Thomas B. Edlefsen (born December 12, 1941) is a former professional tennis player from the United States.
Career Edlefsen was a member of three NCAA Championship winning teams while at the University of Southern California, in 1963, 1964 and 1966. He was a three time All-American.ATP World Tour Profile
He won the U.S. National Hardcourt doubles titles in 1963 and 1965.
At the U.S. National Indoors in 1964, Edlefsen had wins over both Arthur Ashe and Roy Emerson.Montreal Gazette, "Unseeded Tom Edlefsen Upsets Roy Emerson", February 21, 1964, p. 24
In 1967, he developed a nerve disease, Guillain–Barré syndrome, after suffering a reaction to a smallpox vaccination he had while with the Air Force Reserves. He was left with total paralysis.Los Angeles Times, "Tom Edlefsen Beats Virus", June 30, 1968
He recovered after six months in hospital and returned to tennis, notably making the fourth round at the 1968 Wimbledon Championships, along the way defeating 14th seed Cliff Drysdale. Raymond Moore defeated him in the fourth round over five sets.ITF Pro Circuit Profile
In 1972, Edlefsen won a singles title at the Kansas City Open and a doubles title at the Washington Indoor tournament.
Grand Prix/WCT career finals
Singles: 1 (1–0) ResultW/L DateTournamentSurfaceOpponentScoreWin1–0Feb 1972Kansas City, United StatesCarpet Erik van Dillen6–3, 6–3
Doubles: 3 (1–2) ResultW/L DateTournamentSurfacePartnerOpponentsScoreWin1–0Mar 1972Washington D.C., United StatesCarpet Cliff Richey Clark Graebner Thomaz Koch6–4, 6–3Loss1–1Mar 1974Barcelona, SpainCarpet Tom Leonard Arthur Ashe Roscoe Tanner3–6, 4–6Loss1–2Apr 1974Tucson, United StatesHard Manuel Orantes Charlie Pasarell Sherwood Stewart4–6, 4–6
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