James Joseph Thomas (born September 24, 1974) is an American politician and former professional tennis player serving as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 49th district since 2023.[1]
Jim Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 49th district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Joseph Thomas September 24, 1974 Canton, Ohio, United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Case Western Reserve University (JD) |
As a tennis player, Thomas' highest ATP world singles ranking was 288, which he reached on November 2, 1998. His career high in doubles was at 29, set on August 21, 2006. He retired following the 2008 season. Thomas was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives as a member of the Republican Party in the 2022 Ohio House of Representatives election.[2]
Biography
editThomas was born on September 24, 1974 in Canton, Ohio, the youngest of six children.[3] He began playing tennis at age 3 and his favorite players growing up included John McEnroe and Boris Becker.[3][2] Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in American Studies from Stanford University in 1996.[2] At Stanford, Thomas was a member of the tennis team where he earned All-American honors during his senior year and was a member of NCAA team champions in 1995–96.[3]
Thomas's career-best effort at a Grand Slam was the 2005 US Open where he and Paul Goldstein made the semi-finals. He has 6 doubles ATP titles and 14 doubles Challenger titles to his name. He recorded doubles wins over Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Lleyton Hewitt, Marat Safin, the Bryan brothers and Pat Rafter among others, in his career.[4]
Thomas received his Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2013 and worked in business.[2][4] He was a member of the board of trustees of Jackson Township, Stark County, Ohio from 2020 to 2022.[4]
ATP career finals
edit Thomas at the 2006 Sydney International ATP Tournament | |
| Country (sports) | United States |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Turned pro | 1996 |
| Retired | 2008 |
| Plays | Right-handed (single-handed backhand) |
| Prize money | $801,553 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 0–3 (at ATP Tour-level, Grand Slam-level, and in Davis Cup) |
| Highest ranking | No. 288 (November 2, 1998) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | Q2 (1998) |
| Wimbledon | Q2 (1998, 1999) |
| US Open | Q2 (1998) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 154–196 (at ATP Tour-level, Grand Slam-level, and in Davis Cup) |
| Career titles | 6 |
| Highest ranking | No. 29 (August 21, 2006) |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (2005) |
| French Open | 2R (2002, 2007, 2008) |
| Wimbledon | 1R (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) |
| US Open | SF (2005) |
| Mixed doubles | |
| Career record | 1–9 |
| Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (2006) |
| French Open | 1R (2007) |
| Wimbledon | 1R (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007) |
| US Open | 1R (2006) |
Doubles:13 (6–7)
edit
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References
edit- ^ "Jim Thomas". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Zuckerman, Jake (November 25, 2022). "Ex-tennis pro Jim Thomas to join Ohio House GOP in 2023". cleveland. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c "About Jim". jimthomas11.tripod.com. June 1, 2004. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Jim Thomas Biography". ohiohouse.gov. Ohio House of Representatives. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
External links
edit- Jim Thomas at the Association of Tennis Professionals
- Jim Thomas at the International Tennis Federation
- Official Jim Thomas Website: http://jimthomas11.tripod.com
- Page at the Ohio State House
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