Ashley Cooper (tennis)

Ashley John Cooper (born 15 September 1936) is a former Australian tennis player who achieved significant success in the late 1950s. He is best known for winning three of the four Grand Slam singles titles in 1958.

Cooper began playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the Australian junior circuit. His aggressive serve-and-volley style of play proved particularly effective on grass courts.

In 1957, Cooper reached the final of the Australian Championships, losing to Neale Fraser. However, 1958 proved to be his banner year. He won the Australian Championships (defeating Malcolm Anderson in the final), Wimbledon (defeating Neale Fraser), and the U.S. Championships (defeating Malcolm Anderson again). He was runner-up at the French Championships, losing to Mervyn Rose. This near-Grand Slam performance solidified his place as one of the top players in the world.

In addition to his singles success, Cooper also excelled in doubles. He won the Australian Championships doubles title in 1958 with Neale Fraser.

After turning professional in 1959, Cooper joined the professional tennis circuit. He found some success as a professional, though he did not achieve the same level of dominance he had enjoyed as an amateur. He retired from professional tennis in the early 1960s.

Ashley Cooper was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991. He is remembered as a skilled and determined player who left a lasting mark on Australian tennis history. His 1958 season is considered one of the most impressive single-year performances in the history of the sport.