Tennis Legends Lew Hoad

Australian Lew Hoad (1934-1994) won the Australian, French and Wimbledon titles in 1956 and was one match away from winning the calendar Grand Slam, but lost to his great rival Ken Rosewall in New York. The two men were born in the same month of the same year and grew up on opposite sides of the same town (Sydney). After Rosewall turned pro at the end of 1956, Hoad won a second Wimbledon singles title in 1957 and then followed Ken into the pro ranks. His best year in the pros was in 1959. Hoad's tennis career declined in the 1960s and he was increasingly hampered by back problems.