Clay Court Statistics Overview
Russell Simpson has found clay courts difficult, recording 15–38 across 53 matches (28.3%). 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): Russell Simpson has struggled at Grand Slam level on clay: 1–6 (14.3%) in 7 matches. The best-of-five format and elite fields make this the toughest benchmark on this surface.
vs. Top 10 on clay: 0–6 (0.0%, 6 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: 4–9 (30.8%); best-of-three: 11–29 (27.5%). Slightly better in five-set matches on clay — a positive sign for the Slams specifically.
Best season: 1975 — 2–3 (40.0%) from 5 matches. The best single-season display to date — a useful reference point as the clay record continues to develop.
Russell Simpson Clay Court Record by Year
| Year | W | L | Win% | Titles | Finals | SF | QF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 | 1 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 | 2 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 | 5 | 16.7% | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 | 5 | 28.6% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 | 0 | 100.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1980 | 1 | 2 | 33.3% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1979 | 2 | 6 | 25.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1978 | 1 | 1 | 50.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1977 | 1 | 5 | 16.7% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1976 | 3 | 8 | 27.3% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1975 | 2 | 3 | 40.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recent Clay Court Matches
| Date | Result | Opponent | Tournament | Round | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-05-27 | Loss | (75) Alejandro Ganzabal | Roland Garros | R128 | 6-2 6-2 6-2 |
| 1984-09-28 | Loss | (5) Andres Gomez | Davis Cup WG PO: ECU vs NZL | RR | 6-1 11-9 6-0 |
| 1984-09-28 | Loss | (166) Raul Antonio Viver | Davis Cup WG PO: ECU vs NZL | RR | 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-4 |
| 1983-07-11 | Loss | (139) Bernard Mitton | Stuttgart | R32 | 6-2 7-6 |
| 1983-05-02 | Loss | (87) Damir Keretic | World Team Cup | RR | 6-0 6-2 |
| 1983-05-02 | Win | (11) Yannick Noah | World Team Cup | RR | 7-6 7-6 |
| 1983-05-02 | Loss | (23) Mark Edmondson | World Team Cup | SF | 7-6 6-2 |
| 1983-05-02 | Loss | (7) Jose Higueras | World Team Cup | RR | 6-2 7-6 |
| 1983-04-04 | Loss | (79) Peter Elter | Houston WCT | R32 | 6-3 5-7 6-2 |
| 1982-10-01 | Loss | (8) Yannick Noah | Davis Cup WG SF: FRA vs NZL | RR | 6-2 6-2 6-2 |
Russell Simpson
Matches — Clay