In another thread, the discussion moved to Gonzales and his pro rivals in the 50s. A name, that came up here, was Frank Sedgman. Compared to Gonzales, whom many declare the dominant force of the fifties, Jack Kramer, who was the pro king in the early fifties, and Lew Hoad, who was Adonis and tennis Hercules in one person, Sedgman is often underrated. But if one takes a closer look on the basis of McCauley's book, Sedgman was maybe the best players for three years, as amateur 1951 and 52 (when the pro circuit was weak), as pro in 1958. He had a great amateur career with 5 majors and several Davis Cup triumphs, comparable only to Hoad and Trabert (in the fifties), and could have won even more with a bit of luck (at Wimbledon he lost close matches to eventual winners Schroeder and Patty). As a pro, he had the back luck, to meet Kramer, the mighty promoter of pro tennis, in his debut series 1953, losing a close match series 41-50 (or something). Kramer was a bit over the top, but Sedgman had a slight lead, before he got a cold. It was played indoors on canvas, totally new for the fresh pro, who came from the Australian summer.
In the pro system, Sedgman never got another chance for a head-to head, mano a mano series for the Pro kingship , only a round robin series with Gonzales and others. But over the years, he was still a strong factor. In 1953, he demolished Gonzales at the unoffical World Champs at Wembley, in 1958 he won again in a clear straight setter over Trabert. In 1958, he won also the Australian pro, and had the most compelling record at the pro majors that year - not Gonzales, Hoad or Rosewall. His 1956 Wembley loss to Gonzales in a tight 4 setter, was called by the British press corps (real cognocscendi of the game) as one of the best all time matches, not the least for Sedgman immaculate stroke making.
Sedgman had a very athletic, yet pure style, with probably the best forehand volley of all time. Often he left room on his right side, to allow players to hit to the alley. As a doubles player, he won the only Grand Slam in doubles history, with Ken McGregor in 1951. The next year, he almost doubled it. Maybe the Aussie brigade here on TW know more about Sedg.
In the pro system, Sedgman never got another chance for a head-to head, mano a mano series for the Pro kingship , only a round robin series with Gonzales and others. But over the years, he was still a strong factor. In 1953, he demolished Gonzales at the unoffical World Champs at Wembley, in 1958 he won again in a clear straight setter over Trabert. In 1958, he won also the Australian pro, and had the most compelling record at the pro majors that year - not Gonzales, Hoad or Rosewall. His 1956 Wembley loss to Gonzales in a tight 4 setter, was called by the British press corps (real cognocscendi of the game) as one of the best all time matches, not the least for Sedgman immaculate stroke making.
Sedgman had a very athletic, yet pure style, with probably the best forehand volley of all time. Often he left room on his right side, to allow players to hit to the alley. As a doubles player, he won the only Grand Slam in doubles history, with Ken McGregor in 1951. The next year, he almost doubled it. Maybe the Aussie brigade here on TW know more about Sedg.
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