The 1963 tennis season was one that saw the likes of Rafael Osuna ascend into the World #1 ranking, where he became the only Mexican tennis player ever ranked World No. 1.  Osuna and doubles partner Antonio Palafox went on to capture the Wimbledon Doubles Championship this season, with a victory over Jean-Claude Barclay and Pierre Darmon of France.  This was the second and final Wimbledon victory for Osuna who had won the event in 1960 with his former partner and International Tennis Hall of Famer Dennis Ralston.

Tragically just several years later Rafael Osuna’s life ends in a huge rumble, on the June 4th 1969, at precisely 8:42. The Mexicana airline Boeing 727-64’s plane collided with the side of the Cerro del Fraile - the monk’s hill - as it was starting his descent towards the airport of Monterrey, located approximately 20 kilometers from there, where it was supposed to be landing. The accident leaves no chance for the 79 passengers on board, including tennis star Rafael Osuna, whose career was cut short at the age of 30.

This sterling silver trophy has been manufactured by longtime London Jeweler Asprey and measures 6” in diameter and stands nearly 5” tall.  The elegant trophy has the engraved, “All England Lawn Tennis Club Wimbledon, Gentleman’s Doubles Championship, Mr R.H. Osuna.”  This is the actual award resented to Rafael Osuna for his Double’s Victory in 1963, in the season which saw him ascend to the World’s #1 ranking.  It was his final Wimbledon Doubles Victory and was purchased directly from a family member of Osuna’s in Mexico.

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