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{{short description|American tennis player}}
{{short description|American tennis player}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{external links|date=November 2015}}
{{external links|date=November 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2012}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2012}}
{{Infobox tennis biography
| country = {{U.S.}}
| residence = Washington, DC
| name = Brian Vahaly
| image =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|7|19}}
| birth_place = [[Camden, New Jersey]]
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
| turnedpro = 2001
| retired = November 2007
| plays = Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
| careerprizemoney = [[US$|$]]1,996,775
| singlesrecord = 41–43
| singlestitles = 0
| highestsinglesranking = No. 57 (17 March 2003)
| AustralianOpenresult = 2R ([[2004 Australian Open – Men's singles|2004]])
| FrenchOpenresult = 2R ([[2003 French Open – Men's singles|2003]])
| Wimbledonresult = 2R ([[2003 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|2003]])
| USOpenresult = 2R ([[2002 US Open – Men's singles|2002]], [[2003 US Open – Men's singles|2003]])
| doublesrecord = 26–17
| doublestitles = 0
| highestdoublesranking = No. 74 (15 September 2003)
| FrenchOpenDoublesresult = 2R ([[2003 French Open – Men's doubles|2003]])
| WimbledonDoublesresult = 1R ([[2004 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles|2004]])
| USOpenDoublesresult = 2R ([[2000 US Open – Men's doubles qualifying|2000]])
| Mixed = yes
| mixedrecord = 0–1
| mixedtitles = 0
| USOpenMixedresult = 1R ([[2003 US Open – Mixed doubles|2003]])
}}
}}
'''Brian Vahaly''' (born July 19, 1979) is an [[Americans|American]] former professional [[tennis player]] and a graduate of [[University of Virginia]].<ref name="Rat">[https://archive.today/20130121084743/http://www2.dailyprogress.com/sports/cdp-sports/2008/mar/30/ratcliffe_on_vahaly_retires_on_his_own_terms-ar-86155/ Vahaly retires on his own terms]</ref> He reached the quarterfinals of the [[2003 Pacific Life Open – Men's singles|2003 Indian Wells Masters]] (defeating world no. 1 [[Juan Carlos Ferrero]] en route) and achieved a career-high of world no. 57 in March 2003.


{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2013}}
==Early [[career]]==
He began playing tennis at the age of two with his parents Barry and Karen. As a junior, Brian Vahaly captured the Easter Bowl 18s title and reached the final of the Coffee Bowl in [[Costa Rica]] in 1997. His best junior Grand Slam result was reaching the quarterfinals at [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] that same year, where he finished 17th in the world junior rankings.


{{Infobox tennis biography
'''College Tennis Player'''
|country = {{USA}}
|residence = [[Washington DC]]. [[United States]]
|name = Brian Vahaly
|image =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|7|19}}
|birth_place = [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]], [[New Jersey]], [[United States]]
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
|turnedpro = 2001
|retired = 2007
|plays = Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
|careerprizemoney = [[US$|$]]1,975,775
|singlesrecord = 40-43
|singlestitles = 0
|highestsinglesranking = No. 57 (17 March 2003)
|AustralianOpenresult = 2R ([[2003 Australian Open – Men's singles|2003]], [[2004 Australian Open – Men's singles|2004]])
|FrenchOpenresult = 1R ([[2003 French Open – Men's singles|2003]])
|Wimbledonresult = 2R ([[2003 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|2003]])
|USOpenresult = 2R ([[2002 US Open – Men's singles|2002]], [[2003 US Open – Men's singles|2003]])
|doublesrecord = 16–17
|doublestitles = 0
|highestdoublesranking = No. 94 (15 September 2003)
|FrenchOpenDoublesresult = 2R ([[2003 French Open – Men's doubles|2003]])
|WimbledonDoublesresult = 1R ([[2004 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles|2004]])
|USOpenDoublesresult = Q1 ([[2000 US Open – Men's doubles qualifying|2000]])
|Mixed = yes
|mixedrecord = 0–1
|mixedtitles = 0
|USOpenMixedresult = 1R ([[2003 US Open – Mixed doubles|2003]])
|updated = 29 July 2023
}}


'''Brian Vahaly''' (born July 19, 1979) is an [[Americans|American]] former professional [[tennis player]] and a graduate of [[University of Virginia]].<ref name="Rat">[https://archive.today/20130121084743/http://www2.dailyprogress.com/sports/cdp-sports/2008/mar/30/ratcliffe_on_vahaly_retires_on_his_own_terms-ar-86155/ Vahaly retires on his own terms]</ref> He reached the quarterfinals of the [[2003 Pacific Life Open – Men's singles|2003 Indian Wells Masters]] (defeating world no. 1 [[Juan Carlos Ferrero]] en route) and achieved a career-high of world no. 57 in March 2003.
Vahaly went on to play four years of collegiate tennis at the University of Virginia from 1998 to 2001, where he racked up a trailblazing series of accomplishments: three-time All-American, first ACC player to reach the finals of the All-American and NCAA singles championships, and graduating from UVA as the school's most successful player.<ref name="Rat" />


==Early career==
In 2000, he won the [[United States Amateur Championships (Men's Tennis)]]. In 2001, Vahaly reached the singles final at the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] Championships, and lost in the doubles semifinal with [[Huntley Montgomery]], but finished as the no. 1 player in doubles and no. 5 in singles (40-6).
He began playing tennis at the age of two with his parents Barry and Karen. As a junior, Brian Vahaly captured the Easter Bowl 18s title and reached the final of the Coffee Bowl in [[Costa Rica]] in 1997. His best junior Grand Slam result was reaching the quarterfinal at [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] that same year, where he finished 17th in the world junior rankings.


Vahaly proceeded to play four years of collegiate tennis at the University of Virginia from 1998 to 2001, where he was a three-time All-American and finished as the school's most successful player.<ref name="Rat"/> In 2000, he won the [[United States Amateur Championships (Men's Tennis)]]. In 2001, Vahaly reached the singles final at the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] Championships, and lost in the doubles semifinal with [[Huntley Montgomery]], but finished as the no. 1 player in doubles and no. 5 in singles (40-6).
Vahaly became UVA's first tennis All-American in 1999 and during the season was named the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] Rookie of the Year. In his last two seasons, he was a two-time ACC Player of Year, and as a senior he was named the [https://virginiasports.com/news/2001/05/02/cara-lane-and-brian-vahaly-named-virginia-s-top-athletes/ University of Virginia Male Athlete of Year]. He graduated with two majors in [https://news.virginia.edu/content/qa-catch-uva-great-brian-vahaly-he-helps-put-us-open Finance and Business Management, and finished his career at Virginia as an Academic All-American.]


Vahaly became UVA's first tennis All-American in 1999 and during the previous season was named the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] Rookie of Year. In his last two seasons, he was a two-time ACC Player of Year, and as a senior, he was named the University of Virginia Male Athlete of Year. He graduated with two majors in Finance and Business Management, and finished his career at Virginia as an Academic All-American. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of University of Virginia Men's Tennis.


==Professional Tennis Career==
==Professional career==
In 2002, Vahaly enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP circuit, advancing to the semifinals of Memphis (falling to Andy Roddick) and the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. He battled James Blake at the US Open, and went on to defeat three top 10 ranked players: Fernando González,
In 2002, Vahaly enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP circuit, advancing to the semifinals of Memphis (falling to [[Andy Roddick]]) and the quarterfinals of [[Indian Wells Masters|Indian Wells]]. He defeated three top 10 ranked players [[Fernando González]], (2003 French Open Champion and former world no. 1) [[Juan Carlos Ferrero]], and [[Tommy Robredo]] at Indian Wells and later teamed with [[Andy Roddick]] in Washington, D.C., to defeat the no. 1 ranked doubles team of [[Bob and Mike Bryan]]. During the year he also posted wins over [[Michael Chang]] and [[Vince Spadea]]. Vahaly was the only college graduate in the top 100 in the world and was recognized by ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine in its issue of the 25 Hottest Bachelors. In March 2003, he reached his career high singles ranking of world no. 57.


In 2004-2007, Vahaly spent most of the year on the ATP circuit playing events in Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newport, Houston, Indian Wells, San Jose, Adelaide, and the [[Australian Open]] (losing to finalist [[Marat Safin]]).
2003 French Open Champion and former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Tommy Robredo at Indian Wells. He later teamed with [https://www.tennislive.at/atp/spiel/andy-roddick-brian-vahaly-VS-bob-bryan-mike-bryan/legg-mason-tennis-classic-washington-dc-2003/ Andy Roddick in Washington, D.C., to defeat the no. 1 ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan]. In 2003 he played against Andre Agassi at the Australian Open, Araud Clement at the U.S. Open, and posted wins over Michael Chang and Vince Spadea. Also in March [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-11-23-0311220359-story.html 2003, he reached his career high singles ranking of world no. 57] and in the same year, was recognized by [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-06-24-0306240137-story.html People magazine in its issue of the 25 Hottest Bachelors]. [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-11-23-0311220359-story.html As unique as those honors were], Vahaly’s university experience distinguished him in two additional ways: at the time he was the only top 100 ranked ATP ranked player with a college degree, and the [https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2009/11/12/1844721/beyond-the-academical-village-q-a-with-brian-vahaly highest-ranking professional tennis player ever to graduate from the University of Virginia].


Vahaly played his last tournament at the U.S. Open, losing to Juan Martín del Potro. After the tournament, Vahaly revealed that the shoulder injury had plagued him for some time. On September 7, 2007, he underwent surgery to repair several tears to his right rotator cuff. Vahaly had two additional surgeries later that year.
Vahaly played his last tournament at the U.S. Open losing to [[Juan Martín del Potro]]. After the tournament, Vahaly revealed that the shoulder injury had plagued him for some time. On September 7, 2007, Brian underwent surgery to repair several tears to his right [[rotator cuff]]. He had two additional surgeries later that year.


==Retirement==
In November 2007, Vahaly announced his retirement from professional tennis on his website. He had three shoulder surgeries from 2006 to 2007. He moved to Washington, D.C., to work for a private equity fund. In 2013, Vahaly began serving on the USTA board of directors and then became the chief operating officer at two different venture capital firms, Venturehouse Group and NextGen Venture Partners.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brian Vahaly, NextGen Venture Partners: Profile and Biography|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/20314381|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Bloomberg.com|language=en}}</ref> Vahaly has distinguished himself as a respected chief executive with a track record of success in operational turnarounds, driving growth and improving profitability for private equity-backed, early-stage companies in the health and wellness sector. Vahaly has recently elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA and US Open for the 2025-2026 term.


== Personal life ==
Vahaly came out as [[Gay men|gay]] in 2017 in a podcast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Addicott |first=Adam |date=2021-06-25 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Brian Vahaly on coming to terms with his sexuality, dealing with hate and making tennis inclusive |url=https://www.ubitennis.net/2021/06/exclusive-brian-vahaly-on-coming-to-terms-with-his-sexuality-dealing-with-hate-and-making-tennis-inclusive/ |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=UBITENNIS |language=en-US}}</ref> He is married to Bill Jones, with whom he is raising two twin boys.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buzinski |first=Jim |date=2017-05-12 |title=Former pro tennis player Brian Vahaly talks about being gay, his husband and being a dad |url=https://www.outsports.com/2017/5/12/15626904/former-pro-tennis-player-brian-vahaly-talks-about-being-gay |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=Outsports |language=en}}</ref> He is one of very few [[Coming out|out]] male professional tennis players, and the first gay man to publicly come out after playing on the ATP Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brian Vahaly: 'I Don't Want Kids To Fear' {{!}} ATP Tour {{!}} Tennis |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/brian-vahaly-feature-june-2020 |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=ATP Tour}}</ref>


==ATP Challenger and ITF Futures finals==


===Singles: 15 (10–5)===
==Tennis Retirement and Career Change==
{|
Vahaly [https://www.menstennisforums.com/threads/brian-vahaly-retires.100708/ announced his retirement from professional tennis] in 2007 on his website. He then moved to Washington, DC to work for McLean Capital in the operational turnaround space, where his team focused on finding struggling companies and revamping them for sale or to attract new investors. He later served as COO of two venture capital companies, Venturehouse Group, and NextGen Venture Partners. In 2017, Vahaly was named [https://www.clubindustry.com/press-releases/solidcore-announces-hire-brian-vahaly-as-chief-financial-officer-and-bryan-myers-as <nowiki>CFO of the boutique fitness brand [solidcore]</nowiki>] where he led a massive period of growth, expanding from 10 to 80 locations in two years, making it the fastest growing corporate-owned boutique fitness concept in the country.
|-valign=top
|
{|class=wikitable style=font-size:97%
!Legend
|-bgcolor=moccasin
|ATP Challenger (5–4)
|-bgcolor=cffcff
|ITF Futures (5–1)
|}
|
{|class=wikitable style=font-size:97%
!Finals by surface
|-
|Hard (9–4)
|-
|Clay (1–1)
|-
|Grass (0–0)
|-
|Carpet (0–0)
|}
|}


{|class="sortable wikitable"
[https://www.prweb.com/releases/new_leadership_takes_the_helm_at_popular_gym_chain_youfit/prweb17740642.htm In 2021, Vahaly became CEO of YouFit Health Clubs, which he successfully led out of bankruptcy. Adopting the mantra “affordability and accessibility,” Vahaly’s goal is making fitness accessible for all by offering a variety of low-cost entry points] with high-value amenities. [https://www.prweb.com/releases/new_leadership_takes_the_helm_at_popular_gym_chain_youfit/prweb17740642.htm Under his guidance, YouFit also launched YouFit Lifts in 2022, a community-focused program to benefit a variety of charities, including a pickleball tournament with earnings benefit Cancer Research Institute.]
!Result
!class="unsortable"|W–L
!Date
!Tournament
!Tier
!Surface
!Opponent
!class="unsortable"|Score
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>1–0</small>
|{{dts|Jul 2001}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|USA F17-A, [[Quogue, New York|Quogue]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Clay
|{{flagicon|GER}} [[Bjorn Jacob]]
|5–7, 6–3, 6–2
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>1–1</small>
|{{dts|Jul 2001}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|USA F17-B, [[Pittsburgh]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Clay
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Jaymon Crabb]]
|3–6, 6–1, 4–6
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>2–1</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2001}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Jamaica F1-A, [[Montego Bay]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Hard
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Julien Cassaigne
|3–6, 6–1, 6–0
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>3–1</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2001}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Jamaica F1, [[Negril]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Hard
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Daniel Willman]]
|7–6<sup>(7–4)</sup>, 6–3
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>4–1</small>
|{{dts|Dec 2001}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|USA F28, [[Laguna Niguel, California|Laguna Niguel]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Hard
|{{flagicon|IRL}} [[John Doran (tennis)|John Doran]]
|7–6<sup>(7–3)</sup>, 6–2
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>5–1</small>
|{{dts|Feb 2002}}
|style="background:#cffcff;"|USA F4, [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]]
|style="background:#cffcff;"|Futures
|Hard
|{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Nicolas Todero]]
|6–3, 7–6<sup>(7–5)</sup>
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>6–1</small>
|{{dts|Mar 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]], New Zealand
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[Louis Vosloo]]
|6–2, 5–7, 6–4
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>6–2</small>
|{{dts|Apr 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Tarzana, Los Angeles|Tarzana]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|PHI}} [[Eric Taino]]
|2–6, 6–7<sup>(6–8)</sup>
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>7–2</small>
|{{dts|Jun 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Tallahassee Tennis Challenger|Tallahassee]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Justin Gimelstob]]
|7–6<sup>(7–5)</sup>, 6–4
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>8–2</small>
|{{dts|Jul 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Nordic Naturals Challenger|Aptos]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Noam Behr]]
|2–6, 6–3, 6–2
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>8–3</small>
|{{dts|Nov 2003}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Champaign–Urbana Challenger|Champaign-Urbana]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Paul Goldstein (tennis)|Paul Goldstein]]
|3–6, 1–6
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>8–4</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2004}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[College Station, Texas|College Station]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Andre Sa]]
|3–6, 0–6
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>9–4</small>
|{{dts|Apr 2005}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Tallahassee Tennis Challenger|Tallahassee]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Justin Gimelstob]]
|6–4, 6–0
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>9–5</small>
|{{dts|Aug 2005}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[GHI Bronx Tennis Classic|Bronx]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Thierry Ascione]]
|2–6, 3–6
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>10–5</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2005}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Calabasas Pro Tennis Championships|Calabasas]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|GER}} [[Denis Gremelmayr]]
|3–6, 6–2, 6–2
|}


===Doubles: 7 (3–4)===
Paralleling his success in business, Vahaly remains committed to the world of professional tennis. In 2013, [https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-leadership/national/usta-board-of-directors.html Vahaly was named to the USTA Board of Directors and became Treasurer in 2021]. In this position he provides strategic input into growing the sport, while overseeing finances as Budget Chair, and many of the USTA’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Vahaly was inducted to the [https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/national/brian-vahaly-elected-to-georgia-tennis-hall-of-fame.html Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame] in 2020.  He is a sought-after thought leader on tennis and LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
{|
|-valign=top
|
{|class=wikitable style=font-size:97%
!Legend
|-bgcolor=moccasin
|ATP Challenger (3–4)
|-bgcolor=cffcff
|ITF Futures (0–0)
|}
|
{|class=wikitable style=font-size:97%
!Finals by surface
|-
|Hard (3–3)
|-
|Clay (0–1)
|-
|Grass (0–0)
|-
|Carpet (0–0)
|}
|}


{|class="sortable wikitable"
'''LGBTQ+ advocate'''
!Result

!class="unsortable"|W–L
Brian Vahaly is the first ATP player (current or former) to come out as gay, and [https://www.outsports.com/2017/5/12/15626904/former-pro-tennis-player-brian-vahaly-&#x20;talks-about-being-gay did so] on the podcast, [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catching-up-with-former-atp-player-brian-&#x20;vahaly/id1005210315?i=1000385336824 Beyond the Baseline] with Jon Wortheim. Vahaly then led the launch of [https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2019-08-15/open_pride_event_slated_for_2019_us_open_fan_week.html US Open Pride in 2019], a roundtable with LGBTQ sports legends including Billie Jean King, Jason Collins, Adam Rippon and Billy Beane. As of 2021, US Open Pride day is held each year during the US Open. Vahaly continues to be an [https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-brian-vahaly-wants-serena-williams-overtake-margaret-court-s-grand-slam-record-career-atp-player-come-gay-making-tennis-inclusive LGBTQ+ advocate] who stands for [https://www.ubitennis.net/2021/06/exclusive-brian-vahaly-on-coming-to-terms-with-his-sexuality-dealing-with-hate-and-making-tennis-inclusive/ overcoming hate], and making tennis more inclusive.
!Date

!Tournament
'''Personal life'''
!Tier

!Surface
Brian Vahaly lives in Washington DC and is married to Bill Jones (2015) with two twin boys, Parker and Bennett (born in 2016).
!Partner
!Opponents
!class="unsortable"|Score
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>0–1</small>
|{{dts|Feb 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas|Dallas]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Huntley Montgomery]]
|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giorgio Galimberti]] <br> {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Frederic Niemeyer]]
|6–7<sup>(1–7)</sup>, 4–6
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>0–2</small>
|{{dts|May 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Rocky Mount, North Carolina|Rocky Mount]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Clay
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Huntley Montgomery]]
|{{flagicon|BAH}} [[Mark Merklein]] <br> {{flagicon|PHI}} [[Eric Taino]]
|3–6, 4–6
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>0–3</small>
|{{dts|Jun 2002}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Tallahassee Tennis Challenger|Tallahassee]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Huntley Montgomery]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Levar Harper-Griffith]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jeff Williams (tennis)|Jeff Williams]]
|3–6, 6–4, 4–6
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>1–3</small>
|{{dts|Feb 2004}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Hilton Waikoloa Village USTA Challenger|Waikoloa]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Scott Humphries]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Brandon Coupe]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Travis Parrott]]
|6–3, 7–6<sup>(7–3)</sup>
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>2–3</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2004}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[College Station, Texas|College Station]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Paul Goldstein (tennis)|Paul Goldstein]]
|{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Andre Sa]] <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Soares]]
|7–5, 2–6, 6–4
|-
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss
|<small>2–4</small>
|{{dts|Oct 2004}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[Austin, Texas|Austin]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Robert Kendrick]]
|{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Andre Sa]] <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Soares]]
|3–6, 1–6
|-
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Win
|<small>3–5</small>
|{{dts|Aug 2005}}
|style="background:moccasin;"|[[GHI Bronx Tennis Classic|Bronx]], United States
|style="background:moccasin;"|Challenger
|Hard
|{{flagicon|PHI}} [[Cecil Mamiit]]
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Julien Benneteau]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nicolas Mahut]]
|6–4, 6–4
|}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{ATP|V303}}
*{{ATP}}
*{{ITF profile}}
*{{ITF profile}}
*[https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/22/sports/plus-tennis-us-team-picked-for-the-davis-cup.html TENNIS: U.S. Team Picked For the Davis Cup]
*[https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/22/sports/plus-tennis-us-team-picked-for-the-davis-cup.html TENNIS: U.S. Team Picked For the Davis Cup]
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*[http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/1999/10/vahaly-establishes-unprecedented-mark Vahaly establishes unprecedented mark]
*[http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/1999/10/vahaly-establishes-unprecedented-mark Vahaly establishes unprecedented mark]
*[https://www.si.com/tennis/2017/05/11/tennis-podcast-brian-vahaly]
*[https://www.si.com/tennis/2017/05/11/tennis-podcast-brian-vahaly]



{{DEFAULTSORT:Vahaly, Brian}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vahaly, Brian}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Camden, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Camden, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Tennis people from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Tennis players from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Virginia Cavaliers men's tennis players]]
[[Category:Virginia Cavaliers men's tennis players]]
[[Category:LGBT tennis players]]
[[Category:LGBTQ tennis players]]
[[Category:American gay sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people]]

Latest revision as of 18:04, 18 November 2024

Brian Vahaly
Country (sports) United States
ResidenceWashington DC. United States
Born (1979-07-19) July 19, 1979 (age 45)
Camden, New Jersey, United States
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Turned pro2001
Retired2007
PlaysRight-handed (two-handed backhand)
Prize money$1,975,775
Singles
Career record40-43
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 57 (17 March 2003)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open2R (2003, 2004)
French Open1R (2003)
Wimbledon2R (2003)
US Open2R (2002, 2003)
Doubles
Career record16–17
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 94 (15 September 2003)
Grand Slam doubles results
French Open2R (2003)
Wimbledon1R (2004)
US OpenQ1 (2000)
Mixed doubles
Career record0–1
Career titles0
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
US Open1R (2003)
Last updated on: 29 July 2023.

Brian Vahaly (born July 19, 1979) is an American former professional tennis player and a graduate of University of Virginia.[1] He reached the quarterfinals of the 2003 Indian Wells Masters (defeating world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero en route) and achieved a career-high of world no. 57 in March 2003.

Early career

[edit]

He began playing tennis at the age of two with his parents Barry and Karen. As a junior, Brian Vahaly captured the Easter Bowl 18s title and reached the final of the Coffee Bowl in Costa Rica in 1997. His best junior Grand Slam result was reaching the quarterfinal at Wimbledon that same year, where he finished 17th in the world junior rankings.

Vahaly proceeded to play four years of collegiate tennis at the University of Virginia from 1998 to 2001, where he was a three-time All-American and finished as the school's most successful player.[1] In 2000, he won the United States Amateur Championships (Men's Tennis). In 2001, Vahaly reached the singles final at the NCAA Championships, and lost in the doubles semifinal with Huntley Montgomery, but finished as the no. 1 player in doubles and no. 5 in singles (40-6).

Vahaly became UVA's first tennis All-American in 1999 and during the previous season was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of Year. In his last two seasons, he was a two-time ACC Player of Year, and as a senior, he was named the University of Virginia Male Athlete of Year. He graduated with two majors in Finance and Business Management, and finished his career at Virginia as an Academic All-American. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of University of Virginia Men's Tennis.

Professional career

[edit]

In 2002, Vahaly enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP circuit, advancing to the semifinals of Memphis (falling to Andy Roddick) and the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. He defeated three top 10 ranked players Fernando González, (2003 French Open Champion and former world no. 1) Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Tommy Robredo at Indian Wells and later teamed with Andy Roddick in Washington, D.C., to defeat the no. 1 ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan. During the year he also posted wins over Michael Chang and Vince Spadea. Vahaly was the only college graduate in the top 100 in the world and was recognized by People magazine in its issue of the 25 Hottest Bachelors. In March 2003, he reached his career high singles ranking of world no. 57.

In 2004-2007, Vahaly spent most of the year on the ATP circuit playing events in Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newport, Houston, Indian Wells, San Jose, Adelaide, and the Australian Open (losing to finalist Marat Safin).

Vahaly played his last tournament at the U.S. Open losing to Juan Martín del Potro. After the tournament, Vahaly revealed that the shoulder injury had plagued him for some time. On September 7, 2007, Brian underwent surgery to repair several tears to his right rotator cuff. He had two additional surgeries later that year.

Retirement

[edit]

In November 2007, Vahaly announced his retirement from professional tennis on his website. He had three shoulder surgeries from 2006 to 2007. He moved to Washington, D.C., to work for a private equity fund. In 2013, Vahaly began serving on the USTA board of directors and then became the chief operating officer at two different venture capital firms, Venturehouse Group and NextGen Venture Partners.[2] Vahaly has distinguished himself as a respected chief executive with a track record of success in operational turnarounds, driving growth and improving profitability for private equity-backed, early-stage companies in the health and wellness sector. Vahaly has recently elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA and US Open for the 2025-2026 term.

Personal life

[edit]

Vahaly came out as gay in 2017 in a podcast.[3] He is married to Bill Jones, with whom he is raising two twin boys.[4] He is one of very few out male professional tennis players, and the first gay man to publicly come out after playing on the ATP Tour.[5]

ATP Challenger and ITF Futures finals

[edit]

Singles: 15 (10–5)

[edit]
Legend
ATP Challenger (5–4)
ITF Futures (5–1)
Finals by surface
Hard (9–4)
Clay (1–1)
Grass (0–0)
Carpet (0–0)
Result W–L Date Tournament Tier Surface Opponent Score
Win 1–0 Jul 2001 USA F17-A, Quogue Futures Clay Germany Bjorn Jacob 5–7, 6–3, 6–2
Loss 1–1 Jul 2001 USA F17-B, Pittsburgh Futures Clay Australia Jaymon Crabb 3–6, 6–1, 4–6
Win 2–1 Oct 2001 Jamaica F1-A, Montego Bay Futures Hard France Julien Cassaigne 3–6, 6–1, 6–0
Win 3–1 Oct 2001 Jamaica F1, Negril Futures Hard New Zealand Daniel Willman 7–6(7–4), 6–3
Win 4–1 Dec 2001 USA F28, Laguna Niguel Futures Hard Republic of Ireland John Doran 7–6(7–3), 6–2
Win 5–1 Feb 2002 USA F4, Brownsville Futures Hard Argentina Nicolas Todero 6–3, 7–6(7–5)
Win 6–1 Mar 2002 Hamilton, New Zealand Challenger Hard South Africa Louis Vosloo 6–2, 5–7, 6–4
Loss 6–2 Apr 2002 Tarzana, United States Challenger Hard Philippines Eric Taino 2–6, 6–7(6–8)
Win 7–2 Jun 2002 Tallahassee, United States Challenger Hard United States Justin Gimelstob 7–6(7–5), 6–4
Win 8–2 Jul 2002 Aptos, United States Challenger Hard Israel Noam Behr 2–6, 6–3, 6–2
Loss 8–3 Nov 2003 Champaign-Urbana, United States Challenger Hard United States Paul Goldstein 3–6, 1–6
Loss 8–4 Oct 2004 College Station, United States Challenger Hard Brazil Andre Sa 3–6, 0–6
Win 9–4 Apr 2005 Tallahassee, United States Challenger Hard United States Justin Gimelstob 6–4, 6–0
Loss 9–5 Aug 2005 Bronx, United States Challenger Hard France Thierry Ascione 2–6, 3–6
Win 10–5 Oct 2005 Calabasas, United States Challenger Hard Germany Denis Gremelmayr 3–6, 6–2, 6–2

Doubles: 7 (3–4)

[edit]
Legend
ATP Challenger (3–4)
ITF Futures (0–0)
Finals by surface
Hard (3–3)
Clay (0–1)
Grass (0–0)
Carpet (0–0)
Result W–L Date Tournament Tier Surface Partner Opponents Score
Loss 0–1 Feb 2002 Dallas, United States Challenger Hard United States Huntley Montgomery Italy Giorgio Galimberti
Canada Frederic Niemeyer 		6–7(1–7), 4–6
Loss 0–2 May 2002 Rocky Mount, United States Challenger Clay United States Huntley Montgomery The Bahamas Mark Merklein
Philippines Eric Taino 		3–6, 4–6
Loss 0–3 Jun 2002 Tallahassee, United States Challenger Hard United States Huntley Montgomery United States Levar Harper-Griffith
United States Jeff Williams 		3–6, 6–4, 4–6
Win 1–3 Feb 2004 Waikoloa, United States Challenger Hard United States Scott Humphries United States Brandon Coupe
United States Travis Parrott 		6–3, 7–6(7–3)
Win 2–3 Oct 2004 College Station, United States Challenger Hard United States Paul Goldstein Brazil Andre Sa
Brazil Bruno Soares 		7–5, 2–6, 6–4
Loss 2–4 Oct 2004 Austin, United States Challenger Hard United States Robert Kendrick Brazil Andre Sa
Brazil Bruno Soares 		3–6, 1–6
Win 3–5 Aug 2005 Bronx, United States Challenger Hard Philippines Cecil Mamiit France Julien Benneteau
France Nicolas Mahut 		6–4, 6–4

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Vahaly retires on his own terms
  2. ^ "Brian Vahaly, NextGen Venture Partners: Profile and Biography". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  3. ^ Addicott, Adam (June 25, 2021). "EXCLUSIVE: Brian Vahaly on coming to terms with his sexuality, dealing with hate and making tennis inclusive". UBITENNIS. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  4. ^ Buzinski, Jim (May 12, 2017). "Former pro tennis player Brian Vahaly talks about being gay, his husband and being a dad". Outsports. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  5. ^ "Brian Vahaly: 'I Don't Want Kids To Fear' | ATP Tour | Tennis". ATP Tour. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
[edit]
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