Ken Rosewall: The Player and the Backhand

Minimal, fluid, and effortless: Rosewall's legendary backhand. It is a vast understatement to say that Ken Rosewall had a successful career as a tennis player. But the one aspect of his career that was truly stunning was its longevity. This is a player who won the Wimbledon doubles championship as an 18 year old, played a critical role in an Australian Davis Cup victory at age 19, won the U.S. National singles at 21, and rather unbelievably, reached the singles final at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open while in his early 40's. He won the Australian 4 times and the U.S. Championships and French twice. And remember this was before the Open era. For over a decade while he was as a professional, he was ineligible to play the Grand Slams. Rosewall's longevity of 30 years at the top of the game will never be equaled. Rosewall also twice won the World Professional Championships, defeating Rod Laver in two consecutive finals--matches that are still considered classics. Throughout his career, Rosewall's calm demeanor and unfailing sportsmanship made him a true credit to the game. There is no doubt he is worthy of the pantheon of all time greats. The chief...