Yannick Noah
Yannick Noah
- Full name: Yannick Noah
- Date of birth: May 18, 1960
- Place of birth: Sedan, France
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
- Weight: 82 kg (181 lb)
- Playing style: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Career highlights:
- French Open champion (1983)
- Davis Cup champion (1991, 1996)
- ATP Tour singles titles (23)
- ATP Tour doubles titles (16)
- Olympic gold medalist in doubles (1988)
- Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (2005)
Biography
Yannick Noah is a French former professional tennis player and singer. He is best known for winning the French Open in 1983, becoming the first French player to win the tournament in 37 years. He also won the Davis Cup with France in 1991 and 1996.
Noah was born in Sedan, France, to a Cameroonian father and a French mother. He began playing tennis at the age of 11, and turned professional in 1977. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1983 he became the first French player to reach the final of the French Open since Marcel Bernard in 1946. Noah defeated Mats Wilander in the final to win the title, becoming the first French player to win the tournament since Henri Cochet in 1927.
Noah continued to play tennis throughout the 1980s and 1990s, winning a total of 23 singles titles and 16 doubles titles. He also represented France in the Davis Cup, and helped the team to victory in 1991 and 1996. Noah retired from tennis in 1996, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.
After retiring from tennis, Noah pursued a career in music. He released his first album, "Black & What", in 1990, and has since released several more albums. He has also appeared in several films and television shows.
Noah is a popular figure in France, and is known for his outspokenness and his commitment to social justice. He is also a vocal advocate for environmental protection and animal rights.
