Mel Baleson is a South African former professional tennis player.
| Country (sports) |  South Africa |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 6–13 |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| French Open | Q3 (1970) |
| Wimbledon | Q2 (1969) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 2–3 |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Wimbledon | 1R (1970) |
| Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
| Wimbledon | 2R (1968, 1970) |
A native of Johannesburg, Baleson featured in doubles main draws at Wimbledon and played collegiate tennis for the University of Nevada, Reno. He won the WCAC singles championship as a freshman, then had a sit out his sophomore and junior seasons due to an NCAA rule change, before returning as a senior in 1974.[1][2]
Baleson and his cousin Glenn Grisillo set a Guinness World Record in 1971 for the longest continuous tennis match, at 73 hours and 25 minutes, to raise funds for the University of Nevada.[3]
References
edit- ^ Parrish, Kevin (10 August 1974). "Marathoner Mel Baleson after new tennis career". Reno Gazette-Journal.
- ^ Arnopole, Bill (10 May 1975). "Mel Baleson head pro at Moana West". Reno Gazette-Journal.
- ^ "73 Hours of Tennis - Who Won?". Oakland Tribune. 10 May 1971.