Australian tennis legend who coached 22 Grand Slam champions, including Rod Laver and Margaret Court, and was instrumental in shaping the country's tennis dominance in the mid-20th century.
Known for his unparalleled success as the captain-coach of 22 Australian Davis Cup teams, Harry Hopman is a tennis legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. With 16 Davis Cup titles under his belt, Hopman's winning legacy spans nearly three decades, cementing his place as one of the most iconic figures in Australian tennis.
Born on August 12, 1906, in Glebe, Sydney, Hopman was the third child of John Henry Hopman, a schoolteacher, and Jennie Siberteen. His family later moved to Parramatta, where Hopman's love for tennis blossomed. At the tender age of 13, he started playing tennis barefoot, winning an open singles tournament at Rosehill Public School, where his father was the headmaster.
Hopman's remarkable journey as the captain-coach of the Australian Davis Cup team began in 1939 and continued for 28 years, until 1967. During this period, he worked with some of the greatest tennis players of all time, including Frank Sedgman, Ken McGregor, Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall, Rod Laver, and John Newcombe, among others. His exceptional leadership and coaching skills were instrumental in Australia's unprecedented success, winning an unmatched 16 Davis Cup titles.
In addition to his illustrious tennis career, Hopman was also a journalist, joining the Melbourne Herald in 1933 as a sportswriter. He provided sporting commentary and even led a fundraising campaign to keep Frank Sedgman in the amateur ranks. However, this move sparked controversy, with some critics accusing Hopman of hypocrisy, as Sedgman's amateur status was seen as dubious.
Hopman's contributions to Australian tennis are still celebrated today. He was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the greatest tennis players of all time. His legacy extends beyond the court, inspiring generations of Australian tennis enthusiasts and players. In recognition of his services to tennis, Hopman was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1962.
Harry Hopman's extraordinary life and career serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to tennis. His remarkable achievements on and off the court have left an enduring legacy, cementing his place as one of the most revered figures in Australian tennis history.
87 Years Old
A tennis legend and 11-time Grand Slam champion, known for his dominant playing style and coaching prowess, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
83 Years Old
Australian tennis legend and minister, winner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 11 Australian Open titles, and a pioneer for women's tennis.
91 Years Old
A tennis legend who won 23 singles titles, including eight Grand Slam singles titles, and was one of the most successful players of the 1950s and 1960s. He's known for his exceptional volley and backhand.
91 Years Old
A dominant tennis player of the 1950s, winning 13 Grand Slam titles, including four Australian Open crowns, and renowned for his powerful serve and volley game.
92 Years Old
Australian tennis legend who won multiple Grand Slam titles and later became a successful coach, known for his dominant doubles play and mentoring of top players.
98 Years Old
Australian tennis legend who won 22 Grand Slam titles, including five singles crowns, and was ranked world No. 1 in 1951-1952.
96 Years Old
Australian tennis player who won the 1952 Wimbledon men's doubles title and was a key figure in the country's Davis Cup victories in the 1950s. He was also a talented singles player, reaching the quarterfinals of several Grand Slam tournaments.
89 Years Old
A tennis legend who won a record 28 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles championships, and later coached tennis stars like Rod Laver and Margaret Court.
