Kerry Harris (born 19 September 1949) is an Australian former professional tennis player, active from 1967 to 1975, who reached the semi-final of the 1972 Australian Open, and reached four Grand Slam doubles finals, of which she won one, in the 1972 Australian Open.

Kerry Harris
Harris in 1969
Country (sports) Australia
ResidencePerth, Western Australia
Born (1949-09-19) 19 September 1949 (age 75)
Melbourne, Australia
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
PlaysRight-handed
Singles
Grand Slam singles results
Australian OpenSF (1972), QF(1973)
French Open3R (1968)
Wimbledon4R (1969, 1972)
US Open3R (1971)
Doubles
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian OpenW (1972), F (1973), F (1974)
French OpenF (1971)

Career

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Kerry's early years were spent under the guidance of J Hildebrands (Snr), before being coached by Harry Hopman and trained by Stan Nicholes. In 1968, Harris started on the International tour, the first year in the open era, and she was chosen to be a part of Lawn Tennis Association of Australia's Touring Team with Harry Hopman as manager. She later was coached by Merv Rose.

Kerry first reached a Grand Slam final in the 1971 French Open Women's Doubles, partnering Helen Gourlay, which they lost in two sets to defending champions Françoise Dürr and Gail Chanfreau.

Kerry won the final of the 1972 Australian Open Women's Doubles tournament partnered with Helen Gourlay, beating Patricia Coleman-Clegg and Karen Krantzcke. In the women's singles, seeded number 6, she reached the semifinals, losing to eventual champion Virginia Wade in three sets.

She reached the women's doubles final of the 1973 Australian Open and 1974 Australian Open partnering Kerry Melville on both occasions. In 1973, Margaret Court and Virginia Wade won the final, and in 1974, Evonne Goolagong and Peggy Michel won.

Kerry had wins in her career over Margaret Court, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Judy Dalton, Wendy Turnbull, Betty Stöve, and Francoise Durr. She was described as an athletic player, with a very powerful serve-and-volley game. She was praised for her good temperament on and off the court.

After her tennis career ended, she became a tennis coach.

Grand Slam finals

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Doubles (1 title, 3 runner-ups)

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Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Loss 1971 French Open Clay   Helen Gourlay   Françoise Dürr
  Gail Chanfreau
4–6, 1–6
Win 1972 Australian Open Grass   Helen Gourlay   Patricia Coleman
  Karen Krantzcke
6–0, 6–4
Loss 1973 Australian Open Grass   Kerry Melville   Margaret Court
  Virginia Wade
4–6, 4–6
Loss 1974 Australian Open Grass   Kerry Melville   Evonne Goolagong
  Peggy Michel
5–7, 3–6

Other tournaments

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Singles (1 title, 4 runner-ups)

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Result Year Tournament Surface Opponent Score
Loss 1969 Victoria (Australia) Grass   Margaret Court 6–1, 6–4
Win 1971 Essex Championships (UK) Grass   Helen Gourlay 6–2, 6–4.
Loss 1972 Adelaide (Australia) Grass   Evonne Goolagong 6–1, 6–2
Loss 1973 Philadelphia (USA) Hard   Margaret Court 6–1, 6–0
Loss 1973 Perth (Australia) Grass   Evonne Goolagong 7–5, 6–1

Doubles (7 titles)

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Result Year Tournament Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1969 Cincinnati (USA) Clay   Valerie Ziegenfuss   Emilie Burrer
  Pam Richmond
6–3, 9–7
Win 1971 Newport (Wales) Grass   Helen Gourlay   Gail Chanfreau
  Winnie Shaw
6–3, 8–6
Win 1971 Cincinnati (USA) Clay   Helen Gourlay   Gail Chanfreau
  Winnie Shaw
6–4, 6–4
Win 1972 Tucson (USA) Hard   Karen Krantzcke   Judy Tegart Dalton
  Françoise Dürr
6–3, 6–7, 6–3
Win 1973 Phoenix (USA) Hard   Kerry Melville   Rosemary Casals
  Billie Jean King
6–4, 6–4
Win 1973 Honolulu (USA) Hard   Kerry Melville   Helen Gourlay
  Karen Krantzcke
6–3, 3–6, 6–3
Win 1974 Mission Viejo (USA) Hard   Lesley Hunt   Chris Evert
  Billie Jean King
7–5, 6–4
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