Name John Bartlett | Role Tennis | |
John Bartlett was born John David Bartlett on 17 March 1948 in Woonona, NSW, Australia. John Bartlett was an Australian Davis Cup Squad Member and top ten player in the 1970s. His career highlights include winning the "All Japan Indoors" in 1969 and the Egyptian Open Doubles with John Marks and twice qualifying for the ATP World Doubles Finals. He also has wins over many top players including Arthur Ashe, a famous African American player. Bartlett, a right-handed player, was an original member of the ATP and in the 1970s an action photo of him playing was included into the International Hall Of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Bartlett was also the first Yonex contract Professional. After retiring from his tennis career, Bartlett has involved himself in the following ventures;
Bartlett headed up a program for the ATP in 1979 to introduce prize money into the qualifying events in Europe. Partnered by his wife, they organised over $100,000 in prize money by switching the qualifying events to other towns 50 km away. This has led to many ATP tournaments being formed. John Bartlett was also the SE Asian Manager and Australian director for Penn Racquet Sports. Bartlett developed and distributed his own tennis ball "The Bartlett Tennis Ball" before encountering political difficulties with Tennis Australia. Bartlett currently is working as tennis analyst for SEN Sports Radio Melbourne and also headed up their live commentary team for the 2011 Australian Open.