Jim Courier: the Entrepreneur 

The 1992 and 1993 Australian Open Men’s Champion Jim Courier has been a strong presence in tennis since retiring without  overshadowing active players.  Although Courier made his Grand Slam breakthrough in Paris on red clay, I think the Australian Open best meshed with Courier.  His off season preparation left Courier ideally positioned for solid showings in Melbourne.  The hot conditions and slow court were optimal for his grinding and counter punching.

Courier made his first strong impression Down Under with a tough 5 set loss to then world #1 Stefan Edberg in the 1991 round of 16.  Courier proceeded to beat Edberg in 4 sets en route to his first Grand Slam title at the 1991 French Open.  Edberg won the 1991 rubber match with a decidedly one-sided US Open final.  Courier looked to be in serious trouble when he set up a rematch with…