John Bromwich

Born on November 14, 1918 in Sydney, North South Wales, John Edward Bromwich was known to be the best doubles player. He was also one of the players to use a two-handed backhand together with Vivian McGrath. He inducted to the 1984 International Tennis Hall of Fame in New Port Rhode Island. Survived by his wife Zenda, he died on October 21, 1999 in Geelong, Victoria.

Bromwich held the Australian Championship singles title in 1939 when he defeated Quist. He received the same title again in 1946 when he won over Dinny Pails in a five-set victory.

It is only Bromwich who held a unique position in the Davis Cup history. He won the final doubles of the Challenge Cup against the United States in Philadelphia, a few hours after World War II began. It was also the time when the nation garnered a 0-2 discrepancy in the finals.

In 1948, Bromwich competed for the Wimbledon Champion against Bob Falkenburg. Bromwich lost two match points against Falkenburg. But the following year Bromwich was able to regain his glory when he defeated Bob in a five-set match at the Wimbledon in the quarter finals. Bromwich made use of his two-handed backhands from both sides.

Critiques commented that Bromwich could have made it big in his sporting career but was unable to make it because of the World War II outbreak. But fortunately, after his retirement at 55, his Grand Slam record gained 13 men’s doubles championship titles. These include 2 at Wimbledon against Sedgman and Quist; 3 U.S. Championships; and 8 Australian Championships.

The Australian tennis player was considered to be one of the best unconventional players of his country. The players of this new generation imitate his double-fisted backhand, left-handed forehand and his right-hand serve.