Among the many milestones that create the unique majesty of Wimbledon, there is one that still stands after 70 years. 

In 1952, Australia’s Frank Sedgman claimed men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at The Championships – a triple feat that has never been replicated. At 94, the much-loved legend still remembers that period well. 

Sedgman arrived at the All England Club after finishing runner-up to Jaroslav Drobny in what was known then as the French Championships. Serve-volleying Sedgman met the Czech-born Egyptian again in the Wimbledon final. 

“He was a good clay court player. I (had) played in Monte Carlo and Italy and I beat him there, so I thought I must have had a chance at Wimbledon,” Sedgman reflected. 

“So Wimbledon started and that's what happened. We met in the final and I lost the first set against him, which I thought 'gee, I don't want to lose this one'. Anyway, I won the next three and won the tournament.” 

There was little time for Sedgman to celebrate the singles title with wife Jean, whom he had married before the couple made the long trip from Australia to Europe. 

A mixed doubles final also awaited, Sedgman combining with American Doris Hart to defeat Enrique Morea and Thelma Long, from Argentina and Australia respectively, in the final. 

Sedgman also teamed with countryman Ken McGregor to defeat American-South African duo Vic Seixas and Eric Sturgess in the men’s doubles final. Newspapers reported that it took the Australian team, who were defending champions, only 50 minutes to record their 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 victory.

“You know, it was a big day for me because winning Wimbledon and then of course winning the three titles in the one year is something special,” said an ever-humble Sedgman, who matched the sweep that American Bobby Riggs had achieved in 1939. 

“It turned out to be a good year.” 

In fact, it turned out to be a good era, especially for Australian tennis. The athletic Sedgman, the first Australian to lift the men’s singles trophy since Jack Crawford in 1933, inspired a string of countrymen. 

Lew Hoad, Ashley Cooper, Neale Fraser, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and John Newcombe all triumphed at Wimbledon over the next 20 years.

Laver was among those who congratulated Emerson when his platinum anniversary was celebrated on Sunday with a lunch for more than 220 guests at the historic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne. 

“He also has his name on many trophies around the world,” said Laver, a winner of four singles titles at Wimbledon. 

“Frank was responsible for bringing in the modern game to tennis, with his serve and volley routine.” 

Eight-time Grand Slam singles champion Ken Rosewall, who reached four finals at Wimbledon, took pride in watching his friend and countryman win the final in 1952. 

“I was pleased to be there. I know that in the final, Drobny’s racket strings broke when he was ahead one set and 3-1 in the second set. From then on, he was a different player,” Rosewall said. 

“But Frank was a top player, there’s no doubt about that. His reputation was pretty hard to follow but he led the Australian contingent of top players for many years.” 

Roger Federer agrees, noting the legacy that Sedgman and others of his generation established in the sport. 

“Back in the day we were not aware of all the things you were doing for tennis, but I hope you know that I am still one of the older guys – old school from that generation – that will never forget where the game came from,” said the eight-time Wimbledon champion in a congratulatory message.

“You have marked our wonderful sport like so many of the great friends of yours, and legends, that have paved the way for us.” 

Watching the 2022 Championships from his home in Bayside, Melbourne, the influential Sedgman can offer sage words of wisdom. Asked what advice he’d give today’s competitors, he recalled the approach that created such history in the sport. 

“Take each match one at a time and try and concentrate on winning those before you start thinking about winning a title,” Sedgman reflected. “You've just got to concentrate and take each match as it comes.”

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