Lewis Hoad

Lewis Hoad was an Australian tennis champion whose career spanned over two decades.

He won four major singles titles as an amateur, including back-to-back Wimbledons. He and his longtime partner, Frank Sedgman, achieved the rare doubles Grand Slam in 1951. Hoad was consistently ranked as the World No. 1 amateur during his peak years.

Player Profile

Lewis Alan Hoad was born on November 23, 1934, in Glebe, Australia. He stood 1.79 m tall and played right-handed with a one-handed backhand.

He was known for his relentless effort and powerful, all-court game. Hoad had a famous and friendly rivalry with his compatriot, Ken Rosewall. After his retirement, he and his wife, Jenny, settled in Spain to operate their tennis resort, Lew Hoad's Campo de Tenis, until his death in 1994.

Professional Career

Hoad's amateur career began in 1950. He was a dominant force, winning the singles title at the Australian and French Championships and the Wimbledon Championships (twice).

He was a key member of the Australian team that secured the Davis Cup four times between 1952 and 1956. Hoad turned professional in 1957 and subsequently won the Ampol Open Trophy World Series of Tournaments in 1959.

His later career was severely plagued by back problems, which led to his final retirement in 1973.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 937–592 (61.2%)
• Career titles: 52
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1953, 1956)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1956)
• French Open: W (1956)
• Wimbledon: W (1956, 1957)
• US Open: F (1956)

Doubles

• Career titles: 16
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1951)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1953, 1956, 1957)
• French Open: W (1953)
• Wimbledon: W (1953, 1955, 1956)
• US Open: W (1956)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• French Open: W (1954)
• Australian Open: F (1955)
• US Open: F (1952, 1956)
• Wimbledon: SF (1953, 1954, 1955)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup: W (1952, 1953, 1955, 1956)