Tennis
Jay Berger
Berger, a top ten player in 1989, rose to a No. 7 ranking in 1990. He was known for serving without a windup and for fiercely contesting long points. He would also write notes to himself during changeovers. (Great Jews in Sports, Robert Slater) Jay's mother, Cookie Swift, was a renowned amateur golfer.
Birth and Death Dates:
b. Nov. 26, 1966
Career Highlights:
Berger was a professional from 1985-1991 and won three singles titles; at Buenos Aires (1986), Sao Paolo (1988), and Charleston (1989). Jay was a finalist or semifinalist in several other tour events, and he competed in all 4 Grand Slam events. In 1989, he reached the quarterfinals of both the U.S. Open and the French Open. Berger's career came to an early end after knee problems held him to just three events in 1991. Following his retirement, Berger turned to coaching and he is currently the head coach at the University of Miami (Florida). Jay was the Big East Coach of the Year for two consecutive years after leading the Hurricanes to the tennis conference championships in 2000 and 2001.
Origin:
Fort Dix, New Jersey
Birth and Death Dates:
b. Nov. 26, 1966
Career Highlights:
Berger was a professional from 1985-1991 and won three singles titles; at Buenos Aires (1986), Sao Paolo (1988), and Charleston (1989). Jay was a finalist or semifinalist in several other tour events, and he competed in all 4 Grand Slam events. In 1989, he reached the quarterfinals of both the U.S. Open and the French Open. Berger's career came to an early end after knee problems held him to just three events in 1991. Following his retirement, Berger turned to coaching and he is currently the head coach at the University of Miami (Florida). Jay was the Big East Coach of the Year for two consecutive years after leading the Hurricanes to the tennis conference championships in 2000 and 2001.
Origin:
Fort Dix, New Jersey