Dick Doss

Steve Virgen

When it comes to tennis, Dick Doss is not too proud to admit his

shortcomings. But what prevents him from being a great singles

player, is what, he thinks, helps him in doubles.

“I’m very slow on my feet,” Doss said. “But I think I am able to

cover more ground when I play doubles. That’s reality. I do play

singles. I enjoy doubles and it’s something I like to do.”

Doss, 70, who lives in Newport Beach, has found pleasure in

doubles. He is ranked No. 1 in the national men’s 70s doubles, along

with teammate John Powless of Madison, Wis. Last year, the duo earned

a doubles “grand slam,” winning four national doubles championship

events: on grass, hardcourt, clay, as well as indoor.

Doss isn’t the only top-ranked player in his household. His wife,

Kathy Bennett, is ranked No. 1 in the national women’s 55 doubles,

along with Mary Wilson, the wife of Ralph Wilson, owner of the

Buffalo Bills.

“We have a numero uno household,” Doss said. “It was a great year

for us. We had a good time.”

It seems as if Doss has grown accustomed to winning. He has been

playing tennis since he was 10 and has been loving the sport ever

since. In college, he attained his experience with victories.

Doss played on national championship teams at UCLA in 1952, ’53

and ’54. He earned a scholarship out of San Diego High and, even

then, was known for his prowess as a doubles player.

Nowadays, Doss competes in tennis as a means to keep in shape and

because he just enjoys to win.

“You have to love to compete, which I do,” Doss said. “The

competition makes it even more fun.”

Doss is also grateful to have tennis in his life because he has

met so many people, including his wife, because of playing the sport.

“[Tennis] has been a central part of my life,” Doss said. “I’ve

met friends who have become friends for a lifetime. I play in the 70s

division and I see guys I played with in the 13-and-under division.

[Tennis] has been a special part of my life. It’s wonderful that my

wife and I can share this together.”

While Doss is a great doubles player, he is not too shabby in

singles, either. He is ranked No. 12 in the national men’s 70

singles. He said he wants to continue to improve as a singles player

and compete at least 20 more years.

“It’s literally true: tennis is a game for a lifetime,” Doss said.

“When I watch these guys in their 90s play, I think, ‘That’s my

goal.’ I want to play in the 90s singles.”