Tom Okker, one of the greatest ever Dutch tennis players, reached the inaugural US Open final in 1968, when he lost to Arthur Ashe 14-12, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 at Forest Hills.

A quick-footed, tactically astute player, who hit with heavy topspin, Okker was one of the first professional players to surpass $1 million in career prize money. His amazing quickness earned him the nickname "The Flying Dutchman".

Arguably, Okker is better known for his doubles prowess. He won 68 doubles titles in the Open Era. In tandem with American Marty Riessen, he won the 1976 US Open and was runner-up at 1969 Wimbledon and the 1971 Australian Open. He partnered John Newcombe to the 1973 Roland Garros.

Okker, whose father was Jewish, won the Dutch Championship between 1964-68 and 22 professional singles titles from 1968 to 1979. In 18 seasons, he reached semi-finals at 1969 Roland Garros, 1971 Australian Open and 1978 Wimbledon. He retired in 1981, aged 37.

He compiled a 15-20 record for the Netherland’s Davis Cup team, which he captained for two years in the mid-1980s. With his wife, Anna-Marie, and three children, he collects art work and owns a gallery. Bio: James Buddell