PETE ZIEBRON
As host of The Dennis Ralston Show in 2017 and 2018, I had the unique opportunity to discuss the current status of tennis as well as ask questions regarding stories from the past with Dennis Ralston. These stories included his playing days as well as coaching Davis Cup teams and Chris Evert, Gabriela Sabatini, Yannick Noah and Roscoe Tanner.
Today, in Austin, Texas at age 78, Dennis departed the earth to be with the Lord.
Dennis won five major doubles titles in his storied career and reached the Wimbledon singles final in 1966.
My favorite segment of The Dennis Ralston Show was when I was able to ask questions in the "Dennis Remembers" portion. Winning the Davis Cup as a player in 1963 was certainly a career highlight and achievement, however the best stories came from 1968-1972. During these first four years, Ralston led the United States to four consecutive Davis Cup triumphs as the Coach of the squad. The following year, Ralston served as Captain and the USA won yet again, for the fifth straight year.
Ironically, my late Father, who attended one of Nick Bollettieri's first tennis camps in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1969, was on hand to watch the United States win the Davis Cup Finals in Cleveland in both 1969 and 1970. Several times in my younger years, I would hear these stories of when Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith defeated Ion Tiriac and Illie Nastase of Romania in 1969 as well as when Ashe and Cliff Richey defeated West Germany in 1970.
Dennis, I am so glad and honored to have hosted your tennis show not long ago. Rest in Peace.
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