Personal

The youngest, by a decade, of seven siblings... Parents (both dec.) were Ulysees, a postman who passed away when Zina was six months old, and Mary, a nurse’s aide... Began playing tennis at age 10, at MacGregor Park in Houston, where she befriended fellow future pro Lori McNeil; John Wilkerson, director of the junior program, became their long term coach... Skipped her high school graduation ceremony in order to compete in her first tournament as a professional at Roland Garros, where she advanced to quarterfinals... Awarded WTA Newcomer of the Year for 1982... Famously became the last player to defeat Chris Evert, in the quarterfinals of the 1989 US Open... At 1990 Wimbledon, became the first black woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Althea Gibson, 32 years prior – defeated Graf and Seles en route (l. Navratilova)... Founded the Zina Garrison Foundation for the Homeless in 1988, and the Zina Garrison All-Court Tennis Program, which gives inner-city children the opportunity to build self-esteem and learn about themselves through tennis, in 1992... Continues to enjoy visiting schools to give motivational talks to youngsters... Appointed captain of the US Billie Jean King Cup team in December 2003, holding the position for five years... Served as a member of the United States President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports... Advocate on mental health and eating disorders... Became tennis director for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department in 2022... Served as a Legend Ambassador at the 2022 WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.

Career Highlights

SINGLES
Winner (14): 1995 - Birmingham; 1993 - Oklahoma City, Budapest; 1992 - Oklahoma City; 1990 - Birmingham; 1989 - Oakland, Chicago, Newport; 1987 - Sydney, San Francisco; 1986 - Indianapolis; 1985 - Amelia Island, European Indoors; 1984 - European Indoors.

DOUBLES
Winner (20): 1994 - Birmingham (w/Neiland); 1993 - Chicago (w/K. Adams), Oklahoma City (w/Fendick), Zurich (w/Navratilova); 1991 - Miami (w/MJ Fernandez); 1990 - Washington, DC (w/Navratilova), San Diego (w/Fendick), Filderstadt (w/MJ Fernandez); 1989 - Houston (w/K. Adams), Tokyo [Pan Pacific] (w/K. Adams), Eastbourne (w/K. Adams); 1988 - Tokyo Doubles Championships (w/K. Adams), Boca Raton (w/K. Adams), Houston (w/K. Adams), Amelia Island (w/Pfaff), Olympics (w/Shriver); 1987 - Canadian Open (w/McNeil), New Orleans (w/McNeil); 1986 - Canadian Open (w/Sabatini), Indianapolis (w/McNeil).

MIXED DOUBLES
Winner (3): 1990 - Wimbledon (w/Leach); 1988 - Wimbledon (w/Stewart); 1987 - Australian Open (w/Stewart).

ADDITIONAL
United States Fed Cup Team 1984-87, 1989-91, 1994. United States Wightman Cup Team 1987-88. United States Olympic Team 1988, 1992.

Career in Review