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Tennis Biography

Rod Laver

“Rocket Rod”

Australian · Rockhampton, Australia · Born 1 January 1938

Player
11
grand slams
11
grand slam titles

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The only player to win the Grand Slam twice — 11 majors and the most complete player in the amateur and open era.

Rodney George Laver was born in Rockhampton, Australia in 1938. He is the only tennis player in history to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a calendar year twice — in 1962 as an amateur and again in 1969 after the Open Era began, when professionals were finally allowed to compete. His 11 Grand Slam titles include four Wimbledon championships, three Australian Open titles, two French Open titles and two US Open titles. He won the Grand Slam across two different eras of the sport, a feat that reflects both his dominance as an amateur and his sustained excellence as a professional. He was forced to turn professional after his 1962 Grand Slam, which meant he missed the Grand Slam events from 1963 to 1967 during his prime years — a period in which he won 19 professional titles. His Wimbledon record and his combination of power from the left arm with extraordinary athleticism made him the player that subsequent generations of coaches cited as the technical model. The ATP's showpiece event is called the Laver Cup in his honour.

Best Known For

Grand Slam 2x (1962,1969)

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Grand Slam 2x (1962,1969)
  • Wimbledon 4x
  • US Open 2x
  • French Open 2x
  • Australian Open 3x
  • World No.1
Career Journey

Timeline

1938 👶 Born in Rockhampton, Australia
1979 🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏟️ Professional career 1956–1977
🏆 Grand Slam 2x (1962,1969)
🏆 Wimbledon 4x
🏆 US Open 2x
🏆 French Open 2x
🏆 Australian Open 3x
🏆 World No.1
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Rod Laver

Rod Laver won 11 Grand Slam singles titles.

Rod Laver was born in 1938 in Rockhampton.

Rod Laver is Australian.

Rod Laver played for: Professional career 1956–1977.

Rod Laver played as a Player.

Career Timeline — Rod Laver
1938
Born in Rockhampton, Australia
1979
Retired from professional sport
Professional career 1956–1977
Professional career 1956–1977
Grand Slam 2x (1962,1969)
Wimbledon 4x
US Open 2x
French Open 2x
Australian Open 3x
World No.1
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