STANFORD University is renowned for producing some of the world’s top scientists, economists and engineers.
In the early 1990s, it also housed a future US Open champion.
Alex O’Brien attended Stanford between 1988 and 1992, earning a degree in American Studies.
While there he thrived on the tennis court, helping Stanford win the NCAA team event in three out of his four years.
O’Brien turned pro upon his graduation in 1992, embarking on an 11-year tennis career.
Alongside Canadian partner Sebastien Lareau he achieved a childhood dream in 1999 – winning the US Open men’s doubles title with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Maheth Bhupathi and Leander Paes.
He reached world No1 in doubles in 2000, having previously achieved a creditable No30 in singles.
O’Brien defeated the likes of Andre Agassi, Boris Becker and Mats Wilander during his impressive career.
He even managed to overcome Agassi in a final, defeating the eight-time Grand Slam winner and partner Sargis Sargslan 7-5, 6-1 alongside Jared Palmer in the 2000 Washington doubles final.
After earning $3.5million in prize money during his tennis career, O’Brien turned to banking.
He joined BOC Bank in 2000, initially as a board member.
The bank had been purchased by Alex’s father W.H. O’Brien that year, with the aim of modernising transactions.
O’Brien stepped in as bank president in 2010, a role he retains to this day.
In addition to his position at the bank, the former US Open champion also launched the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation.
Describing its aim, the foundation’s website states: “The Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation will promote and grow junior tennis in the Panhandle of Texas and will use tennis as a platform to inspire, educate, and give hope to our youth, so they may see the world as full of opportunities and adventure.”
O’Brien’s foundation aims to make the sport affordable for children trying to learn the game.
A $50 registration fee can secure a child four program dates, a shirt, racquet and end-of-year medal.
As well as his banking and foundation commitments, O’Brien also has business interests in cattle, oil and gas – while he still lives in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas alongside wife Meg, daughter Laurel and son Liam.
