Vivian McGrath

Vivian Erzerum Bede McGrath was a tennis player born on 17 February 1916 at Merrendee, near Mudgee, New South Wales. He was the forth child of native Australian parents. He went to Sydney Boy’s High School, where he played tennis and cricket.

He was one of the many great players to use a two-handed backhand. He won the Australia junior singles in the year 1932 and the French junior singles in 1933. He became a pioneering member of Australian Davis Cup team from 1933 to 1937. In 1935, he and Jack Crawford won the Australian open doubles championship and won against John Bromwich for the single title in 1937.

He was a good looking guy with dark complexion and hazel-colored eyes. McGrath was a 178 cm tall, slightly built and terrier in court. He worked his double-handed backhand which his opponents regarded as a weakness to his trademark. On court, McGrath developed early the habit of dropping his first ball. since no one had protested, the umpires ignored it. Though he had beaten several great tennis players, he had more success at home.

During World War II his carrier was interrupted and serve at the Air Force. He was allowed to leave in order to play with visiting American servicemen. When McGrath was discharged on May 14, 1946 he never recaptured his previous form. Constant playing of tennis during his youth had brought about several injuries. He was plagued with arthritis in his wrist and feet and also had cases of asthma. He died on April 9, 1978 of heart disease.

He was one of the various remarkable tennis players in history.