John Newcombe

John Newcombe is an Australian former professional tennis player who was ranked as the World No. 1 in both men's singles and men's doubles. He won a combined 26 major titles, including seven in singles and a former record 17 in men's doubles.

He was a key member of Australia's Davis Cup winning teams and is considered one of the greatest male players of the Open Era.

Player Profile

John David Newcombe was born on May 23, 1944, in Sydney, Australia. He stands 183 cm tall, and he plays right-handed with a one-handed backhand. He played several sports as a boy before devoting himself to tennis.

Newcombe's powerful serve and volley were the backbone of his attacking game, and he was known for his second-serve ace. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Professional Career

John Newcombe turned professional in 1967. He was a dominant force in both singles and doubles, winning a combined 26 major titles. In singles, he won seven titles, including the Wimbledon Championships three times, the Australian Open twice, and the US Open twice.

He was ranked as the world No. 1 amateur in 1967 and later as the world No. 1 professional by the ATP in June 1974.

Newcombe's partnership with fellow Australian Tony Roche was historic in men's doubles. They won 12 Grand Slam titles together, a record that stood until 2013. In total, Newcombe won 17 men's doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles, and he was the WCT champion in 1974. His final major win came at the Australian Open in 1975, where he won a series of five-set matches, including a classic final against Jimmy Connors.

He was a key member of Australia's Davis Cup winning team, contributing to five titles between 1964 and 1973. Newcombe later served as the team's captain from 1995 until 2000. He retired from professional tennis in 1981 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 1072–401 (72.8%)
• Career titles: 68
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (June 3, 1974)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1973, 1975)
• French Open – QF (1965, 1969)
• Wimbledon – W (1967, 1970, 1971)
• US Open – W (1967, 1973)

Other tournaments (Singles)

• WCT Finals – W (1974)

Doubles

• Career record: 333–115 (74.3)
• Career titles: 33
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1965)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1965, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1976)
• French Open – W (1967, 1969, 1973)
• Wimbledon – W (1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974)
• US Open – W (1967, 1971, 1973)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1965)
• French Open – F (1965)
• US Open – W (1964)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup – W (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1973)