Vivian McGrath

Vivian McGrath

McGrath in 1935.
Full name Vivian Erzerum Bede McGrath
Country (sports)  Australia
Born (1916-02-17)17 February 1916
Merrendee, NSW, Australia
Died 9 April 1978(1978-04-09) (aged 62)
Burradoo, NSW, Australia
Turned pro Slam debut in 1932
Retired 1950s
Plays Right-handed (2-handed both sides)
Singles
Highest ranking No. 8 (1935, A. Wallis Myers)[1]
Grand Slam Singles results
Australian Open W (1937)
French Open QF (1935)
Wimbledon QF (1935, 1937)
US Open 4R (1933)
Doubles
Grand Slam Doubles results
Australian Open W (1935)
French Open F (1933, 1934, 1935)

Vivian Erzerum Bede "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".

Biography

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, graduating in 1932,[2] where he played tennis and cricket.

Christian Boussus (left) and Vivian McGrath (center) enter the center court of the White City Stadium in Sydney, Australia in November 1934

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. McGrath was ranked World No. 8 in 1935 by A. Wallis Myers of The Daily Telegraph.[1]

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, New South Wales of heart disease.

Grand Slam finals

Singles: (1 title)

Outcome Year Championship Surface Opponent Score
Winner 1937 Australian Championships Grass Australia John Bromwich 6–3, 1–6, 6–0, 2–6, 6–1

Doubles: (1 title, 5 runners-up)

Outcome Year Championship Surface Partner Opponents Score
Runner-up 1933 French Championships Clay Australia Adrian Quist United Kingdom Pat Hughes
United Kingdom Fred Perry 		2–6, 4–6, 6–2, 5–7
Runner-up 1934 French Championships Clay Australia Jack Crawford France Jean Borotra
France Jacques Brugnon 		9–11, 3–6, 6–2, 6–4, 7–9
Winner 1935 Australian Championships Grass Australia Jack Crawford United Kingdom Patrick Hughes
United Kingdom Fred Perry 		6–4, 8–6, 6–2
Runner-up 1935 French Championships Clay Australia Donald Turnbull Australia Jack Crawford
Australia Adrian Quist 		1–6, 4–6, 2–6
Runner-up 1936 Australian Championships Grass Australia Jack Crawford Australia Adrian Quist
Australia Donald Turnbull 		8–6, 2–6, 1–6, 6–3, 2–6
Runner-up 1940 Australian Championships Grass Australia Jack Crawford Australia John Bromwich
Australia Adrian Quist 		3–5, 5–7, 1–6

References

  1. 1 2 "Moody, Perry Rated Tops By British Expert", Reading Eagle, 17 October 1935.
  2. ↑ "Australian Sporting Representatives" (pdf). www.shsobu.org.au. Sydney High School Old Boys Union.


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