WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Tom Okker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arthur Ashe's historical triumph as the first black player to win a major tennis tournament overshadowed Tom Okker's appearance in the inaugural US Open final in 1968 but for the loser, who remains the finest player his country has produced, the occasion prefaced five years in the world's top five.
The Flying Dutchman, as he became known, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals 10 years later before retiring in 1981, aged 37, having also enjoyed great success in doubles with the American, Marty Riessen. He was the Netherlands' Davis Cup captain for two years in the mid-1980s and now plays the burgeoning seniors tour.
Away from tennis, Okker is a partner in the Jaski art gallery, close to Amsterdam's celebrated Vincent van Gogh Museum, specialising in the works of modern painters from the Dutch capital as well as Copenhagen and Brussels.
``My interest goes back to the mid-1970s, when I would visit galleries around the world while playing tennis, and began my own collection,'' he said. ``In time it became a kind of obsession.''
Once a resident of Switzerland, Okker, now 51, today lives in Hazerswoute, about 30 minutes' drive from Amsterdam, with his wife, Anna-Marie, and three children. As well as paintings, his home houses many works by the English sculptor, Lynn Chadwick.
He is back in New York for the US Open seniors. ``It is a good tournament but, of course, in 1968 it was at Forest Hills, which had much more charm than Flushing Meadow.''
Jon Culley
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments