Brief Bio:
Gaetan Dupont is a former tennis star turned surgeon and
professor of medicine. Born in Marseilles, France to a wealthy investment
banking executive and flutist with the Orchestre National d'Ile-de-France,
he was the youngest of four children. At the age of six he would begin to
play tennis in order to spend more time with his father, whom although loved
his family, was often away on business. The bond between the two became
extremely strong through their shared passion. His talents would be
recognized by a renowned French tennis coach, who would mold him into a
champion. Following two consecutive seasons in which Gaetan dominated the
junior ranks he would continue his success at the senior level for two
seasons, sweeping the Grand Slam titles in 1975 and 1976. As a junior, he
would also befriend another rising star, Joachim Kristiansen of Denmark.
Ultimately their friendship would lead to similar success as a men's doubles
team, and continue beyond their careers in the sport. Unfortunately, tragedy
would strike in December of 1976, after playing the match that would clinch
France's first Davis Cup title in almost fifty years, his father dying of a
heart attack following the competition. The loss of his father caused him
great anguish, and he would retire from the sport, choosing to become a
doctor to prevent others from having to experience the pain of losing a
loved one.
After completing a PhD in microbiology at the University of Paris, he would
begin work on his M.D. During his studies in Paris he would meet and fall in
love with legendary ballerina, Anna Nikolaievna Marakova. Within two months
of the beginning of their courtship, the couple wed on March 1, 1980. In
1985, a son, Alexander, entered their lives. Today Gaetan lives with his
wife and son in Oceanside, California, where he is a surgeon on the staff of
Oceanside General Hospital, as well as a professor at UCLA's medical school.
He is loved by his patients and students for his caring nature, often
going above and beyond the call of duty to give them the best care and
teaching possible.
Anything else:
Achievements as a Professional Men's Singles and Men's Doubles Tennis Player
Men's Singles :
1975 French Open Champion
1975 Wimbledon Champion
1975 U.S. Open Champion
1975 Australian Open Champion
1976 French Open Champion
1976 Wimbledon Champion
1976 U.S. Open Champion
1976 Australian Open Champion
Men's Doubles - With Joachim Kristiansen of Denmark, but still representing
France
1975 French Open Champion
1975 Wimbledon Champion
1975 U.S. Open Champion
1975 Australian Open Champion
1976 French Open Champion
1976 Wimbledon Champion
1976 U.S. Open Champion
1976 Australian Open Champion
Team -
1976 Davis Cup Champion - France
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