THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER
By Rod Laver with Bud Collins 1971, 2009
A Book Review by Billy E. Crawford
Rod Laver, the “Rockhampton Rocket” from the “Country Down Under” enlisted the well know sport journalist, Bud Collins, to help him tell his life’s story in a most informative, enlightening, and entertaining manner.
Much of the content of this book is focused on the year 1969, when Rod Laver won the first Open Grand Slam in tennis history. NOTE: he previously won the Grand Slam in 1962 when only amateurs were allowed to play!
In 1969 he won the singles’ championship in the four majors. Final matches were:
Australian Open-defeated Spaniard Andres Gimeno 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
French Open- defeated Australian Ken Rosewall 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
Wimbledon- defeated Australian John Newcombe 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
U.S. Open at Forest Hills- Australian Tony Roche 7-9, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2
As I read about tennis champions there seems to emerge certain common threads that lead to success. One most common thread is that of a supportive family (often an older brother), early contact with a caring, knowledgeable coach, and skilled tennis players to practice and compete against. This certainly was the case for Laver. His father built a court on his property for his sons to play (two older brothers for Rod) and “neighbors” from the surrounding properties to come play on weekends. Then Charlie Hollis became their coach. As he competed in junior tennis, he met the famous Davis Cup coach Harry Hopman. As far as competition, he had plenty: Rosewall, Stolle, Roche, Emerson, Newcombe among others.
Originally published in 1971, the book was updated in 2009 on the 40th anniversary of his historic second Grand Slam, including the story of Laver’s recovery from a near fatal stoke in 1998.
HAPPY READING
