Paul John Avis (14 April 1958 – December 2006) was a South African psychologist and professional tennis player.

[3] Avis was known as 'The King of the Portuguese Hall' when he dominated the vibrant tennis tournaments played at this venue in Turffontein during the 1980s and was at his peak considered one of the best players in the country.

At the end of the year Avis ranked second in the country after winning the Eastern Province Sugar Circuit tournament at the age of 22.

[4] Avis retired from tennis at an early age to focus on his studies, and in 1994 completed a doctorate in Sports Psychology.

He then became a lecturer in the Psychology Department at the Daveyton Campus of Vista University, but continued his tennis coaching and had a private practice as Clinical Psychologist in Benoni.