Abe Segal

Who is Abe Segal?

Abe Segal is a former South African tennis player. During the 1950s and 60s, he was the doubles partner of Gordon Forbes. Together, they were considered one of the best doubles teams in the world.

Due to South Africa's policy of Apartheid, Alex Metreveli and Istvan Guylas both refused to compete in the 1964 Wimbledon against Segal, a white South African. This prompted the International Lawn Tennis Federation to pass a resolution prohibiting racial discrimination and dropping out of the tournament except due to "health or bereavement"

In 1951 he won the singles title at the Irish Open defeating Guy Jackson in the final in straight sets.

He played for the South African Davis Cup team in 19 ties in the years 1955, 57, 59, 61-65 and compiled a record of 24 wins and 14 losses.

After retiring from tennis, Segal took up painting. In 2008 he published a memoir titled Hey Big Boy!.