There's a few years where I disagree with the wikipedia list. For example, I could never have Perry as the world's best player in the mid-1930s like they do over there, when Vines was the best professional. Also, I think Vilas is the sole number 1 for 1977.
Regarding 1958, what swings it for Gonzales is winning the US Pro in Cleveland and the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills, and the world pro tour against Hoad. Sedgman was always a tough opponent for anyone, though. I did seriously consider Sedgman for 1953, but went for Kramer in the end.
Oh, and regarding Rosewall, he was always a threat and had a habit of beating favoured opponents like Gonzales, Hoad and Laver, in big finals. I think he's one of the greatest of all time, but I also think that 1962 and 1963 were the only years where Rosewall was the best player in the world. I also find it amazing that I couldn't get players like Sedgman and Hoad onto my list.
Here we go, again.
The "US Pro" was not an official title during the "Cleveland years", and apparently the promoter, Jack March, acknowledged this by changing its title in 1961 (not 1962) to the World Professional Championships. I guess the title of "US Pro" wasn't big enough or grand enough for Mr. March.
In 1959, the USPLTA granted recognition to Jack Kramer's Forest Hills Pro as the official US Pro, although Kramer cancelled the event for 1960, due to Gonzales' absence.
It was at about this time that Jack March vacated the "US Pro" designation from his Cleveland tournament.
In short, Cleveland was a minor tournament, not a major one.
In the 1958 Cleveland final, Hoad was leading two sets to none when he pulled a thigh muscle, and was limping through the rest of the match.
Hoad is usually ranked #2 for 1958 because he was the leading money-winner for the year, and defeated Gonzales at the three most important tournaments of the year, Forest Hills, Roland Garros, and Kooyong.
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