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Onny Parun stands as New Zealand's greatest tennis export since Anthony Wilding, a towering 6'2" right-hander who rewrote his nation's tennis history. Born in Wellington in 1947, Parun transformed from a promising junior into a world top-20 player who fearlessly took on tennis royalty. His defining moment came in September 1974 when he stunned world No. 1 Jimmy Connors in San Francisco, ending the American's seemingly invincible 160-week reign atop the ATP rankings. Currently retired and trading shares on the US market, Parun remains the last New Zealand player to reach a Grand Slam singles final until the modern era.
Parun turned professional in 1969 after competing as an amateur from 1967, quickly establishing himself on the international circuit with his powerful right-handed game and distinctive one-handed backhand. His breakthrough came with consecutive Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1971 and 1972, followed by his historic 1973 Australian Open final appearance against John Newcombe.
The following year brought his greatest triumph - partnering Dick Crealy to capture the French Open doubles title, making him only the second New Zealander to win a Grand Slam doubles crown since Wilding in 1914. After retiring in 1982, Parun transitioned into coaching, notably working with the Bhatti brothers, while also pursuing financial trading. He was honored with an OBE in 1982 for services to tennis.
Parun's crowning achievement came at Roland Garros in 1974, where he and Australian Dick Crealy conquered the French Open doubles championship in a thrilling five-set final against Americans Robert Lutz and Stan Smith. His singles breakthrough arrived with the 1973 Australian Open final, where despite losing to John Newcombe in four sets, he became the first New Zealander to reach a Grand Slam singles final in 62 years.
Representing New Zealand with distinction from 1966 to 1982, Parun dominated the Davis Cup scene while capturing multiple national titles, including three Benson and Hedges Open crowns in four years. His world ranking peaked at No. 19 in 1975, maintaining top-20 status for five consecutive years. His Masters appearance in 1974, reserved for the year's top eight performers, cemented his elite status among tennis royalty.
Beyond his stunning victory over Jimmy Connors that ended the American's historic 160-week No. 1 streak, Parun earned recognition with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire appointment in 1982.
The Connors Conquest (September 1974): In San Francisco, Parun delivered the shot heard around the tennis world, defeating seemingly unbeatable Jimmy Connors to snap his 160-week reign as world No. 1. The victory showcased Parun's fearless mentality against tennis royalty.
Australian Open Heartbreak (January 1973): Facing John Newcombe on home soil in Melbourne, Parun battled valiantly in the final, winning the second set before ultimately falling in four sets. Though defeated, he etched his name in New Zealand tennis folklore as the first Kiwi Grand Slam singles finalist since 1913.
French Open Glory (June 1974): Partnering Dick Crealy, Parun captured his lone Grand Slam title in an epic five-set doubles final, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat the formidable American duo of Lutz and Smith 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1.
Parun's game was built around his imposing 6'2" frame and classical one-handed backhand, an elegant weapon that became his signature shot. His right-handed power baseline style perfectly suited both grass and clay courts, evidenced by his success across multiple surfaces from Wimbledon's lawns to Roland Garros' clay.
What set Parun apart was his mental fortitude - the ability to raise his game against higher-ranked opponents, exemplified by his stunning victory over world No. 1 Connors. His serve-and-volley capability made him dangerous on faster surfaces, while his patient baseline grinding proved effective on clay. Parun's impact transcended statistics, inspiring a generation of New Zealand players and proving that talent from tennis' geographic periphery could compete with the sport's elite.
Since hanging up his racquet in 1982, Parun has successfully transitioned into coaching and financial trading, residing in Wellington while maintaining his connection to tennis through mentoring roles. His legacy as New Zealand's greatest modern tennis player remains intact - he was the last Kiwi to reach a Grand Slam singles final until recent years and the last to win a doubles major before Michael Venus in 2017.
The OBE recipient's influence extends beyond his playing career, having shaped the next generation of players while proving that determination and skill can overcome geographic isolation.
Onny Parun appears as one of the mystery athletes in PlaySportiz, our daily sports guessing game. Players must deduce their identity using six key clues that reveal information about their career and achievements. With their distinctive profile combining New Zealand heritage, Grand Slam success, and historic victories, Parun presents a challenging but rewarding puzzle for tennis fans.
Test your sports knowledge at PlaySportiz - can you guess the mystery athlete using just six clues? With athletes like Parun in our database, every day brings a new challenge for sports fans worldwide.
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