Happy Birthday, Rocket!

Today 1938, in Rockhampton, Australia, Rod Laver was born. The only man to win the Grand Slam tournaments in a single year twice, Rocket Rod was the first tennis player I ever followed. I loved to watch him play. That left-handed serve, that devastating backhand, those light dropping volleys - and those vicious smashes on the rare occasions someone made him run out of the court: Rocket indeed. Back when the Australians dominated tennis, he, Ken Rosewall (whom I also adored), and John Newcombe were such marvelous players...

Happy Birthday, Rocket; may you have many more.