Tops in Tennis

Four of the world's top tennis players visited Gisborne last month and entertained a large crowd at the Victoria Park courts. They were Frank Sedgman, Tony Trabert, Ken Rosewall, and Mervyn Rose, touring New Zealand as members of Kramer's professional tennis troupe.

Their visit gave Gisborne tennis lovers a chance to see world-class power tennis played the professional way.

While Sedgman disappointed in his singles match with Trabert, it was a big thrill for the crowd just to see this famous player in action. In their singles match Trabert ran out an easy winner.

Frank Sedgman

Tony Trabert

Ken Rosewall was a favourite with the crowd.

Mervyn Rose...up goes the ball...

Footwork and courtcraft are demonstrated by Frank Sedgman in the three pictures, above, left and right.

....over comes the racquet......
Mervyn Rose in three pictures gave onlookers an idea of what a power service looks like. Camera has caught tremendous concentration and perfect balance which make a champion's service so dangerous to his opponent. Mote Rose's footwork in this sequence.

.....and away goes the ball.

Three pictures of American Tony Trabert in action

Ken Rosewall on the courts

Rosewall and Rose shake hands

There was much amusement and some consternation among officials when Rose, losing a volley at the net, fretfully tapped his racquet on to the net wire. Result: the net collapsed. At left, Rose surveys the unexpected result of his tantrum.

Rosewall, his opponent, watches as officials hurriedly repair the damage.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 57 : April 2, 1959

Tops in Tennis