Mel Baleson is a South African former professional tennis player.

Mel Baleson
Country (sports) South Africa
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Singles
Career record6–13
Grand Slam singles results
French OpenQ3 (1970)
WimbledonQ2 (1969)
Doubles
Career record2–3
Grand Slam doubles results
Wimbledon1R (1970)
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
Wimbledon2R (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

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  1. ^ Parrish, Kevin (10 August 1974). "Marathoner Mel Baleson after new tennis career". Reno Gazette-Journal.
  2. ^ Arnopole, Bill (10 May 1975). "Mel Baleson head pro at Moana West". Reno Gazette-Journal.
  3. ^ "73 Hours of Tennis - Who Won?". Oakland Tribune. 10 May 1971.
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