ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The "Golden Boy" in the "Golden Era of Australian Tennis" was Lew Hoad.
Born in the same month as Ken Rosewall in a neighbouring suburb of Sydney, the two would become best friends, rivals and double partners. Together they would win all of the major singles and doubles titles as well as the Davis Cup victories.
Lew Hoad defeated Tony Trabert of the USA in the 4th rubber of the 1953 Davis Cup final in what some described as the greatest match of all time. Hoad was just nineteen years of age.
In 1956, Hoad would win the Australian Open, Roland Garros & Wimbledon. He then made it through to the final of the US Open ........... where his opponent was his mate Ken Rosewall. Listen to hear the outcome.
Hoad would later turn professional. He would come up against the likes of Frank Sedgman, Pancho Gonzales and Rod Laver. Laver described Lew Hoad as the best player he played against.
The Lew Hoad story though is as much about the character and the man off the court. Charming, charismatic, a likeable rouge ........ and great company. He was also a family man with great values of loyalty and generosity.
Does Lew Hoad receive appropriate recognition for his feats ? Let me know your thoughts via "idealinsport@gmail.com"
For now, that's stumps. Thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk Eye. DA
