UCLA Remembers Former Men’s Tennis Standout Tony Graham

Tony Graham, who starred for the UCLA men’s tennis team from 1976-78, passed away Tuesday at the age of 66.

Graham was a two-time All-American under head coach Glenn Bassett and member of the 1976 NCAA championship team. Graham went on to become a team captain for the 1978 Bruins, who achieved runner-up status at the year-end tournament. Across his three seasons on the team, UCLA registered a record of 59-6 and never finished lower than third nationally.

An All-American in both 1977 and 1978, Graham earned spots in the NCAA singles and doubles draws both years. In 1977, a 12th-seeded Graham reached the singles final round before falling to No. 1-seed Matt Mitchell of Stanford in four sets. Graham would also reach the doubles semifinals alongside Jon Paley.

Graham went on to a successful professional career, reaching No. 100 in the world for singles in 1980. He qualified for the Australian Open and Wimbledon the same year, and also made the US Open field in 1978. On the doubles side, Graham achieved a career-best ranking of No. 88 in 1981. He won two professional tournaments. In 1980, Graham paired with former UCLA teammate Bruce Nichols to seize the Lagos Open title. Then, in 1981, Graham and Mitchell took the top prize at the Hawaii Open. Graham made the doubles draw at all four Grand Slams.