July 18,2026

On This Date In Kentucky Tennis History

July 17, 1988

YANCEY AND POTTER WIN US NATIONAL 18 CLAY COURT DOUBLES. YANCEY IS ALSO SINGLES FINALIST

The Boys 18 National Clay Courts were held annually in Louisville Kentucky. They were run with distinction by Sam English. The event was a fixture on the US Junior national schedule.

Kentucky was well represented on championship Sunday in 1988. John Yancey was a member US NATIONAL team when he reached the singles final. Yancey would start his college career at Kentucky one month later. He lost in the finals to soon to be Texas Longhorn Steve Bryan.

Later that day, Yancey reached the doubles final with fellow Kentucky recruit Andy Potter. They defeated Bryan

and Alex O'Brien before a packed house of wildcat fans. Yancey and Potter were both all Americans at Kentucky. Bryan was an All-American at Texas. Alex O'Brien led his Stanford team to multiple NCAA championships and was also in all American.

This event showcased how the wildcat program was on the rise to the home state fans. With Potter and Yancey and the rest of the recruiting class, the Wildcats would reach the elite eight and win an SEC championship in the 1991 and 92 seasons.

Sam Stinnett Michael Hopkinson Georgia Culley