Paul Gerken

Paul Gerken (born March 15, 1950) is a former professional tennis player from the United States.

Early life and career Gerken was born in New York but his family moved to Norwalk, Connecticut a year after his birth. When he was only 14 he was the top ranked junior in New England for the 16-year-old age division. In 1968 he was called up to the American junior Davis Cup team. He was the third ranked junior in the country at the time. He was runner-up to Dick Stockton at the Orange Bowl 18s in 1968. A student at Norwalk High School, he won the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference singles championship in 1967 and 1968.

College years Gerken attended Stanford University on a tennis scholarship and while there was an All-American college player. He later transferred to Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, where he played beside Dick Stockton and Brian Gottfried. Gerken was also an All-American at Trinity University and was a member of the team which won the NCAA Championship in 1972. He also reached the NCAA doubles final that year.

Professional career Gerken competed in the main singles draw at the US Open every year from 1968 to 1975, as well as in 1977. He appeared three times in both the French Open and Wimbledon Championships.

Coaching Gerken was the head tennis coach for the men's team at Columbia University from 1979 to 1982. He continued to coach in the New England area until 2011.

Paul Gerken was also the Head Tennis Professional at the Westside Tennis Club in Forest Hills NY

Grand Prix/WCT career finals

Singles: 2 (0–2)

Doubles: 4 (0–4)