Jack Kramer (August 1, 1921- September 12, 2009) was an was outstanding world class tennis player who later went on to spearhead men's professional tennis.
He is known as the father of the' serve-and-volley', in which he would rush the net behind both his serves. He would go on to win the U.S. Single Championships in 1946 and 1947 and the Wimbledon Singles Championship in 1947.
In the '47 Wimbledon win, Jack whipped fellow Californian Tom Brown in just 45 minutes, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. During the tourney, he only lost 37 games.
As an amateur, he began touring the country in 1954, playing the top professional player, Bobby Riggs. He consistently beat Riggs and then played against other amateurs as they turned pro--e.g. Pancho Gonzalez, Frank Sedgman, Lew Hoad and Ken Rosewall.
As a rule, professional tennis stars were not allowed to play in amateur tennis tournaments. Then in 1968, tennis went open and Kramer was relieved as his Association of Tennis Professionals could compete in traditional tennis venues.
The tennis racket bearing Jack's name was de rigeur for any serious tennis player and he made a small fortune as millions were sold over a 35 year time span. His business investments in the Professional Tennis Tour, two golf courses and race horses all proved successful.
Jack will be long remembered.
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