Alvin Gardiner

Alvin Gardiner (born 11 February 1951) is a former professional tennis player from Australia.

Career

Gardiner was a quarter-finalist in the men's doubles at the 1968 Australian Open with Ross Case.

He continued to compete in every Australian Open until 1973, when he suffered began to suffer a series of injuries and illnesses. It started with a season ending collarbone injury, a break that required a bone graft operation in London. When he returned to action he caught glandular fever and then midway through 1974 pulled a back muscle. He made a comeback in 1975 and won the Irish Open that year, over Rhodesian player Tony Fawcett.

During his career he also featured in the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open tournaments. He was John McEnroe's first ever opponent in a Grand Slam singles main draw. They met in the first round of the 1977 French Open and the American qualifier won the match in straight sets. At the same tournament, Gardiner partnered Paul McNamee in the men's doubles. He made the second round of the Australian Open twice, the last of which was in 1979, when he lost to eventual champion Guillermo Vilas.

Personal life

Gardiner was born in Tara, Queensland, to Ann, a schoolteacher, and Fred, a grazier who became an artist known for his wood sculptures.

He is involved with coaching in the Toowoomba region.

In 2017 Gardiner published a book on his tennis career titled Aussie Journeyman: Memoir of a Touring Tennis Professional.