In 1960, he won the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) doubles title with Larry Nagler for the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1961, as team captain, Fox won the NCAA singles title, beating Ray Senkowski of Michigan, 6–1, 6–2, and 6–4. He only lost twice in dual match play while in college, to Rafael Osuna and Chuck McKinley. He was named All-American in 1959, 1960, and 1961, and was named All-UCLA and All-University of California Athlete of the Year. Fox helped lead UCLA to NCAA team championships in 1960 and 1961. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in physics in 1961, and later earned a Ph.D. there in psychology in 1968.