More than 400 people turned out to honour Australian tennis legend Frank Sedgman at his 80th birthday this week, including his old friend, former opponent and pro-tour recruiter, Jack Kramer.

The warm reception Frank received at the RACV club was in stark contrast to the criticism levelled at him when he turned pro in 1953. At the time, Sedgman was accused of turning his back on Australia, of ‘letting the country down’.

"It was pretty tough criticism," Sedgman recalled. "But I wasn’t trained for any business … and I had to look after my future. When you look back at it now it was the right decision and now, of course, these kids become millionaires if they win one tournament." 

As an amateur, Sedgman won 22 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed tournaments. He was also a major part of Australia’s Davis Cup successes in 1950, 1951 and 1952. "[He was] a strong force during the great years of Australian tennis," according to friend and winner of 18 Grand Slam titles Ken Rosewall.

Ken Rosewall and Jack Kramer.

In 1952, famed American tennis player Jack Kramer took over as promoter of the pro circuit and made recruiting Sedgman – the top amateur at the time – his first order of business.

Sedgman had swept all before him with his strong groundstrokes and serve–volley game. When asked how he remembered Sedgman as a player, Kramer painted an intimidating picture.

"Frank Sedgman was the quickest man around the court, [he had] great anticipation, you couldn’t lob him, and he was a super volleyer. He might have had a shot at Roger [Federer], it would have been wonderful to watch … If Frank was using the same equipment he’d be all over Roger’s backhand."

Kramer, who is now confined to a wheelchair, travelled from his home in Los Angeles to surprise Sedgman, who he hadn’t seen for five years.

As a pro, Sedgman became the first player to earn over $100,000 in a season. He also led the way for many Australian tennis players who would later follow in his footsteps and turn professional.

"He was a role model for all tennis players," said Neale Fraser, a former Australian Davis Cup captain and Sedgman’s neighbour from 1973 to 2002.

According to Fraser, Sedgman’s decision was one that was widely debated. "It was quite newsworthy at that time, it was very unusual … I think he made the right decision."

Sedgman was known not only for his success as a player and his decision to turn pro, but also for his on-court behaviour. Fraser cited Sedgman as being a leader in this area of the game as well.

"We played to win, we played hard but we never complained about injuries … we never disputed line calls or had tantrums or anything like that."

Frank Sedgman.

Sedgman says that he still enjoys watching tennis, particularly Roger Federer. When told of Kramer’s statement that he would beat Federer if the two were to play a match, Sedgman is not quite as confident.

"Well, maybe, but of course equipment in our days was much different to what it is now and they can serve a lot harder and they put a lot of spin on the ball, which we couldn’t do with the wooden rackets. It’s pretty hard to compare players."

Comparisons aside, Sedgman’s achievements as a player, both on and off the court, guarantee that his place in tennis history is assured.