Vivian McGrath
Vivian "Viv" McGrath, 17 February 1916 – 9 April 1978, was an
Australian
tennis champion of the
1930s. Along with John Bromwich, he was one of the first great players to use a two-handed
backhand. His name was pronounced "McGraw".
He was born in Merrendee, near
Mudgee,
New South Wales, the fourth child of native Australian parents. His father was a hotelkeeper. He went to Sydney Boys' High School, where he played tennis and cricket.
He won the Australian junior singles in 1932 and the French junior singles in 1933. He was a member of the Australian
Davis Cup team from 1933 to 1937.
Encyclopedia
Vivian "Viv" McGrath, 17 February 1916 – 9 April 1978, was an
Australian
tennis champion of the
1930s. Along with John Bromwich, he was one of the first great players to use a two-handed
backhand. His name was pronounced "McGraw".
He was born in Merrendee, near
Mudgee,
New South Wales, the fourth child of native Australian parents. His father was a hotelkeeper. He went to Sydney Boys' High School, where he played tennis and cricket.
He won the Australian junior singles in 1932 and the French junior singles in 1933. He was a member of the Australian
Davis Cup team from 1933 to 1937. He won the
Australian Open doubles championship with his friend Jack Crawford in 1935. In 1937, he won the Australian Open singles title against
John Bromwich.
World War II interrupted his career, and he served in the Air Force. He was granted leave to play exhibition games against American servicemen.
After the War, he never regained his form and was plagued by injuries. He eventually became a coach in the southern highlands and pursued his interest in horse racing. He died in Burradoo of heart disease.
Grand Slam singles finals
Wins
