Tennis: Concentration on the Court

In tennis, the feat is so unusual that the borrowed term feels unfamiliar on the lips: grand slam. It means successive victories in the Australian, French, Wimbledon and U.S. championships in a single season, and it was first accomplished by Don Budge in 1938. No one could do it again until 1962, when a nimble, lean (5 ft. 9 in., 155 Ibs.) left-hander from Australia named Rod Laver swept the four tournaments.

Even then, it was considered a bit of a fluke. Said Promoter Jack Kramer: "When Laver turns pro, he's going to...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!