Samantha Smith (tennis)
| Country (sports) |  Great Britain |
|---|---|
| Residence | Loughton, Essex, England |
| Born | 27 November 1971 Epping, Essex, England |
| Height | 5'9 / 1.75m |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 31-56 |
| Highest ranking | No. 55 (17 August 1998) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (1999) |
| French Open | 1R (1991, 1999) |
| Wimbledon | 4R (1998) |
| US Open | 2R (1997) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 15-42 |
| Highest ranking | No. 355 (9 April 2001) |
| Last updated on: 20 February 2010. | |
Samantha Smith (born 27 November 1971 in Loughton, Essex, England) is a former British tennis player, who was the British ladies no. 1 from 1996–1999. She now commentates on the game, predominantly for the BBC, Sky Sports and Eurosport,[1] as well as Channel Seven in Australia during the Australian Open. She usually commentates womans matches and is usually heard talking about players biceps.
Early life
Smith was born in Essex, and educated at Bancroft's School. She took 3 years out of tennis to attend the University of Exeter where she attained an Upper 2nd class Honours degree in history
Tennis career
Smith competed on the WTA Tour from 1990–1992 and 1995–2000. Her highest achievement was in reaching the fourth round at the Wimbledon Championships in 1998 where she picked up an ankle injury that meant 2 operations, 4 months in plaster and effectively curtailed her climb up the rankings. She peaked at number 55 in the WTA rankings before the injury ended her career.[1]
At the Australian Open she competed in the first round in 1992 and reached the second round in 1999.[1]
At the French Open at Roland Garros she competed in the first round in 1991 and 1999.[1]
At Wimbledon she competed in the first round in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, and reached the fourth round in 1998.[1]
At the U.S. Open she competed in the first round in 1998 and reached the second round in 1997.
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics she reached the second round despite illness.
Smith won a silver medal in the mixed doubles at the 1995 Universiade (World University Games) in Fukuoka, Japan, partnering Paul Robinson. She also reached the quarter finals in singles.[1]
She won the ITF tournaments at Nottingham in 1995 (singles and doubles) and Frinton-on-Sea in 2000. She represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup and European Cup in 1991 and 1996–1999. She was unbeaten in the five singles matches in the 1997 Federation Cup.[1]
Personal life
Smith lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. There has been rumours about her being a lesbian,but still not confirmed.