Jim Thomas (tennis)

Jim Thomas (born September 24, 1974 in Canton, Ohio) is a professional American tennis player. His highest ATP singles ranking is 288th, which he reached on November 2, 1998. His career high in doubles was at 29 set at August 21, 2006.

He began playing tennis at age three and is the youngest of six children (four brothers, one sister). He has 16 nephews and nieces and considers his parents most inspirational people in his life. His father is a doctor and his mother is a teacher.

Favourite players he enjoyed watching while growing up were John McEnroe and Boris Becker. Jim played four years at Stanford University from 1992-96 and earned a degree in American Studies before turning pro. He also earned All-American honours during his senior year and was a member of NCAA team champions in 1995-96.

If he wasn't playing tennis, he says he would be "a representative in Ohio State Congress" because he is interested in national and international politics. He is involved with Victory Gallop in Bath, Ohio, an equestrian therapy organisation for at-risk children. He considers hard courts to be his favourite surface.

His career best effort at a Slam was the 2005 US Open where he and Paul Goldstein made the semi-finals. He has 6 ATP titles to his name: 2007 - Newport (w/Kerr), 2006 - Pörtschach (w/Hanley), 2005 - Newport (w/Kerr), 2004 - Indianapolis (w/Kerr), 2004 - Newport (w/Kerr) 2001 - Auckland (w/Barnard).

External links

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* Official Jim Thomas Website: http://www.jimthomas.cjb.net