Clay Court Statistics Overview
Billy Martin has found clay courts difficult, recording 42–54 across 96 matches (43.8%). The numbers point to a surface that has not consistently suited the game — a key area of opportunity on the calendar.
At Grand Slam level (Roland Garros): Billy Martin has struggled at Grand Slam level on clay: 5–9 (35.7%) in 14 matches. The best-of-five format and elite fields make this the toughest benchmark on this surface.
3 semifinals on clay without yet reaching a final — consistent deep runs that show the ability to string together wins across a full draw, with the step to the final still to come. 4 quarterfinals adds further depth to that picture.
vs. Top 10 on clay: 2–12 (14.3%, 14 matches). Top 10 opponents have represented a clear ceiling on clay; addressing that deficit is the single biggest lever for improving the overall record here.
By format on clay — best-of-five: 4–6 (40.0%); best-of-three: 38–48 (44.2%). Slightly stronger in three-set contests on clay, though the five-set record is still respectable.
Best season: 1974 — 5–2 (71.4%) from 7 matches. The best single-season display to date — a useful reference point as the clay record continues to develop.
Billy Martin Clay Court Record by Year
| Year | W | L | Win% | Titles | Finals | SF | QF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 5 | 7 | 41.7% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1980 | 3 | 6 | 33.3% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1979 | 4 | 4 | 50.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1978 | 4 | 9 | 30.8% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1977 | 6 | 8 | 42.9% | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1976 | 13 | 11 | 54.2% | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1975 | 2 | 5 | 28.6% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1974 | 5 | 2 | 71.4% | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1973 | 0 | 2 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recent Clay Court Matches
| Date | Result | Opponent | Tournament | Round | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-10-05 | Win | (155) Gustavo Tiberti | Barcelona | R64 | 2-6 6-4 7-5 |
| 1981-10-05 | Loss | (13) Yannick Noah | Barcelona | R32 | 6-4 6-1 |
| 1981-09-21 | Win | (190) Belus Prajoux | Bordeaux | R32 | 6-3 6-2 |
| 1981-09-21 | Loss | (112) Gabriel Urpi | Bordeaux | R16 | 6-3 6-3 |
| 1981-07-13 | Loss | (399) Mike Leach | Boston | R64 | 6-4 7-6 |
| 1981-05-25 | Loss | (12) Peter McNamara | Roland Garros | R32 | 6-0 6-2 6-1 |
| 1981-05-25 | Win | (171) Miguel Mir | Roland Garros | R128 | 4-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 |
| 1981-05-25 | Win | (157) Eric Fromm | Roland Garros | R64 | 3-6 6-2 6-0 7-5 |
| 1981-05-18 | Loss | (26) Jose Higueras | Rome | R64 | 6-4 7-6 |
| 1981-05-11 | Loss | (99) Paolo Bertolucci | Florence | R16 | 6-3 6-3 |
Billy Martin
Matches — Clay