PLAYER PROFILE

Rod Laver

  • Age86
  • Born 9 August 1938
  • Birth PlaceRockhampton, Queensland
  • Playing StatusRetired
  • Australian Tennis Hall Of Fame1993
  • International Tennis Hall Of Fame1981
“It's amazing. It was a thrill just to play in all four tournaments.”

— Rod Laver, 5 Sep 2019

» Laver feted 50 years after his 1969 slam

Grand Slam 1962, 1969

Singles champion
Australian 1960, 1962, 1969
French 1962, 1969
Wimbledon 1961-62, 1968-69
United States 1962, 1969

Doubles champion
Australian 1959-61, 1969
French 1961
Wimbledon 1971

Mixed doubles champion
French 1961
Wimbledon 1959-60

Davis Cup
1958-1962, 1973

Dubbed “Rocket” by legendary Davis Cup captain Harry Hopman, Rod Laver was the second man to complete the Grand Slam in 1962, after American Don Budge in 1938. In 1969, Laver became the only player to win the Grand Slam twice. Ending five years in exile as an outlaw pro, Laver returned to the Grand Slam arena and won the first Open Wimbledon in 1968 and the first Australian Open in 1969. The unassuming Rocket also became the first tennis player to bank $1 million in prize money. A powerful left-hander who sent the ball hurtling over the net laden with topspin, Laver was a driven competitor whose all-court play won him many titles. He dominated the 1960s, winning 17 of his 20 titles in this decade. Laver racked up a formidable 20-4 win-loss record in Davis Cup and was part of five winning teams. In January 2000, centre court at Melbourne Park was named Rod Laver Arena in honour of his achievements.

Rod Laver in the news

Alex de Minaur accomplishes 19-year Grand Slam-first at Wimbledon 2024
Alex de Minaur at Wimbledon 2024. Picture: Getty Images
7 July, 2024

Alex de Minaur becomes the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt to make four consecutive fourth-round appearances in a Grand Slam men's singles draw.
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Ken Rosewall honoured at annual Australian event at Wimbledon 2024
Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver at Tennis Australia's Legends of Lawn barbecue in London. Picture: Getty Images
6 July, 2024

The legendary Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver were celebrated at Tennis Australia's Legends of Lawn barbecue in London last night.
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Legends hopeful about Australia’s chances at Roland Garros 2024
Todd Woodbridge amd Sam Stosur at the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne this week. Picture: Tennis Australia
25 May, 2024

Todd Woodbridge and Sam Stosur believe Australian players can go deep at this year's clay-court Grand Slam tournament.
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Aussies at Wimbledon: “It’s a dream tournament”
Maddison Inglis at the All England Club. Picture: Tennis Australia
26 June, 2022

Stepping through the gates of the All England Club, with its long history and many traditions, is a dream experience for Australians competing at Wimbledon 2022.
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