PLAYER PROFILE: ROSCOE TANNER

In the realm of tennis, few names resonate with the same impact as Roscoe Tanner. Born on October 15, 1951, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Tanner's journey through professional tennis is an electrifying tale of raw talent, unbridled determination, and a serve that could shake the very foundations of the sport. Famous for his big left-handed serve, it was once reportedly clocked at 153 miles per hour. We are proud to have him as one of our ambassadors at Golden Age of Tennis; learn more about his impressive career.

ROSCOE TANNER: PROFILE

EARLY YEARS

Tanner's tennis journey began in his early years when he showed promise as a junior player. His powerful serve, one of the fastest in the sport’s history at the time, became his signature weapon. It was a tool that not only helped him win matches but also contributed to changing the dynamics of tennis itself.

Tanner turned professional in 1972 and reached a career-high singles ranking of world number 1 by July 30, 1979.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

The pinnacle of Tanner's career came in 1977 when he reached the final of the Australian Open. He defeated the legendary Guillermo Vilas in three straight sets to win his first and only grand slam title.

Reaching the Wimbledon final in 1979, Tanner experienced a defeat in a five-set match against Björn Borg, in the first Wimbledon final to be televised live in the United States as part of NBC's Breakfast at Wimbledon.

However, Tanner managed to turn the tables by avenging his loss to Borg two months later at the US Open quarterfinals, securing victory in four sets. During this match, Tanner's impressive 140 mph serve even caused the net to collapse in the fourth set. Despite this triumph, Tanner faced a setback in the semifinals, losing to Vitas Gerulaitis.

Reflecting on the outcome, Tanner described the 1979 US Open as a poignant experience in his autobiography, labelling it as "the highest of my highs and the lowest of my lows on a tennis court within two days of each other."

In 1981, he won the Davis Cup on a team with John McEnroe, Eliot Teltscher, and Peter Fleming, captained by Arthur Ashe, who defeated Argentina in the final.

LIGHTNING SERVE

One of the most memorable aspects of Roscoe Tanner's game was undoubtedly his serve. With a fierce left-handed delivery, he consistently reached speeds exceeding 140 miles per hour, earning him the nickname "The Rocket."

Tanner's aggressive approach to the game revolutionised how players thought about strategy and shot selection. He struck with a lunge involving the whole body, allowing him to dictate play and control the pace of matches.

LATER YEARS

In the latter part of his career, injuries and the changing landscape of professional tennis presented formidable obstacles. Despite these difficulties, Tanner continued to play competitively, displaying a resilience that endeared him to fans who admired his tenacity.

Roscoe Tanner officially retired from professional tennis in 1985. His legacy, however, lives on as a player who left an indelible mark on the sport.

TANNER'S LEGACY

Roscoe Tanner's tennis journey is a tale of a player who brought flair and excitement to the sport.

Post-retirement, Tanner has been involved in various tennis-related activities, including coaching and commentary. He has shared his insights into the game, reflecting on the evolution of tennis and offering perspectives shaped by his unique experiences.

Tanner's contributions to tennis extend beyond his playing days, as he continues to be a part of the sport's fabric.

WIMBLEDON DOMINANCE

The following year saw Borg retaining the French Open title and reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, where he lost to the eventual winner Arthur Ashe.

Borg, however, never lost another match at Wimbledon until 1981. While Borg excelled in all areas, it was Wimbledon where he truly shone. He won five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980, establishing an unprecedented record for the Open Era.

By 1976 he became virtually unstoppable as a player on grass courts - somewhat surprising as in the modern era, bassline players struggled. In the words of Ilie Năstase, whom Borg beat in the Wimbledon final, "We're playing tennis. He's playing something else."

PEAK YEARS

Aside from his Wimbledon triumph, Borg secured six French Open titles between 1974 and 1981.

Borg also created history with Sweden in the Davis Cup, where he won his singles matches. It was the first time in the 75-year history of the Davis Cup that a country other than Britain, France, Australia, or the United States had won the cup. This took him to 19 consecutive singles wins, and he extended this record to 33 by the end of his career, never losing a singles game.