Rod Laver

Rodney Laver. The only two time Grand Slam winner in history.

He came from Rockhampton a little town in Queensland , Australia . He had two older brothers that played quite well. His
mother and father competed and played.

The family had a court in the back yard made of clay, so it was natural for young Rodney to go out and beat the ball
around.

He was the first really great lefty. He was blessed with incredible speed. He had every conceivable shot. His timing was
great.

He had a devastating forehand. Many observers felt he was the most dangerous when he was on the run, especially on the
forehand side.

He had a better than average serve, a very good volley and a very sound overhead.

Laver started playing with his parents and family on the family backyard clay court.

He had a wonderful slice backhand, and his topspin backhand was eventually his best
shot. Once he was able to master the topspin backhand, he became that most dreaded of opponents, one without a weakness.

Laver’s two Grand Slams were not without their anxious moments.

In 1963, he was actually down 2 matchpoints to Marty Mulligan in…