Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... Peter McNamaraPeter McNamara Peter McNamara is a retired Australian tennis player.He won five singles and nineteen doubles titles during his professional career. A right-hander, McNamara reached his highest singles ATP-ranking on 14 March 1983 when he became World number 7... |
7–5, 6–4 |
| 13. | 1982 | Toronto Canada Masters The Canada Masters , currently sponsored as the Rogers Cup, is an annual tennis tournament held in Canada. The men's competition is a Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour. The women's competition is a Premier 5 tournament on the Women's Tennis Association tour... , Canada |
Hard | Kevin Curren |
Peter Fleming John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
6–7, 7–5, 6–2 |
| 14. | 1982 | U.S. Open, New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... |
Hard | Kevin Curren |
Victor Amaya Victor Amaya Victor Amaya is a former American male professional tour tennis player.The left-handed Amaya's career high ranking was World No. 15, which he attained in June, 1980.... Hank PfisterHank Pfister Hank Pfister is a former tennis player from the United States, who won two singles titles during his professional career... |
6–2, 6–7, 5–7, 6–2, 6–4 |
| 15. | 1983 | Philadelphia U.S. Pro Indoor The U.S. Pro Indoor is a defunct professional tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts, and indoor hard courts... , U.S. |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Peter Fleming John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
6–4, 7–6 |
| 16. | 1983 | Munich WCT Munich WCT The Frankfurt WCT was a men's tennis tournament played in Frankfurt, Germany from 1982-1983. The event was part of the WCT tour and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:... , Germany |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Heinz Günthardt Heinz Günthardt Heinz Peter Günthardt is a former tennis player from Switzerland, who won five singles titles during his professional career, including the Rotterdam WCT in 1980.... Balázs TaróczyBalazs Taroczy Balázs Taróczy is a former tennis player from Hungary, who won thirteen singles titles in his career. The right-hander achieved his highest ranking during the ATP Tour on February 8, 1982, when he became World Number 13. He's a six times Hungarain champion... |
7–5, 2–6, 6–1 |
| 17. | 1983 | Houston WCT River Oaks International Tennis Tournament River Oaks Country Club has played host to the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931. The tournament is the oldest in the country to still be played in its original site, in the original stadium. From the very beginning, the River Oaks International was an amateur tournament, and... , U.S. |
Clay | Kevin Curren |
Mark Dickson Mark Dickson (tennis) Mark Dickson is a former professional tennis player.Playing college tennis at Clemson University, Dickson was selected as the 1982 ITCA Senior Player of the Year. Additionally, he was named All-American in singles in 1980, 1981 and 1982. In 1981 he was also named All-American in doubles.As a tour... Tomáš ŠmídTomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on... |
7–6, 6–7, 6–1 |
| 18. | 1983 | Las Vegas Alan King Tennis Classic The Alan King Tennis Classic was a men's tennis tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1972-1985 and was part of the WCT Tour from 1972 until 1977 then it became part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1978 until 1985, and one of the major ranking tournaments of both tour's it was part of... , U.S. |
Hard | Kevin Curren |
Tracy Delatte Tracy Delatte Tracy Delatte , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Delatte enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 3 doubles titles. He achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 39 in 1984.-Titles :-Runner-ups :-External links:... Johan KriekJohan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
6–3, 7–5 |
Doubles runner-ups (23)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Partnering | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 1. | 1979 | Hong Kong Hong Kong Open (tennis) The Hong Kong Open is a defunct tennis tournament that was held in Hong Kong on the Grand Prix tour from and the ATP Tour from... |
Carpet | Jeff Turpin |
Pat Du Pré Robert Lutz |
3–6, 4–6 |
| 2. | 1980 | Washington-2 Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... , U.S. |
Carpet | Kevin Curren Kevin Curren ----Kevin Melvyn Curren is a former professional tennis player. He played in two Grand Slam singles finals and won four Grand Slam doubles titles.-Career:... |
Ferdi Taygan Ferdi Taygan Ferdi Taygan , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Taygan enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 19 doubles titles and finished runner-up an additional 19 times. Partnering Sherwood Stewart, Taygan won the 1982 French Open... Brian TeacherBrian Teacher Brian David Teacher is a 6' 3" right handed American former professional male tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking World No. 7 in 1981.... |
6–4, 3–6, 6–7 |
| 3. | 1980 | North Conway, U.S. | Clay | Kevin Curren |
Jimmy Connors Jimmy Connors James Scott "Jimmy" Connors is an American former world no. 1 tennis player.... Brian GottfriedBrian Gottfried Brian Edward Gottfried is a retired tennis player from the United States who won 25 singles titles and 54 doubles titles during his professional career. The right-hander reached his highest ranking on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour on June 19, 1977, when he became World No.... |
6–7, 2–6 |
| 4. | 1980 | Bologna ATP Bologna Indoor The Bologna Indoor is a defunct WCT and Grand Prix affiliated tennis tournament played from 1971 to 1981. It was held in Bologna in Italy and played on indoor carpet courts.-Singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , Italy |
Carpet | Paul McNamee Paul McNamee Paul McNamee is a retired Australian tennis player and prominent sports administrator.-Tennis career:... |
Balázs Taróczy Balazs Taroczy Balázs Taróczy is a former tennis player from Hungary, who won thirteen singles titles in his career. The right-hander achieved his highest ranking during the ATP Tour on February 8, 1982, when he became World Number 13. He's a six times Hungarain champion... Butch WaltsButch Walts Butch Walts , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.During his career Walts won 4 singles titles and 15 doubles titles. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 32 in 1979 and a career-high doubles ranking of World No... |
6–2, 3–6, 0–6 |
| 5. | 1981 | Brussels Donnay Indoor Championships The Brussels Indoor was a defunct professional tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at Forest National in Brussels. It was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit initially and later, for three years, the ATP Championship Series of the ATP Tour... , Belgium |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Sandy Mayer Sandy Mayer Alexander "Sandy" Mayer is a former tennis player from the United States, who won ten titles in singles and twenty-four titles in doubles during his professional career. He was part of the winning tennis squad at Stanford University in 1973.... Frew McMillanFrew McMillan Frew Donald McMillan is a former professional male tennis player from South Africa.He won five major doubles championships including three Wimbledons with Bob Hewitt. The most notable aspect of his game was that he had both a two-handed backhand and forehand, which simultaneously increased his... |
6–4, 3–6, 3–6 |
| 6. | 1981 | London/Queen's Club Queen's Club Championships The Queen's Club Championships is an annual tournament for male tennis players, held on grass courts at the Queen's Club in West Kensington, London. Between 1970 and 1989 it was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit. The event is now an ATP World Tour 250 series tournament on the Association of... , England |
Grass | Kevin Curren |
Pat Du Pré Brian Teacher Brian Teacher Brian David Teacher is a 6' 3" right handed American former professional male tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking World No. 7 in 1981.... |
6–3, 6–7, 9–11 |
| 7. | 1982 | Masters Doubles WCT Masters Doubles WCT The Masters Doubles WCT is a defunct WCT Tour affiliated tennis doubles tournament played from 1973 to 1986. It was held in various locations and was played on indoor carpet courts.-Results:-References:*... , London |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Heinz Günthardt Heinz Günthardt Heinz Peter Günthardt is a former tennis player from Switzerland, who won five singles titles during his professional career, including the Rotterdam WCT in 1980.... Balázs TaróczyBalazs Taroczy Balázs Taróczy is a former tennis player from Hungary, who won thirteen singles titles in his career. The right-hander achieved his highest ranking during the ATP Tour on February 8, 1982, when he became World Number 13. He's a six times Hungarain champion... |
7–6, 3–6, 5–7, 4–6 |
| 8. | 1982 | Munich-2 WCT Munich WCT The Frankfurt WCT was a men's tennis tournament played in Frankfurt, Germany from 1982-1983. The event was part of the WCT tour and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:... , Germany |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... Tomáš ŠmídTomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on... |
6–4, 5–7, 2–6 |
| 9. | 1982 | Cincinnati Cincinnati Masters The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between... , U.S. |
Hard | Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... |
Peter Fleming John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
2–6, 3–6 |
| 10. | 1982 | Sydney Indoor ATP Sydney Indoor The Australian Indoor Tennis Championship, or Sydney Indoor for short, was a professional men's tennis tournament was played in Sydney, Australia. The event was played under various names as part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1973 through 1989 and as part of the ATP Tour from 1990 through... , Australia |
Hard (i) | Mark Edmondson |
John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... Peter RennertPeter Rennert Peter Rennert , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Rennert enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 2 doubles titles. He achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 18 in 1983... |
3–6, 6–7 |
| 11. | 1983 | Forest Hills WCT ATP Forest Hills The WCT Tournament of Champions . is a defunct tennis tournament that was held on the WCT Tour from 1977–1990. It was held in Lakeway, Texas in 1977, Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico in 1979, and Forest Hills, New York City from 1980–89.The tournament commenced in early May... , U.S. |
Clay | Kevin Curren |
Tracy Delatte Tracy Delatte Tracy Delatte , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Delatte enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 3 doubles titles. He achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 39 in 1984.-Titles :-Runner-ups :-External links:... Johan KriekJohan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
7–6, 5–7, 3–6 |
| 12. | 1983 | London/Queen's Club Queen's Club Championships The Queen's Club Championships is an annual tournament for male tennis players, held on grass courts at the Queen's Club in West Kensington, London. Between 1970 and 1989 it was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit. The event is now an ATP World Tour 250 series tournament on the Association of... , England |
Grass | Kevin Curren |
Brian Gottfried Brian Gottfried Brian Edward Gottfried is a retired tennis player from the United States who won 25 singles titles and 54 doubles titles during his professional career. The right-hander reached his highest ranking on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour on June 19, 1977, when he became World No.... Paul McNameePaul McNamee Paul McNamee is a retired Australian tennis player and prominent sports administrator.-Tennis career:... |
4–6, 3–6 |
| 13. | 1983 | Dallas, U.S. | Hard | Sherwood Stewart Sherwood Stewart Sherwood Stewart played amateur and professional tennis in the 1970s and 1980s. Stewart was ranked as high as No. 60 in the world in singles on the ATP Rankings on December 31, 1978, and No... |
 Nduka OdizorNduka Odizor Nduka Odizor is a former tennis player from Nigeria, who represented his native country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where he was defeated in the first round by American lucky loser Robert Seguso. The right-hander won one career title in singles and seven doubles titles... Van WinitskyVan Winitsky Van Winitsky , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Winitsky enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 9 doubles titles and finished runner-up an additional 11 times. Partnering Fritz Buehning in doubles, Winitsky finished... |
3–6, 5–7 |
| 14. | 1983 | Tokyo Indoor ATP Tokyo Indoor The Tokyo Indoor was a men's tennis tournament played in Tokyo, Japan. It was one of the most prestigious in terms of prize money available. The event was played as part of the Grand Prix Tennis Tour from 1978 to 1989 and part of the Grand Prix Championship Series, the precursors to the Masters... , Japan |
Carpet | John Fitzgerald |
Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... Sherwood StewartSherwood Stewart Sherwood Stewart played amateur and professional tennis in the 1970s and 1980s. Stewart was ranked as high as No. 60 in the world in singles on the ATP Rankings on December 31, 1978, and No... |
1–6, 4–6 |
| 15. | 1983 | Wembley Wembley Championship The Wembley Championship was a tennis event held from 1934–1990 with some periods of inactivity in between and is considered as a part of the professional grand slam from 1927 - 1967 until the advent of the open era... , England |
Carpet | Sherwood Stewart |
Peter Fleming John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
3–6, 4–6 |
| 16. | 1983 | Australian Open Australian Open The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court... , Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
Grass | Sherwood Stewart |
Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson Mark Edmondson is a former professional Australian male tennis player.... Paul McNameePaul McNamee Paul McNamee is a retired Australian tennis player and prominent sports administrator.-Tennis career:... |
3–6, 6–7 |
| 17. | 1984 | Richmond WCT Richmond WCT The Richmond WCT was a men's tennis tournament played in Richmond, Virginia from 1971-1984. The event was part of the WCT Tour and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , U.S. |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... Patrick McEnroePatrick McEnroe Patrick John McEnroe is a former professional tennis player and the former captain of the United States Davis Cup team.Born in Manhasset, New York, he is the younger brother of John McEnroe... |
6–7, 2–6 |
| 18. | 1984 | Brussels Donnay Indoor Championships The Brussels Indoor was a defunct professional tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at Forest National in Brussels. It was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit initially and later, for three years, the ATP Championship Series of the ATP Tour... , Belgium |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Tim Gullikson Tim Gullikson Timothy Ernest "Tim" Gullikson was a tennis player and coach who was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin in the United States.In 1977, he won three tour singles titles and was named the ATP's Newcomer of the Year... Tom GulliksonTom Gullikson Tom Gullikson is a tennis coach and former professional tennis player from the United States.-Career:... |
4–6, 7–6, 6–7 |
| 19. | 1984 | Milan Internazionali di Lombardia The Milan Indoor is a defunct professional tennis... , Italy |
Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Pavel Složil Pavel Složil Pavel Složil is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia.... Tomáš ŠmídTomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on... |
4–6, 3–6 |
| 20. | 1985 | Memphis, U.S. | Carpet | Kevin Curren |
Pavel Složil Pavel Složil Pavel Složil is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia.... Tomáš ŠmídTomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on... |
6–1, 3–6, 4–6 |
| 21. | 1985 | Atlanta, U.S. | Carpet | Tomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on... |
Paul Annacone Paul Annacone Paul Annacone is a former touring professional tennis player and current well-known tennis coach.-As a college player:... Christo van RensburgChristo Van Rensburg Christo van Rensburg is a former professional tennis player from South Africa.Van Rensburg turned professional in 1983... |
4–6, 3–6 |
| 22. | 1987 | Cincinnati Cincinnati Masters The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between... , U.S. |
Hard | John Fitzgerald |
Ken Flach Ken Flach Kenneth Eliot "Ken" Flach is a former professional tennis player from the United States. A doubles specialist, he won 4 Grand Slam men's doubles titles , and 2 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles... Robert SegusoRobert Seguso Robert Arthur Seguso is a former professional tennis player from the United States. A doubles specialist, he won 4 Grand Slam men's doubles titles . He also won the men's doubles Gold Medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, partnering Ken Flach. Seguso reached the World No... |
5–7, 3–6 |
| 23. | 1988 | Tokyo Outdoor Japan Open Tennis Championships The Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships is a tennis tournament held in Ariake Tennis Forest Park with its center court Ariake Coliseum, located in Kōtō, Tokyo, Japan. The championship includes both men's and women's, as well as singles and doubles competitions... , Japan |
Hard | David Pate David Pate David Pate is a former professional tennis player from the United States who won two singles titles and eighteen doubles titles during his career. He reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 18 on June 8, 1987 and a career-high doubles ranking of No... |
John Fitzgerald Johan Kriek Johan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
4–6, 7–6, 4–6 |
Singles runner-ups (6)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 1. | 1981 | Australian Open Australian Open The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court... , Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
Grass | Johan Kriek Johan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
2–6, 6–7, 7–6, 4–6 |
| 2. | 1982 | Metz Lorraine Open The Lorraine Open is a defunct tennis tournament that was played as part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1979–1989. It was held in Lorraine, one of the 26 regions of France. The venue alternated annually from Lorraine's two main cities of Metz and Nancy, with Nancy hosting odd-numbered years,... , France |
Hard (i) | Erick Iskersky |
4–6, 3–6 |
| 3. | 1982 | Cincinnati Cincinnati Masters The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between... , U.S. |
Hard |  Ivan LendlIvan Lendl Ivan Lendl is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Lendl became a United States citizen. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980s and remained a top competitor into the early 1990s. He is considered to be one of the greatest tennis... |
2–6, 6–7 |
| 4. | 1982 | Australian Open Australian Open The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court... , Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
Grass | Johan Kriek Johan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
3–6, 3–6, 2–6 |
| 5. | 1983 | Richmond WCT Richmond WCT The Richmond WCT was a men's tennis tournament played in Richmond, Virginia from 1971-1984. The event was part of the WCT Tour and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , U.S. |
Carpet |  Guillermo VilasGuillermo Vilas Guillermo Apolinario Vilas is a retired and former World No. 2 professional tennis player from Argentina. He was the second Latin-American to win a Grand Slam tournament.-Career:... |
3–6, 5–7, 4–6 |
| 6. | 1984 | Richmond WCT Richmond WCT The Richmond WCT was a men's tennis tournament played in Richmond, Virginia from 1971-1984. The event was part of the WCT Tour and was held on indoor carpet courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , U.S. |
Carpet | John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
3–6, 6–7 |
Coaching career
Denton made his first head coaching debut at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi in 2001. In his five seasons there, he led the Islanders to three Southland ConferenceSouthland Conference
The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision...
regular-season championships, two tournament championships, and the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament
NCAA Men's Tennis Championship
The NCAA Men's Tennis Championships are held to crown a team, individual, and doubles champion in American college tennis. The first intercollegiate championship was held in 1883, 23 years before the founding of the NCAA, with Harvard's Joseph Clark taking the singles title...
appearance. He was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year twice, in 2004 and 2005. He finished with a 64–48 overall record.
On August 8, 2006, Denton became the head men's tennis coach at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
. After struggling for two years in Big 12 Conference play, Denton led the Aggies to a 5-1 conference record and 2nd place finish in his third year, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors.