Introduction
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.
Career
Harris’ early years were spent under the guidance of J Hildebrands (Snr), before being coached by Harry Hopman and trained by Stan Nicholes. Both Hopman and Nicholes were involved in the Australian Davis Cup team at the time. 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.
Harris 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.
Harris won the final of the 1972 Australian Open Women's Doubles tournament partnered by Helen Gourlay, beating Patricia Coleman-Clegg and Karen Krantzcke. In the women's singles, seeded number 6, she reached the semi-final, beating third seed Gail Chanfreau in the quarterfinal in straight sets, before losing to second seed and 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.
Harris had wins in her career over Margaret Court, Nancy Gunter, 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
Doubles (1 title, 3 runner-ups)
| Outcome | Year | Championship | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner-up | 1971 | French Open | Clay | Helen Gourlay | Françoise Dürr Gail Chanfreau |
4–6, 1–6 |
| Winner | 1972 | Australian Open | Grass | Helen Gourlay | Patricia Coleman Karen Krantzcke |
6–0, 6–4 |
| Runner-up | 1973 | Australian Open | Grass | Kerry Melville | Margaret Court Virginia Wade |
4–6, 4–6 |
| Runner-up | 1974 | Australian Open | Grass | Kerry Melville | Evonne Goolagong Peggy Michel |
5–7, 3–6 |
Other tournaments
Doubles (6 titles)
| Outcome | Year | Tournament | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | 1971 | Newport (Wales) | Grass | Helen Gourlay | Gail Chanfreau Winnie Shaw |
6–3, 8–6 |
| Winner | 1971 | Cincinnati (USA) | Clay | Helen Gourlay | Gail Chanfreau Winnie Shaw |
6–4, 6–4 |
| Winner | 1972 | Tucson (USA) | Hard | Karen Krantzcke | Judy Tegart Dalton Françoise Dürr |
6–3, 6–7, 6–3 |
| Winner | 1973 | Phoenix (USA) | Hard | Kerry Melville | Rosemary Casals Billie Jean King |
6–4, 6–4 |
| Winner | 1973 | Honolulu (USA) | Hard | Kerry Melville | Helen Gourlay Karen Krantzcke |
6–3, 3–6, 6–3 |
| Winner | 1974 | Mission Viejo (USA) | Hard | Lesley Hunt | Chris Evert Billie Jean King |
7–5, 6–4 |
Singles (1 title, 4 runner-ups)
| Outcome | Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner-up | 1969 | Victoria (Australia) | Grass | Margaret Court | 6–1, 6–4 |
| Runner-up | 1972 | Adelaide (Australia) | Grass | Evonne Goolagong | 6–1, 6–2 |
| Runner-up | 1973 | Philadelphia (USA) | Hard | Margaret Court | 6–1, 6–0 |
| Runner-up | 1974 | Perth (Australia) | Grass | Evonne Goolagong | 7–5, 6–1 |
| Winner | 1971 | Essex Championships (UK) | Grass | Helen Gourlay | 6–2, 6–4. |