Biography of Ken Rosewall

Experts say his backhand may be the most perfect stroke in the history of tennis. They say he is the best. Outstanding. Exceptional. And that is just a few of the ways that Legend Ken Rosewall has been described. Actively playing championship tennis for over three decades, Ken Rosewall filled the record books with his outstanding accomplishments. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1980, this Australian proudly displays 18 Grand Slam trophies in his Sydney home, garnered from a career spanning more than 30 years of championship play.

Nicknamed “Muscles,” he won four Australian Open singles titles. Rosewall’s remarkable skills enabled him to win two French Open singles and two U.S. Open singles championships. He was a four-time Wimbledon singles finalist. Doubles crowns were his twice at Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S. Open, and three times at the Australian Open. To that impressive list, add the U.S. Open mixed doubles title.

Turning professional in 1957 prevented Ken Rosewall from playing in Grand Slam events from 1957-1967, but nothing could stop him from defying time throughout his career. At 33, he was the oldest player to win the French Open. At the Australian Open, he holds the record for being the youngest to win at 18, and the oldest to win at 37. Rosewall reached the Wimbledon singles finals for the first time in 1954, and was back for the last time 20 years later.

A powerhouse who packed excitement in every shot, Rosewall was a member of seven winning Australian Davis Cup teams. Rosewall remains an avid participant in the game, and still competes in the senior events at the Australian Open, the U.S. Open and Wimbledon as well as many other special events.