Fred Perry Biography
"I didn't aspire to be a good sport; 'champion' was good enough for me. "
- Fred Perry
Frederick John Perry (18 May 1909 – 2 February 1995)
Fred Perry was born on 18th May 1909 in Stockport England. He was a consummate sportsman becoming world champion table tennis player before later becoming the top tennis player of his generation - winning three straight Wimbledon titles in 1934, 1935 and 1936.
Perry was a great athlete and tennis player but, his brash 'professionalism' did little to endear him to the tennis establishment of the time. Perry, the highly trained and talented tennis player, may have been the last British male to win Wimbledon, but, he never gained the title of a gentleman.
He was born to working class roots, his father was involved in the co-operative movement and was a Labour MP. However, politics didn't appeal to the young Fred, and he became devoted to the sports of table tennis and tennis. After the family had moved to Ealing, his father spotted his talent and supported him as he trained hard at his chosen sports.
By the age of 19, in 1929, Perry had become world tennis table champion in Budapest, Hungary. Having reached the pinnacle of the sport he retired in 1930, to devote his sporting career to tennis.
By 1933, Perry had won his first major title - The US open. He went on to win the US open three times, the French and Australian open once and Wimbledon three times. He is the only modern British tennis player to win all major championships. Perry also led Britain to four Davis cup triumphs.
Perry, was fiercely competitive, he trained harder than most of his competitors - giving him an edge in long drawn out games. As well as his natural talent and fitness he had a great tennis brain, being able to dominate the court from both the base line and at the net.
His brash nature, didn't go always go down well with officialdom - especially at the Old England Club, in his native country. After winning the 1935 final, Perry took great exception to a comment by a committee member that 'the best man didn't always win'. His presentation tie was never personally handed to him - something he was not quick to forget. When he won the following year, a grudging apology and recognition of his talents were given.
However, with time, Wimbledon came to honour the greatest British Player. The gates to the famous arena were renamed the 'Fred Perry Gates' and in 1984 a statue was erected in his honour.
After turning professional, Perry retired in 1942 due to injury. After the war, he was involved in setting up the very successful 'Fred Perry Sportswear'. He also worked as a professional tennis coach. Retirement did little to dampen his independent nature. He was often critical of the nature of modern tennis. In particular, he complained that tennis players took too long between points and felt the amount of rest time was excessive.
Fred Perry married four time and had a daughter through his fourth marriage. He spent much time in the US, and was happiest with a small circle of friends and avoided much of the tennis social scene.
A great player whose achievements have only become heightened since the dearth of any British title winners since his victories in the 1930s.
Grand Slam Singles Titles
- Australian Open (1934)
- French Open (1935)
- Wimbledon (1934, 1935, 1936)
- US Open (1933, 1934, 1936)
Double Titles
- Australian Open (1934)
- French Open (1936)
Mixed doubles
- French Open (1932)
- Wimbledon (1935, 1936)
- US Open (1932)