John Budge

John Budge is an American former tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is most famous for being the first tennis player to win all four major tournaments in a single calendar year, an achievement known as the Grand Slam.

A World No. 1 amateur and professional, he won ten major titles and holds the record for the most Grand Slam events won consecutively by a man.

Player Profile and Personal Life

John Donald Budge was born on June 13, 1915, in Oakland, California, USA. He stood 185 cm tall and he played right-handed with a one-handed backhand. His father, John "Jack" Budge, was a Scottish immigrant and former soccer player. Budge's height was a major asset, helping him to develop what is still considered one of the most powerful serves of all time. He also had one of the best backhands in the history of tennis.

Growing up, he played a variety of sports before taking up tennis at the age of 13 at the urging of his older brother, Lloyd. He briefly studied at the University of California, Berkeley, before leaving to play tennis with the U.S. Davis Cup auxiliary team.

Professional Career

Budge began his amateur career in 1932 and turned professional in 1938. His amateur career was marked by immense success, and he was ranked as the World No. 1 in both 1937 and 1938.

In 1938, he made history by becoming the first tennis player ever to win all four major tournaments—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and U.S. Championships—in a single calendar year, completing the Grand Slam.

He also achieved a Career Grand Slam, winning each of the four majors at least once. He won six major titles in a row, a record that still stands today for a male player. His dominance extended to the "Triple Crown," which he won on three separate occasions: Wimbledon in 1937 and 1938, and the U.S. Championships in 1938.

After turning professional, Budge was ranked as the World No. 1 professional from 1939 to 1942. He won four professional majors, the U.S. Pro in 1940 and 1942, and the Wembley Pro and French Pro in 1939.

He retired from professional tennis in 1961 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1964.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 649–297 (68.6%)
• Career titles: 43
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1937)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1938)
• French Open – W (1938)
• Wimbledon – W (1937, 1938)
• US Open – W (1937, 1938)

Doubles

• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1942)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – SF (1938)
• Wimbledon – W (1937, 1938)
• US Open – W (1936, 1938)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• Wimbledon – W (1937, 1938)
• US Open – W (1937, 1938)

Professional Majors

• U.S. Pro Tennis Championships – W (1940, 1942)
• Wembley Championships – W (1939)
• French Pro Championship – W (1939)