Net Worth Ranker
What Is Zina Garrison’s Net Worth
Zina Garrison, a celebrated former American professional tennis player, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing reflects her successful career in tennis, which includes achievements such as being a Wimbledon women’s singles runner-up in 1990, a three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, and a women’s doubles gold medalist at the 1988 Olympic Games. Her earnings and subsequent ventures have contributed to her overall financial well-being.
Zina Garrison’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1963, Zina Garrison was the youngest of seven children. Her introduction to tennis began at the age of 10, and by 12, she was already participating in tournaments. A significant milestone occurred at age 14 when she secured the national girls’ 18s title. In 1981, Garrison demonstrated her prowess by winning both the Wimbledon and US Open junior titles. These early successes propelled her to the World #1 junior player ranking, setting the stage for her professional career.
Professional Tennis Career and Earnings
Garrison turned professional and started competing on the WTA tour. Despite facing personal challenges, including battling bulimia following her mother’s death when she was 19, Garrison achieved remarkable success on the court. In 1982, her first full year as a professional, she reached the Australian Open semifinals and finished the year ranked World No. 10, highlighting her early impact on the sport.
In 1983, she won her first top-level singles title at the European Indoor Championships in Zurich, marking a significant achievement in her burgeoning career. By 1985, Garrison had advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals, further solidifying her status as a top player. In 1986, she secured her first tour doubles title at the Canadian Open, partnering with Gabriela Sabatini. This victory showcased her versatility and skill in both singles and doubles competitions.
The year 1987 saw Garrison achieve significant milestones at the Australian Open. She won the mixed doubles title with Sherwood Stewart and finished as the runner-up in the women’s doubles, partnering with Lori McNeil. These accomplishments underscored her ability to excel in multiple formats of the game. In 1988, Garrison and Stewart captured the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon, adding another Grand Slam title to her resume. At the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Garrison teamed with Pam Shriver to win the women’s doubles gold medal for the United States. They defeated Jana Novotna and Helena Sukova of Czechoslovakia in the final, showcasing their dominance in women’s doubles. In the singles event, Garrison defeated Shriver in the quarterfinals and ultimately won a bronze medal, further highlighting her exceptional performance at the Olympics.
At the US Open, Garrison achieved a notable victory by defeating defending champion Martina Navratilova for the first time in her career. This win propelled her to the semifinals, where she eventually lost to Sabatini. The highlight of Garrison’s career came in 1990 at Wimbledon. She defeated French Open champion Monica Seles in the quarterfinals and then triumphed over defending Wimbledon champion and World No. 1 Steffi Graf in the semifinals. This remarkable run led her to her first (and only) Grand Slam singles final, making her the first African-American woman to reach this stage since Althea Gibson. In the final, she faced Martina Navratilova but was defeated. Nonetheless, her performance at Wimbledon in 1990 remains a defining moment in her career.
During her active years from 1982 to 1997, Zina Garrison earned over $4 million in prize money. A significant portion of this came from her impressive performance at Wimbledon in 1990, where she earned £150,000 for reaching the finals. Her consistent appearances and strong performances in other Grand Slam tournaments and WTA events contributed to her overall career earnings. In 1990, £150,000 was equivalent to approximately $240,000 USD at the exchange rates prevailing at the time. Adjusting for inflation from 1990 to 2024, $240,000 in 1990 is equivalent to approximately $560,000 in 2024. This amount underscores the significance of her Wimbledon performance in terms of earnings.
Post-Tennis Career and Philanthropic Activities
After retiring from the professional tour in 1996, Zina Garrison has remained active in various endeavors. She married Willard Jackson in September 1989; however, the marriage ended in divorce in 1997. Since retiring, Garrison has worked as a television commentator, providing her insights and expertise on tennis matches. She has also dedicated herself to community and tennis-related initiatives.
In 1988, Garrison founded the Zina Garrison Foundation for the Homeless, demonstrating her commitment to addressing social issues. In 1992, she established the Zina Garrison All-Court Tennis Program, which supports inner-city tennis in Houston. This program aims to provide opportunities for young people to learn and excel in tennis, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Garrison has also served as a member of the United States President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, contributing to national efforts to promote health and wellness.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Garrison participated in Season 16 of the reality series “The Biggest Loser,” showcasing her dedication to personal health and fitness. Her continued involvement in tennis and community initiatives reflects her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact.
