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2 unusual facts about John Newcombe


Dan Sandifer

He once played in a tennis exhibition match in Houston, Texas with future president, George H. W. Bush and professionals Tony Roche and John Newcombe.

Wilmer Allison

He writes: "FOREHAND VOLLEY — Wilmer Allison of Texas, who won the 1935 Forest Hills, had the best I ever saw as a kid, and I've never seen anyone since hit one better. Budge Patty came closest, then Newcombe".


1972 Wimbledon Championships

Reigning champion John Newcombe was prevented from defending his title and was absent along with other World Championship Tennis (WCT) contract players, including Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall and Arthur Ashe, who were banned by the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) from entering the event.

U.S. Pro Indoor

As the first event of the season, the Philadelphia U.S. Professional Indoor attracted all WCT stars at the Philadelphia Spectrum at each of its yearly editions, with Rod Laver, John Newcombe or Marty Riessen winning the event in the early 1970s.


see also