Chuck McKinley is remembered as an undersized, hard-working dynamo, whose relentless effort and competitive spirit led American tennis to the top of the sport during a period heavily dominated by Australians.
14 Facts About Chuck McKinley
2.
Chuck McKinley paired with Dennis Ralston to win the 1963 Davis Cup, the only interruption in eight unbroken years of Australian dominance.
3.
Chuck McKinley paired with Ralston to win the US Men's Doubles championships in 1961,1963, and 1964.
4.
Chuck McKinley was born in St Louis, Missouri, the son of a local pipe fitter, and grew up in a 'rough neighborhood' on the north side of town.
5.
Chuck McKinley soon became so good that Price advised him to quit all other sports and concentrate on tennis.
6.
In 1960 Chuck McKinley enrolled at Trinity University where he joined Frank Froehling, another leading American player, under the tutelage of coach Clarence Mabry, who coached John Newcombe and other professionals.
7.
Chuck McKinley won the US Men's Clay Court Championships in 1962 and 1963, defeating Fred Stolle and Dennis Ralston in the respective finals.
8.
In 1962 and 1964, Chuck McKinley was victorious in the singles event at the US National Indoor Championships.
9.
In 1963, with Laver in the professional ranks, Chuck McKinley won Wimbledon without losing a set.
10.
Chuck McKinley was helped in this by the fact that favorite Roy Emerson was eliminated by little known German Wilhelm Bungert.
11.
Chuck McKinley's nerves are as taut as the strings of his racket.
12.
Chuck McKinley died in 1986 in Dallas, Texas of a brain tumor at the age of 45.
13.
Chuck McKinley has been elected to the Trinity University Hall of Fame and to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
14.
Chuck McKinley did not use off speed shots but relied instead on a power game.