Delina Ann Boshoff-Mortlock, commonly known as Linky Boshoff (born 12 November 1956),[1] is a South African former professional tennis player. She won the 1976 US Open women's doubles title with her partner Ilana Kloss.

Delina Boshoff
Full nameDelina Ann Boshoff–Mortlock
Country (sports)🇿🇦 South Africa
ResidenceSouth Africa
Born (1956-11-12) 12 November 1956 (age 68)
Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Turned pro1973
Retired1978
PlaysRight-handed
Singles
Career recordno value
Grand Slam singles results
French OpenQF (1977)
WimbledonQF (1974)
US Open3R (1975)
Doubles
Career recordno value
Highest rankingNo. 1 (1976)
Grand Slam doubles results
French OpenSF (1976)
WimbledonSF (1976)
US OpenW (1976)
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
French OpenF (1976)
Wimbledon4R (1973, 1974)

Tennis career

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In 1973 Boshoff won the South African Open doubles title with Ilana Kloss after a victory in the final against Chris Evert and Virginia Wade. In 1977, she won the singles title, defeating Brigitte Cuypers in the final in straight sets.

In December 1975, Boshoff was the first selection in the 1976 World Team Tennis Draft by the San Diego Friars; however, she didn't sign with the team.

In 1976, she won several doubles titles with Kloss, including the German Open, Italian Open and U.S. Clay Court Championships and reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles.

She retired in 1978 to study computer science at the University of Port Elizabeth.[2] She is married with three children and has continued to play the tennis at a recreational level.[3]

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In Snoopy's Tennis Book (Charles Schulz, Henry Holt & Co., 1979), Snoopy imagines himself playing at Wimbledon and claims he had a "good day" at the tournament: "I ate five bowls of strawberries and cream, and fell in love with Linky Boshoff!"

Grand Slam finals

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Doubles (1 title)

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Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Win 1976 US Open Clay   Ilana Kloss   Olga Morozova
  Virginia Wade
6–1, 6–4

Mixed doubles (1 runner-up)

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Result Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Loss 1976 French Open Clay   Colin Dowdeswell   Ilana Kloss
  Kim Warwick
7–5, 5–7, 2–6

References

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  1. ^ Fed Cup – Player profile
  2. ^ John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. p. 279.
  3. ^ Post career details Archived 23 June 2007 at archive.today
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