Ken Rosewall

Age 78
Born 2 November 1934
Birth Place Sydney, New South Wales
Australian Tennis Hall Of Fame 1995
International Tennis Hall Of Fame 1980

Profile

Singles champion
Australian 1953, 1955, 1971-72
French 1953, 1968
United States 1956, 1970

Doubles champion
Australian 1953, 1956, 1972
French 1953, 1968
Wimbledon 1953, 1956
United States 1956, 1969

Mixed doubles champion
United States 1956

Davis Cup
1953-56, 1973, 1975

Known as “Muscles” to his friends, Ken Rosewall is one of the Australian greats of tennis. In a career that continued into his 40s, Rosewall amassed 18 major titles and achieved a career doubles Grand Slam. One of the finest players to not win Wimbledon, Rosewall made it to the final at the All England Club on four occasions (1954, 1956, 1970 and 1974). While he wasn’t the strongest player on court, Rosewall used canny placement and court speed to make up for any lack of physical presence. He was renowned for his enviable backhand, balance and excellent anticipation. He famously teamed with Lew Hoad – the pair was born 21 days apart – to defend the Davis Cup in 1953. Rosewall finished with an impressive 19-3 win-loss record in Davis Cup and was a member of winning Australian teams in 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1973. The centre court at Sydney’s Olympic Tennis Centre is named Ken Rosewall Arena in his honour.