Country (sports) Japan Name Zenzo Shimizu Turned pro 1920 WHCC QF (1920) Retired 1924 | US Open QF (1922) Wimbledon F (1920) Role Tennis Player Highest ranking No. | |
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Born 25 March 1891
Misato, Gunma, Japan ( 1891-03-25 ) Plays Right-handed (1-handed backhand) College Tokyo Higher Commerce School Died April 12, 1977, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan | ||
Education Hitotsubashi University | ||
Zenzo Shimizu (清水善造, also spelt Zenzo Shimidzu, 25 March 1891 – 12 April 1977) was a male tennis player from Japan.
Shimizu graduated from the Tokyo Higher Commerce School (now Hitotsubashi University). He reached the All-Comers final of the Wimbledon Championships in 1920, where he lost to Bill Tilden 4–6, 4–6, 11-13. At the 1921 Wimbledon Championships he reached the semifinal which he lost to Manuel Alonso in five sets. He also was a member of Japan's Davis Cup team that finished second to United States in 1921. In 1921 he won the singles title at the Queen's Club Championships by defeating Mohammed Sleem in the final in straight sets. He established the earliest period of Japanese tennis together with Ichiya Kumagae.
Shimizu was ranked World No. 4 by A. Wallis Myers of The Daily Telegraph in 1921.
Playing style
Shimizu was mainly a baseline player. His forehand grip was described as 'faulty' but nevertheless his passing shots, which he hit low and with topspin, were judged as excellent. Shimizu's backhand was orthodox and played with force from the baseline. His service was hit at shoulder height with precision and reverse twist but without great speed. His forehand volleys were comparatively weak but his backhand volleys and his smash were first-class. In his book The Art of Lawn Tennis Bill Tilden describes Shimuzu as a baseline player and marvelous court coverer with an uncanny accuracy in his shots. In comparing Shimuzu to his countryman Kumagae he states that Shimizu had a superior backhand and low volleying skills but lacked Kumagae's forehand drive and had a weaker service. Their high volleying skills and overheads were judged equal.