Rod Laver

Date of Birth: August 9, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Rodney George “Rod” Laver, born on August 9, 1938, in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Laver’s career spanned the amateur and professional eras of tennis, and he is the only player in history to have won the Grand Slam—winning all four major titles in the same calendar year—twice, first as an amateur in 1962 and then again as a professional in 1969. Laver’s prowess on the court earned him numerous titles and accolades. He turned professional in 1963, which initially barred him from competing in Grand Slam events until the Open Era began in 1968. During his career, he amassed 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including four Wimbledon championships. Known for his powerful left-handed serve and versatile playing style, Laver was a dominant force in tennis during the 1960s and early 1970s. Beyond his individual achievements, Laver’s influence on the game has been profound. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981, and the main court at Melbourne Park, the venue for the Australian Open, is named Rod Laver Arena in his honor.

5 Interesting Facts about Rod Laver

1. Rod Laver is the only tennis player to win the Grand Slam twice, once as an amateur and once as a professional.

2. He won a total of 200 singles titles, the most in the history of tennis.

3. Rod Laver turned professional in 1963, which made him ineligible to compete in Grand Slam events until the Open Era began in 1968.

4. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981.

5. The main court at Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open, is named Rod Laver Arena in his honor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rod Laver

1. “The next point—that’s all you must think about.”

2. “An otherwise happily married couple may turn a mixed doubles game into a scene from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.”

3. “You know, I think when you’ve had a period where you’ve had a few injuries, there’s a little fear in there, because you don’t want to go back into that zone.”

4. “You’re always going to be disappointed when something doesn’t work the way you hoped.”

5. “As you know, the best way to get things done is to do them yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rod Laver’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $28 million.

Children

Rod Laver has one son, Rick Laver, born in 1969 from his marriage to Mary Benson. Mary had three children from a previous marriage, whom Rod helped raise.