 McGrath in 1935. | |
| Full name | Vivian Erzerum Bede McGrath |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  Australia |
| Born | (1916-02-17)17 February 1916 Merrendee,NSW, Australia |
| Died | 9 April 1978(1978-04-09) (aged 62) |
| Turned pro | Slam debut in 1932 |
| Retired | 1950s |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed both sides) |
| Singles | |
| Highest ranking | No. 8 (1935,A. Wallis Myers)[1] |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | W (1937) |
| French Open | QF (1935) |
| Wimbledon | QF (1935,1937) |
| US Open | 4R (1933) |
| Doubles | |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | W (1935) |
| French Open | F (1933, 1934, 1935) |
Vivian Erzerum Bede McGrath (17 February 1916 – 9 April 1978) was a tennis champion from Australia. Along with John Bromwich, he was one of the early great players to use a two-handedbackhand. His name was pronounced "McGraw".
He was born inMerrendee, nearMudgee, New South Wales, the fourth child of native Australian parents. His father was a hotelkeeper. He went toSydney Boys High School, graduating in 1932,[2] where he played tennis and cricket. He began playing tennis against a brick walk at his home.[3]
He won the Australian junior singles in 1932 and the French junior singles in 1933. He was a member of the AustralianDavis Cup team from 1933 to 1937. He won theAustralian Open doubles championship with his friendJack Crawford in 1935. In 1937, he won the Australian Open singles title againstJohn Bromwich. McGrath was ranked World No. 8 in 1935 byA. Wallis Myers ofThe Daily Telegraph.[1]
World War II interrupted his career, and he served in the Air Force. He was granted leave to play exhibition games against American servicemen.
After the war, he never regained his form and was plagued by injuries. He eventually became a coach in the southern highlands and pursued his interest in horse racing. He died in Burradoo, New South Wales of heart disease.
| Result | Year | Championship | Surface | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 1937 | Australian Championships | Grass | John Bromwich | 6–3, 1–6, 6–0, 2–6, 6–1 |
| Result | Year | Championship | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 1933 | French Championships | Clay | Adrian Quist |  Pat HughesFred Perry | 2–6, 4–6, 6–2, 5–7 |
| Loss | 1934 | French Championships | Clay | Jack Crawford |  Jean BorotraJacques Brugnon | 9–11, 3–6, 6–2, 6–4, 7–9 |
| Win | 1935 | Australian Championships | Grass | Jack Crawford | Pat HughesFred Perry | 6–4, 8–6, 6–2 |
| Loss | 1935 | French Championships | Clay | Donald Turnbull | Jack CrawfordAdrian Quist | 1–6, 4–6, 2–6 |
| Loss | 1936 | Australian Championships | Grass | Jack Crawford | Adrian QuistDonald Turnbull | 8–6, 2–6, 1–6, 6–3, 2–6 |
| Loss | 1940 | Australian Championships | Grass | Jack Crawford | John BromwichAdrian Quist | 3–5, 5–7, 1–6 |
