Rex Hartwig reflects on memorable journey with next generation

From humble beginnings as a child growing up on the farm in Culcairn, to becoming one of the nation’s greatest tennis players of all time, his record speaks for itself.

A career-high world singles ranking of five came thanks to a strong 1954 season which saw him reach the fourth round or better in all four grand slams, finishing runner-up at both the Australian Open and US Open.

Hartwig made it to the top of the world in doubles, winning the 1953 Australian Open and US Open, followed by Wimbledon in 1954, as well as claiming two Australian Open mixed doubles crowns.

His career in Davis Cup ties was almost flawless, finishing with 12 wins and just one loss to help Australia to the prestigious team title in both 1953 and 1955.

Hartwig worked at the Albury grasscourts during quiet periods on the family farm, sowing the second row of courts at the complex, but his tennis journey began much earlier than that.

“I was 10 when I won my first tournament in Culcairn with my dad,” Hartwig said.

“I still can’t believe it (the success that was to come), there was a lot of hard work though.”

Playing at Wimbledon was without a doubt his career highlight.

“I was very nervous,” Hartwig said.

“If you’re not nervous there, you’re not nervous anywhere.

“I played at least six times at Wimbledon, three as an amateur and three as a professional.

“When you’re a kid, you dream you’ll make Wimbledon one day and one day you do.

“You’re even called a gentleman there.

“They’re very strong on tradition and protocol at Wimbledon and it has never changed.

“In those days you did what they said or you were out.”

Hartwig’s transition from amateur to professional in 1955, at 26, had its challenges when he agreed to terms with American promoter and player Jack Kramer. 

Like all professionals in that era, Hartwig was ridiculed and banned from all of the world’s big tournaments, but went on to travel the US playing ‘exhibitions’ against the likes of Pancho Gonzales and Pancho Segura.

“I played in 46 of the 48 states in America, playing 101 matches of tennis in six months ” Hartwig said.

“We drove 37,000 miles, flew 17,500 miles and played 101 matches in six months.

“It nearly killed me.”

Hartwig lives with his wife of more than 60 years, Madge, on a property in Greta and continues to regularly work on the tractor.