Juan Farrow facts for kids

Juan Farrow is an important African-American tennis player and coach. His tennis journey began with help from his neighbor, Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Dr. Johnson also guided other famous tennis players like Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson.

Early Life and Training

Juan Farrow started playing tennis at just four years old. He would hit tennis balls against a wall with a broomstick. His neighbor, Dr. Johnson, taught him.

At that time, African-Americans were not allowed on public tennis courts in Virginia. So, Dr. Johnson sent Juan to Sumner High School in St. Louis. There, Juan learned from Richard Hudlin. Hudlin was a tennis star who helped break down racial barriers in the sport.

Richard Hudlin lived at a place called the St. Louis Armory. He invited the best young tennis players to practice there. Arthur Ashe and his friend Pancho Gonzales even came to coach Juan. Juan won the Missouri state singles championships for Sumner High School three times. He won in 1974, 1975, and 1976. After high school, he became a star player at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).

College Tennis Success

At SIUE, Juan Farrow was an ITA All-American. This means he was one of the best college players. He earned this title in singles and doubles from 1977 to 1980. In 1980, he was also an ITA Division I singles All-American. That same year, he was part of the U.S. under-21 Davis Cup Team.

In 1979, Juan reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division I singles championship. With Juan and Arjun Fernando leading the team, SIUE won the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis Championships. They won in 1978, 1979, and 1980. Juan also won the singles championships himself in 1977, 1978, and 1980. In 1977, he won the National Public Parks Championship.

Professional Career and Coaching

After college, Juan Farrow became a professional tennis player. He played in the Australian Open in 1982. However, he found it hard to get the money and support he needed. His world ranking never went higher than No. 260.

Juan then decided to become a tennis teacher. He worked with the USTA National Junior Tennis Program. He also taught at the Match Point Racquet Club and Calumet High School. For over 20 years, he worked as a tennis professional in Macon, Georgia.

His college coach, Kent DeMars, spoke highly of Juan. He said that Juan's presence "put our name on the map." Because they had a great player like Juan, the team was able to attract other talented players.