Gardnar Mulloy

Gardnar Mulloy is known for being dominant in the tennis doubles circuit. Together with partner Bill Talbert, the two went on to win the US Men’s Doubles titles in 1942, 1945, 1946 and 1948. Mulloy was born on November 22, 1913 in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the University of Miami and the University of Miami law school. While he was there, he became the organizer, coach and leading player of its first tennis team. He won his first US Championships with his father at the Father ad Son doubles.

Mulloy has been in the US Top Ten for 14 times between the years 1939 to 1954. He reached the number 1 spot in 1952 when he was US finalist at the Forest Hills. At the age of 38, Mulloy continued his tennis playing glory by being included in the World Top Ten three times in 1946, 1949 and 1952. One of his most memorable triumphs was when he won the Wimbledon doubles in 1957 when he was already 43 years old. He played with partner Budge Patty who was 33 years old and the two of them became known as the oldest championship team of the post-World War I era.

Mulloy has a record of 52 US Singles titles through the age groups, 47 US Doubles title mostly with his sidekick, Talbert. In 1995 and 1996, he still managed to win four 80s singles; two on the grass, one indoors and one on hard court.

Mulloy did not only serve as a beacon in the game of tennis, he also served in the US Navy in World War II where he commanded a landing craft. He is a hall of famer who was inducted in the year 1972.