Born: 1964
Biography:
Beatriz Gigi Fernández, born on February 22, 1964, is a Puerto Rican former professional tennis player who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her exceptional skills on the doubles court, Fernández amassed an impressive career that includes 17 major doubles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a stint as the world No. 1 in doubles. Her contributions to women’s tennis and her dedication to her craft have solidified her place in the history of the sport.
Fernández’s career as a professional tennis player spanned from 1983 to 1997, when she retired at the age of 33. During this time, she showcased her remarkable talent and passion for the game, establishing herself as one of the most formidable doubles players of her era. With her exceptional technique, strategic thinking, and relentless drive, Fernández continuously pushed the boundaries of her abilities, achieving remarkable success throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Fernández was widely recognized as a doubles specialist. She secured a career doubles Grand Slam, conquering 17 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. Among these victories, she triumphed at six French Open tournaments, five US Open events, four Wimbledon championships, and two Australian Open competitions. From 1988 to 1997, with the exception of 1989, Fernández won at least one Grand Slam title every year, an impressive feat that demonstrated her unwavering consistency and dominance in women’s doubles.
Fernández’s most successful partnership was with Natasha Zvereva, with whom she won 14 of her 17 Grand Slam titles. Their collaboration is considered the second most successful doubles pair in the Open era, only surpassed by the iconic duo of Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver. Their formidable teamwork and relentless pursuit of excellence paved the way for numerous victories and solidified their place in tennis history.
In addition to her success in women’s doubles, Fernández also had an impressive run in mixed doubles. In 1995, she reached the final in three out of the four Grand Slam mixed doubles events. Teaming up with Cyril Suk, Fernández came agonizingly close to claiming the coveted title at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Although the pair narrowly missed out on these victories, their remarkable performances served as a testament to Fernández’s versatility and skill on the court.
Fernández’s achievements extended beyond the professional circuit. She proudly represented the United States at the Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona and in 1996 in Atlanta. Teaming up with Mary Joe Fernández, she secured the gold medal in women’s doubles on both occasions. The first gold medal victory was particularly memorable, as they faced off against the home team of Conchita Martínez and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, with the king and queen of Spain in the audience. Their triumph was a shining moment in Fernández’s career, and she proudly displays both Olympic gold medals on her desk, a constant reminder of her incredible achievements.
Fernández’s impact on the sport of tennis was not limited to her on-court performances. She used her knowledge and experience to inspire and educate tennis enthusiasts throughout the United States. As a coach and entrepreneur, Fernández conducted Master Doubles with Gigi Clinics and Doubles Boot Camps, sharing her expertise and love for the game with aspiring players. Her dedication to passing on her knowledge and helping others reach their full potential is a testament to her passion for the sport and her desire to contribute to its growth.
In recognition of her remarkable career and significant contributions to the sport, Fernández became the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor solidifies her place among the tennis greats and serves as a celebration of her enduring legacy.
Awards:
– International Tennis Hall of Fame induction (first Puerto Rican to receive this honor)