Dutch tennis champion Tom Okker was ranked (ATP) among the World's Top Ten Singles players for seven consecutive years, 1968 thru 1974. He reached No. 4, three times––in 1968, 1969 and 1973. (ATP rankings began in 1968.)
Okker was the Dutch national champion 1964 to 1968, when he turned professional. He is one of only five players to have won 100 or more pro championships.
"Open" tennis began in 1968, and the professional game was well-made for Okker’s court talents. His frequent tournament victories and top finishes made him one of the pro tour's top money winners. In 1973, "The Flying Dutchman" was second in Grand Prix standings. One of pro-tennis’ first millionaire winners, his WTC career earnings stood at $1,257,200 when he retired in 1980.
At the millennium (year 2000), twenty years after his retirement, Okker’s 31 career “open tennis” Singles victories (combined ATP Tour, Grand Prix and WCT tournaments) still ranked 20th all-time.
Okker’s 78 Doubles titles are an all-time professional record, and include: both the 1973 Italian Open and French Open Doubles (with John Newcombe); 1973 London Grass Court Doubles (with Marty Reissen); 1973 Spanish Open Doubles (with Ille Nastase); 1975 Opel International (with Arthur Ashe); 1976 U.S. Open Doubles (Reissen); and 1978 WCT World Doubles (Wojtek Fibak).
Among Okker’s other Singles titles: 1968 Italian Open, 1970 German Open and Belgian Open, 1973 Dewar Cup and Canadian Open, and 1974 WCT Rothmans. He was also a runner-up in 24 Singles events.
For five consecutive years, 1964–1968, Okker represented The Netherlands in Davis Cup play.
