Kerry Harris

Harris’ early years were spent under the guidance of J Hildebrands (Snr), before being coached by Harry Hopman and trained by Stan Nicholes. Both Hopman and Nicholes were involved in the Australian Davis Cup team at the time. In 1968 Harris started on the International tour, the first year in the open era, and she was chosen to be a part of Lawn Tennis Association of Australia's Touring Team with Harry Hopman as manager. She later was coached by Merv Rose.

Harris first reached a Grand Slam final in the 1971 French Open Women's Doubles, partnering Helen Gourlay which they lost in two sets to defending champions Françoise Dürr and Gail Chanfreau.

Harris won the final of the 1972 Australian Open Women's Doubles tournament partnered by Helen Gourlay, beating Patricia Coleman-Clegg and Karen Krantzcke. In the women's singles, seeded number 6, she reached the semi-final, beating third seed Gail Chanfreau in the quarterfinal in straight sets, before losing to second seed and eventual champion Virginia Wade in three sets.

She reached the women's doubles final of the 1973 Australian Open and 1974 Australian Open partnering Kerry Melville on both occasions. In 1973, Margaret Court and Virginia Wade won the final and in 1974, Evonne Goolagong and Peggy Michel won.

Harris had wins in her career over Margaret Court, Nancy Gunter, Kerry Melville, Judy Dalton, Wendy Turnbull, Betty Stöve, and Francoise Durr. She was described as an athletic player, with a very powerful serve-and-volley game. She was praised for her good temperament on and off the court.

After her tennis career ended, she became a tennis coach.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kerry Harris.

• Kerry Harris at the Women's Tennis Association
• Kerry Harris at the International Tennis Federation