AUSTRALIAN tennis icon Ken Rosewall will visit the Border next month.
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The eight-time Grand Slam singles winner is set to be joined by Rex Hartwig and John Fitzgerald at a Margaret Court Academy junior fundraising event at Albury’s Commercial Club on July 29.
"They would be biggest men's tennis names to come here at once since (Rod) Laver and (Lew) Hoad played in exhibitions in the 1960s," academy director of coaching Phil Shanahan said.
“It’s quite incredible when you think about it.
"I spoke to Ken a few years ago about opening the Margaret Court Cup but it clashed with another event in Brisbane.
"It’s absolutely huge for tennis in our area."
Shanahan has crossed paths with Rosewall on several occasions in recent years through his aunty and Grand Slam champion Margaret Court.
Rosewall, 81, won the Australian Open in 1953, 1955, 1971 and 1972 as well as the French Open in 1953 and 1968 and US Open in 1956 and 1970.
He also played in three Davis Cup titles.
At 18, Rosewall became the youngest Australian Open champion in 1953 and, at 37, was crowned the old champion in 1972.
His career would have been even more glittering had he not missed 44 tournaments after turning professional at the peak of his career.
Originally of Culcairn, Hartwig was ranked as high as five in the world after making the US and Australian open finals in 1954.
Fitzgerald was a member of Australia's Davis Cup wins in 1983 and 1986 and clinched seven grand slam doubles titles.
He had a career-high singles ranking of 25 in 1988.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to come and listen to three of the biggest names in Australian tennis,” Shanahan said.
“We’re pretty ecstatic about it.
“I’d say it will be really well supported.”