Current age and basic identification
Kathy May Fritz is an American former professional tennis player born on June 18, 1956. As of 2025, she is 69 years old. She is often discussed in relation to her famous father, tennis legend Ken May, and her past marriage to fellow professional tennis player Fritz Buehning. This overview provides verified details about her age, career, and public timeline without speculation or rumors.
Tennis career overview
Kathy May Fritz reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 14 in 1978 and competed in Grand Slam tournaments across the 1970s. She achieved notable results, including reaching the women’s singles final at the 1977 French Open. Her playing style was characterized by solid baseline tennis and tactical consistency. She retired from professional competition in the early 1980s to focus on family.
Key career milestones
- Turned professional: 1974
- Career-high ranking: No. 14 (1978)
- Grand Slam singles final: 1977 French Open
- Retirement: early 1980s
Personal background and family connections
Kathy May Fritz is the daughter of Ken May, a prominent tennis coach and father of two accomplished tennis-playing daughters. Her lineage places her at the center of a multi-generational tennis family. She was married to professional player Fritz Buehning during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Understanding her family context helps clarify her role in tennis history beyond match statistics.
Immediate family at a glance
| Relation | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Ken May | Tennis coach and father of three tennis-playing daughters |
| Former spouse | Fritz Buehning | Professional tennis player, married in late 1970s |
| Children | 2 daughters | Both have pursued tennis at high levels |
Public timeline and notable years
A clear timeline of Kathy May Fritz’s public life emphasizes verifiable events rather than speculation. Her early tennis success in the mid-1970s established her as a top American player. Personal milestones, such as marriage and starting a family, occurred alongside her professional career. Later years were devoted to supporting her children’s tennis development and maintaining a private life away from the spotlight.
Timeline snapshot
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Birth | Born June 18, establishing age baseline |
| 1974 | Turned pro | Entry into professional competition |
| 1977 | French Open final | Career-high visibility and achievement |
| 1979 | Marriage to Fritz Buehning | High-profile personal event linking two tennis families |
| 1980s | Retirement and family focus | Shift from competition to support roles |
Relationship with Fritz Buehning and legacy
Kathy May Fritz’s marriage to Fritz Buehning connected two prominent tennis families and drew considerable media attention in the late 1970s. Both partners competed at the highest level, and their shared background in tennis influenced how their careers were perceived. Since their separation and divorce, she has maintained a lower public profile, focusing on her children and personal interests. Her legacy within tennis is tied more to her accomplishments on court and her role in a notable family than to ongoing public presence.
Frequently asked questions
- How old is Kathy May Fritz in 2025? She is 69 years old, based on her birth date of June 18, 1956.
- Was Kathy May Fritz a top-ranked player? Yes, she reached a career-high ranking of world No. 14 in 1978 and contested a Grand Slam final.
- Is Kathy May Fritz married now? She is not publicly reported as married; her last widely known marriage was to Fritz Buehning in the late 1970s.
- Does Kathy May Fritz have children who play tennis? Yes, she has two daughters who have pursued tennis at competitive levels.
- What is Kathy May Fritz’s family tennis background? Her father, Ken May, was a renowned tennis coach, and her children have continued the family’s tennis involvement.