MaliVai Washington
MaliVai Washington ( born June 20, 1969 in Glen Cove, Long Iceland, New York ) is a former American professional tennis player. His sister Mashona Washington was also active as a professional tennis player.
Life
At age five he began the sport of tennis. He attended the University of Michigan and was elected twice in the Best All American selection. In 1989, he became a professional. His first title was in 1992 Washington win in Memphis. During his career he won a total of four individual tournaments, his best finish in the tennis world ranking he reached in 1993 with 11 position
His biggest success at a Grand Slam tournament he celebrated in 1996 with the entry into the finals of Wimbledon. After victories among other things, Thomas Enqvist, Paul Haarhuis and Todd Martin was defeated Dutchman Richard Krajicek in three sets. In addition, he was in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open as well as at the French Open and the U.S. Open in the second round respectively. His best result in the doubles competition was the entry into the third round at the U.S. Open in 1991.
Washington played between 1993 and 1997 for the U.S. Davis Cup team and played five singles, three of which he could decide for themselves. In the 2:3 defeat in 1996 against the Czech Republic in the semifinals of the World Group, he lost both games ( against Daniel Vacek and Petr Korda ). At the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, he went to the United States in singles and in doubles. With a victory over the Mexican Mating double he achieved with Andre Agassi the second round, where they eliminated against the South African Wayne Ferreira and Marcos Ondruska. In individual was in the quarterfinals to eventual silver medal winner Sergi Bruguera conclusion.
Washington finished his career in 1999 due to a lengthy knee injury he had sustained in a Davis Cup match against Gustavo Kuerten in 1997. He is married and has two children.