On This Day

Rod Laver

Athlete

Born: Australian

Rodney George Laver is an Australian former professional tennis player. Laver was ranked as the world number 1 professional player indisputably for five years from 1965 to 1969, and by some sources also in 1964 and 1970. He was also ranked as the number 1 amateur in 1961 and 1962. Laver won 200 singles titles across his amateur and professional careers, the most won by any tennis player.

Laver won 11 Grand Slam tournament singles titles and 8 Pro major titles. He completed the Grand Slam (winning all four majors in a calendar year) in singles twice, in 1962 and 1969; the latter remains the only time a man has done so in the Open Era. He also completed the Pro Slam (winning all three pro majors in one year) in 1967. Laver won titles on all court surfaces of his time (grass, clay, hard, carpet, wood), and he contributed to five Davis Cup titles for Australia during a time when the Davis Cup was deemed as significant as the four majors. The Rod Laver Arena (the main show court of the Australian Open) and the Laver Cup tournament are named after him.

Notable For

Australian tennis player

Rod Laver's Historical Timeline

  1. Rod Laver is born

    Rod Laver, Australian athlete, known for australian tennis player, was born on 1939-08-09. Rodney George Laver is an Australian former professional tennis player.

  2. Australian Championships Men's Tennis: In a classic all-Australian final Rod Laver beats Neale Fraser 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, 8-6

    Australian Championships Men's Tennis: In a classic all-Australian final Rod Laver beats Neale Fraser 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, 8-6, 8-6; Laver's first Grand Slam title

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rod Laver born?
Rod Laver was born on 1939-08-09 (Australian).
What is Rod Laver known for?
Australian tennis player
What historical events involved Rod Laver?
Rod Laver was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Rod Laver is born, Australian Championships Men's Tennis: In a classic all-Australian final Rod Laver beats Neale Fraser 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, 8-6.

Related Years