Rod Laver is one of the most iconic figures in Australian tennis.

In a professional career spanning 20 years, he claimed several grand slam titles, establishing himself as one of the world’s best players.

Now, the tennis legend is often seen enjoying the action at several tournaments, notably the Australian Open, where an arena is named in his honour.

The Sporting News takes a closer look at Laver’s success in the sport.

How many grand slams did Rod Laver win?

Laver concluded his career with 11 grand slam singles titles to his name.

He reached 17 major finals, losing only six of them.

His first final – at Wimbledon in 1959 – ended in defeat, but he claimed his maiden slam crown at the Australian Championships in 1960. 

In 1962, he completed the ‘calendar slam’, taking out Wimbledon, the French Championships and the U.S. Championships. 

Laver’s success continued in the ‘Open Era’, which commenced in 1968.

After a loss at Roland-Garros, he went on to win five consecutive majors, covering all four Open championships.

The Australian also enjoyed some success in mixed doubles, reaching five grand slam finals during his career and winning three. 

Rod Laver grand slam singles titles

Rod Laver bio, career

Laver was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1938. 

The Australian left school in 1953 to pursue his sporting dreams in a risk that undoubtedly paid off, joining the circuit in 1956.

Laver – who was nicknamed ‘Rocket’ by Harry Hopman – made an immediate impact in his juniors, taking out the Australian and U.S. Junior Championships in 1956.

In 1957, Laver spent a year serving in the Australian Army.

His breakthrough on the world tennis stage came in 1959 when he made all three finals at Wimbledon, winning the mixed doubles.

The same year, Laver was also a part of the Australian Davis Cup team that defeated the United States.

His first major singles title came the Australian Championships in 1960 where he defeated fellow Aussie Neale Fraser in five sets.

Laver also recorded one of the shortest men’s singles Wimbledon finals in history (53 minutes) when he took out the iconic tournament in 1961.

He then became the first male player since Don Budge (1938) to win all four grand slam singles titles in one calendar year.

On the eve of 1963, Laver turned professional after winning the Davis Cup with Australia.

Between 1964 and 1969, the left-hander won five of the six U.S. Pro Tennis Championships.

His dominance continued in the Open era (1968 onwards), putting together another calendar grand slam in 1969.

Laver managed to play on until 1976, retiring from the main tour before officially putting down the racquet in 1979.

In 1985, Laver was inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. He was also honoured as a Member of Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Centre Court at Melbourne Park was then renamed Rod Laver Arena in 2000.

Finally, the Laver Cup – named in Rod’s honour – was founded in 2017.

How old is Rod Laver?

Laver is 86 years old.