Kevin Ullyett (born 23 May 1972 in Salisbury, now Harare) is a former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe. His primary success on the tour was in men's doubles.
Ullyett won 34 doubles titles during his career, including two Grand Slams at the 2001 US Open and the 2005 Australian Open with countryman Wayne Black. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, coming in at fifth place in 2004 with Black. In mixed doubles, Ullyett won the 2002 Australian Open with Daniela Hantuchová. He reached the final of Wimbledon in 2002 with Hantuchová, and the semifinals there in 2003 and 2005 with Hantuchová and Liezel Huber, respectively. He and Huber were also the runners-up at the 2005 Australian Open.
Black, Ullyett's compatriot and long-time doubles partner, retired at the end of 2005. He then played with Paul Hanley for two seasons, then with Jonas Björkman, who retired at the end of 2008, and finally with Brazilian Bruno Soares.
His father, Robert Ullyett, represented Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) at cricket and field hockey. He was part of the national team that competed at the 1964 Olympics (they beat New Zealand 2–1 and came 11th out of 15).
He made his final tennis appearance at the South African Open in February 2010 (partnering with Wesley Moodie) eighteen years after he first appeared there in 1992 competing in his first ATP Tour event. He had over 500 career wins.
He lives with his wife and two children in London. Their first child, Jemima, was born in 2005. He hopes for a career in property development after tennis.
Famous quotes containing the word kevin:
“Well, on the official record youre my son. But on this post youre just another trooper. You heard me tell the recruits what I need from them. Twice that I will expect from you.... Youve chosen my way of life. I hope you have the guts enough to endure it. But put outa your mind any romantic ideas that its a way to glory. Its a life of suffering and of hardship and uncompromising devotion to your oath and your duty.”
—James Kevin McGuinness, and John Ford. Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke (John Wayne)